Jul 27, 2017 • Carriers

Trucking Authority

Trucking Authority

Trucking authority allows owner-operators an opportunity to be their own boss and potentially maximize earnings by hauling freight.

Trucking Authority

Trucking authority also known as operating authority means the FMCSA will allow you to transport freight as a motor carrier. Let’s say you’ve been a company driver for over a decade now or that you’re a leased owner operator and want to start your own trucking company. Getting your trucking authority is the next step.

Essentially, you will be on your own to find and book loads giving you the freedom to search on load boards for truckloads that are the best fit for you. This allows you to set your own schedule, decide what type of loads you want to haul and what routes you want to take.

Trucking Authority Requirements

Trucking authority requirements are implemented by the FMCS trough the Unified Registration System (URS)for new applicants seeking trucking authority.To get trucking authority you will need to register through the Unified Registration System first.

It will take about 20-25 business days to process according to the FMCSA (unless subject to further review by the agency, in which case it could take an additional eight weeks).

Types of Trucking Authority

The different types of authority will affect the type of insurance a carrier will need to meet the requirements of the FMCSA.

Motor Carrier of Property – requires proof of public liability and cargo insurance
Motor Carrier of Household Goods – doesn’t require cargo insurance

Regardless of the type of authority, you will need to complete this OP-1 form to file for trucking authority.

Trucking Authority Requires Insurance

In order to get your authority the FMCSA requires you to provide proof of insurance that you have liability coverage. Your insurance agency will need to submit form BMC-91 which covers public liability in case of an accident causing injury or property damage.

Remember DO NOT submit your proof of insurance directly to the FMCSA. The FMCSA requires that your insurance company submit the form and insurance certificate on your behalf.

Trucking Authority Cost

The tucking authority cost is a $300 filing fee that is associated with registering for the FMCSA URS.

Before you start booking loads to haul, there are additional costs and fees. When you’re ready, explore our detailed guide that is sure to help you start your own trucking company.

How to Start a Trucking Company

TagsOwner Operator

Trucker Spotlight - James Cole <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>James Cole</strong>, also known as "Dooner LivingStone" which is his nickname since Highschool. He's been driving for around 11 years now. He also has a YouTube channel under the same nickname where he shares his experiences as a long haul trucker with whoever is willing to put up with his "keep it real" documentary style videos. Let's get to more about James and his trucking life. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> My dad is also an over the road truck driver and has been out here doin' the deal for over 50 years. I'm pretty sure that influenced me to hit the road myself. As a kid I had spent several summers truckin' across the country with him. A few years after got out of the Air Force I got the funds together to go to truck driving school. Best decision I've ever made. It's like it was in my blood or something! <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> In the 11 years I've been driving, I've definitely seen some changes in the industry. ELDs and mandatory 30 minute breaks have had the biggest effect on me personally. It drastically changed how I run and I still haven't fully gotten into the swing of things. I like to take a break when I want and I want to take a nap when I want without it screwing up my schedule. I think that's all I better say about that. LOL. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best thing about being a truck driver?</strong></h3> The best thing about this career field is learning something new everyday. I'm not, nor will I ever be an expert in trucking. Everyday is a new experience and every load is a new challenge. Anyone who gets into this lifestyle should remember to always remain humble and understand that they will never know it all. The minute you forget that, you're gonna make a major mistake. But... what the hell do I know?! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> It does get lonely out here from time to time. While driving, I keep my mind occupied by listening to Howard Stern or some good music. I also think of other ways to add a little more entertainment value to my YouTube channel. I grind more gears in my brain than I do driving my truck. When I'm off duty, I work on my videos, or try to hone my photography skills, or work on my guitar playing. Just recently, I brought my copilot, Elvis, with me to keep me company. Elvis is my cat. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> One of my most memorable experiences was when I delivered a windmill to what seemed to be a hippy colony. I think it was somewhere in Michigan. I don't know, I can't remember. A local farmer unloaded it for them and they were all so excited! My son, Zack who was 10 at the time and spending his summer with me, was treated like a little rock star because he was very knowledgeable in music and also because he was traveling all over the country and seeing things a lot of kids will never see. I remember the lady who seemed to be the one in charge giving him a few CDs of some old school blues right before we left. I thought it was a great experience for him. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> I love Peterbilts 359, 379, and 389. Beautiful trucks! I drive a 379. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I was a starving musician for years. Never really wanted to be a rock star but, I did dream of living a comfortable life as a performing musician. I also wanted to be a news journalist and write for a newspaper. Good thing I didn't pursue that career 'cause journalism is dead. We don't need to get into that though. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> The best truckstop for me is one that has plenty of parking, good food, and clean showers and restrooms. So many of the really good ones aren't around anymore or they were bought by the big chains. There are still a lot of good ones out there. If I had to choose one as my favorite it would be the Bosselman's/Pilot Flying J in Grand Island, Nebraska. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR</strong></h3> The worst breakdown? When I ran out of fuel 8 miles from my fuel stop. This was just a few months ago. My fuel gauge read that I had a quarter tank but my gut was telling me otherwise. My pride was was seriously damaged that day. Remember what I said about being an expert, remaining humble, and learning something new everyday? <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What do you think it takes to be really successful in the trucking/logistics field?</strong></h3> As long as you enjoy what you're doing and work toward being better than you were yesterday you will be successful. Gotta be in the right truck, pulling the right trailer, hauling the right freight, using the right equipment, and striving to reach your personal best. If it's a job for you and you don't have it in your heart you will be miserable and unhappy. Get out and do something else. This life ain't for everybody! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> I use <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> to locate truckstops, parking areas, and scales along my route when planning my trip or if I just wanna check something out along the way. I can see the differences in fuel prices, parking availability, restaurants, and also look ahead to see if the chicken coop is locked up. I'm sure there's more to learn on the app but these are features that I find highly valuable! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DoonerLivingstone">Youtube Channel, Dooner LivingStone</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sWVPi4eN_gY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Nov 28, 2020 • Carriers

