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Business Lifestyle

How Do I Start a Light Pickup Truck Delivery Busines

If you have a reliable pickup truck and good driving skills, a light delivery service might be the perfect small business for you. You will need to make a few decisions about the particulars of the delivery service you want to provide and be sure to get special licensing as needed. Follow these steps to get started and start delivering.

Set your location. Determine what area you will cover. Consider routes, gas prices, traffic patterns and the time it will take to drive from one section of your delivery area to another. All of these factors will affect how much money and time you spend on each delivery.

Figure out your load limits. How much weight can your truck safely carry? Figure out the weight limit and make sure you have the materials you need, such as bungee cords and rope or other methods of fastening the cargo. Figure out how much you are going to charge for the amount of cargo you carry and the distance.

Brainstorm. Think about all the cargo you might be able to carry. Do you have a particular specialization in mind, or are you willing to haul whatever needs to be hauled? Thinking about your options will help you determine how to market your business.

Look into licensing. You probably need a business license from your local or state government, and you may need a commercial driver’s license to provide professional delivery service. Call your local chamber of commerce or the secretary of state’s office in your state for help.

Get the word out. Once you’ve set your delivery area, your load limits and your prices, you need to spread the word about your delivery business. Distribute fliers, call businesses who might be interested in your service, and let friends and family members know about it so they can spread the word as well.

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Carriers Freight Loads

Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Training

Transportation of dangerous goods training in Canada falls under Transport Canada, a department of the federal government, which regulates the transportation of dangerous goods by road, rail, water or air and sets out training criteria for companies transporting dangerous goods. Transport Canada does not accredit specific courses or training centers, but enables companies to use whatever methods are best suited to their operation and the needs of their employees.

Transport Canada’s definition of adequate training includes having sound knowledge of all topics related directly to the required tasks and specific kinds of dangerous goods a worker moves, offers to transport or handles during the course of their work. Topics that training may cover include dangerous goods safety marks requirements, safe handling and transportation practices for dangerous goods, and how to operate equipment used to handle or transport dangerous goods. Other important topics include reasonable emergency procedures to reduce or eliminate danger to public safety that results or could result from an accidental release of dangerous goods.

Transport Canada requires workers who handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods to be trained and possess a training certificate in handling or transporting dangerous goods or only perform tasks involving dangerous goods while under the direct supervision of an employee who does possess a training certificate in transporting dangerous goods. Handling encompasses loading and unloading, packing or unpacking and storing materials and covers jobs such as cargo handler, lift truck operator, dock worker, shipper/receiver, freight handler and warehouse operator. Examples of workers whose jobs include offering for transport include dispatchers, office workers who prepare documents, shippers, freight forwarders and billers.

Training in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods can be delivered through formal classroom training, on-the-job training or experience gained under the supervision of an adequately trained employee.

Employers who are reasonably satisfied that their employees are sufficiently trained to perform duties related to that training are required to issue those employees training certificates that include the name and address of the employer’s place of business, the employee’s name, the expiry date of the training certificate and the aspects of handling or transporting dangerous goods that the employee is trained for, including specific topics.

Those who employ a person who is a member of a ship’s crew may have a reasonable expectation that the employee’s certificate of competency, issued under Marine Certification Regulations, is acceptable evidence of adequate training. In this case, the employer does not have to issue a training certificate. Training certificates are valid for three years, except in the case of transport by aircraft, when they expire after two years. Training certificates or copies of them must be provided to inspectors immediately upon request.

Valid documents issued to a truck driver of a vehicle licensed in the United States or to a member of a train crew for the transportation of dangerous goods in the U.S. are considered valid evidence of dangerous goods transportation training in Canada. Documents certifying training in dangerous goods transportation issued to members of airport flight crews or ship crews from outside Canada are also accepted as proof of training, as long as the aircraft or ship is registered in a member country of the International Civil Aviation Organization or the International Maritime Organization.

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Owner Operators

How to Become an Owner & Operator With a Prior Bankruptcy

Starting a business after bankruptcy may seem difficult, especially if your business needs credit. Other creditors such as vendors, suppliers, distributors, and property owners may run a credit check or require collateral that you do not have. Bankruptcy does not have to be a death sentence to your future prosperity, though. You have a fresh start, and as an owner or operator of a new venture, you have unlimited possibilities. Do not let bankruptcy determine your destiny. Start your business now.

Incorporate your new business. Form a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) to protect your personal assets in the event that you encounter financial difficulties. Unlike running a business as a sole proprietor, you have legal safeguards with limited liability for your business debts. To form a corporation or LLC, see the Resource box for more information.

File a Doing Business As (DBA) at the county clerk’s office. If you run a business under a name different from yours or your corporate name, you must file a DBA. You can piggyback off the success of your new business if you start another business in the future. Each DBA is a separate business, but you may run those businesses under the same corporation. Therefore, good credit earned from your corporation flows over to the new entities and gives you more to work with when applying for credit and doing business with others.

Apply for a new Employer Identification Number (EIN). Unlike businesses run by a sole proprietorship, Corporations and LLCs are a separate business entity, so you must have an EIN. Under some circumstances, a sole proprietorship must apply for an EIN. In any case, applying for a new EIN gives you a fresh credit file, and separates you from your business. You may need to make changes to your business in order to qualify for a new EIN if you had an EIN previously. Use the Resource box for more information.

Open a business checking account. Most banks require an EIN for business banking, even though you want to use your SSN instead. Some banks require a certified copy of your DBA in order to open one. A business bank account separates your personal finances from your business finances, making it easier to track, budget, and gather information quickly for tax preparation.

Build credit with your new business. Some creditors use the business owner’s personal credit file in addition to the credit file of the business when determining whether to extend credit. Take out a secure credit card and use it for your business needs to build credit. Have your utility payments