How to Grow Your Hard Earned Money in Trucking [p]There are at least 3 ways to "grow" one's hard earned money in trucking:[/p] [p]1. earn more for what you do as a trucker;[/p] [p]2. earn a second income from the cab of one's truck; and[/p] [p]3. put your money in an investment that lets it grow while you're driving. [/p] [p]The majority of truckers are paid by the mile or by the task, meaning that they are trading their time for money.[/p] [p]There are a lot of "time wasters" associated with trucking, including: [/p] <li>detention at shipper and receiver locations;</li> <h2></h2> <li>waiting for loads;</li> <h2></h2> <li>road construction; </li> <h2></h2> <li>bad weather and storms; </li> <h2></h2> <li>bottlenecks and congestion; </li> <h2></h2> <li>mechanical breakdowns;</li> <h2></h2> <li>accidents (both preventable and not preventable); and</li> <h2></h2> <li>time that the Hours of Service regulations force truckers to wait without getting paid.</li> <h2></h2> [p]Seek to reduce or eliminate as many of these time wasters as possible.[/p] <h2></h2> [p]Regarding earning more money for what you do, you can:[/p] <li>make yourself available to drive during all hours when you legally can drive;</li> <h2></h2> <li>develop a good relationship with those in your trucking company who assign loads, including your driver manager;</li> <h2></h2> <li>develop good relationships with mechanics in your trucking company's shop, so that they will perform maintenance or repairs on your truck in a timely manner; </li> <h2></h2> <li>be friendly with everyone with whom you come in contact, including guards and lumpers; </li> <h2></h2> <li>work for a trucking company that values your experience and will pay you accordingly; and</li> <h2></h2> <li>perform with excellence all of the tasks assigned to you, so that you will develop a good reputation and be worthy of getting more miles or being assigned higher paying tasks.</li> <h2></h2> [p]Seek to pay off all that you owe as you buy things, so that you don't have to pay credit card interest.[/p] <h2></h2> [p]If you don't have a budget, begin by using our "spending diary" (free download) for a minimum of 30 days so that you track where you are spending money.[/p] [p]From there, set up a budget, including what you save.[/p] [p]When the time is right, put your savings into:[/p] <li>either an interest-bearing account of some kind;</li> <h2></h2> <li>or investments that are most likely to grow.</li> <h2></h2> [p]Two ways to save more money as a trucker include:[/p] <li>preparing and eating as many meals as possible in your truck; and </li> <li>resisting the urge to spend money on non-critical things. </li> [p]We provide 35+ free downloads through our site.[/p] [p]To get them instantly by email, sign up through the form on the page listed below and confirm your subscription: <h2></h2> <a href="https://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/free-downloads.html">https://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/free-downloads.html</a>[/p] [p]On behalf of my husband Mike and me, we wish all professional truck drivers safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Vicki Simons[/b][/p] <a href="https://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/">https://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/</a>

Jan 08, 2021 • Carriers

Worst Roads in America [p]America, land of the free, home of the brave, potholes and faulty bridges. [b][a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]Truck drivers[/a][/b] take to the roads of America each and every day, hauling freight and delivering the things we desire most while others drive to work, visit loved ones or travel for vacation. In honor of National Infrastructure Week here are the worst roads in America ranked by state.[/p] [h2] Worst Roads in America [/h2] [p]Rankings for the worst roads in America are broken down by state and based on the percentage of roads in poor or mediocre condition with data sourced from the Federal Highway Administration.[/p] [ol-2] [li]Connecticut – 73 % (tie)[/li] [li]Illinois – 73 % (tie)[/li] [li]Wisconsin – 71 %[/li] [li]Colorado – 70 % (tie)[/li] [li]Road Island – 70 % (tie)[/li] [li]Oklahoma – 70 % (tie)[/li] [li]California – 68 %[/li] [li]Washington – 67 %[/li] [li]New Jersey – 66 %[/li] [li]Oregon – 65 %[/li] [li]Louisiana – 62 % (tie)[/li] [li]Kansas – 62 % (tie)[/li] [li]South Dakota – 61%[/li] [li]New York – 60 %[/li] [li]Nebraska – 59 %[/li] [li]Pennsylvania – 57 %[/li] [li]Maryland – 55 %[/li] [li]Maine – 53 %[/li] [li]Minnesota – 52 % (tie)[/li] [li]Montana – 52 % (tie)[/li] [li]Arizona – 52 % (tie)[/li] [/ol-2] [h2] Best Roads in America[/h2] [p]These states have the least percentage of roads in poor or mediocre condition, making them the best roads in America.[/p] [ol] [li]Indiana – 17 %[/li] [li]Georgia – 19 %[/li] [li]Nevada – 20 %[/li] [li]Alabama – 25 % (tie)[/li] [li]Utah – 25 % (tie)[/li] [/ol] [h2]States with the Worst Bridge Conditions in America[/h2] [p]Rankings are based on bridges considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete with data sourced from the Federal Highway Administration. (Hawaii and Alaska excluded)[/p] [ol-2] [li]Road Island – 57 %[/li] [li]Massachusetts – 53 %[/li] [li]Pennsylvania – 42 %[/li] [li]New York – 39 %[/li] [li]New Jersey – 36 %[/li] [li]Connecticut – 35 % (tie)[/li] [li]West Virginia – 35 % (tie)[/li] [li]Maine – 33 % (tie)[/li] [li]Vermont – 33 % (tie)[/li] [li]New Hampshire – 32 %[/li] [li]Kentucky – 31 %[/li] [li]North Carolina – 30.5 %[/li] [li]Louisiana – 29 %[/li] [li]California – 28 %[/li] [li]Michigan – 27.4 %[/li] [li]Missouri – 27.2 %[/li] [li]Maryland – 26.8 %[/li] [li]Virgina – 26 % (tie)[/li] [li]Washington – 26 % (tie)[/li] [li]Iowa – 25.7 %[/li] [/ol-2] [h2]States with the Best Bridges in America[/h2] [p]These states have the least percentage of bridges not considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.[/p] [ol] [li]Minnesota – 11.5 %[/li] [li]Arizona – 12 %[/li] [li]Nevada – 13.7 %[/li] [li]Wisconsin – 14 %[/li] [li]Utah – 15 %[/li] [/ol] [button-white href="https://www.transportation.gov/policy-initiatives/grow-america/road-and-bridge-data-state"]Full List Here[/button-white] [h2]Infrastructure Week[/h2] [p]May 15–19 is National Infrastructure Week, a time to educate, plan and generate opportunities to rebuild our nation's roads, bridges and more. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates $3.6 trillion is necessary to raise the standard of infrastructure level. Meanwhile, President Trump has proposed a $1 trillion infrastructure plan with details to be revealed soon says Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao.[/p] [quote]“We’ve been hard at work at this, and so we’ll be releasing principles in about two to three weeks and then the legislative proposal will probably be tackled by the Congress in the third quarter,” Chao said.[/quote] [video id="93AYEnehOa4"] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=worstroads2015&utm_campaign=aug"]Try Trucker Path For Free![/button-green]

May 16, 2017 • Community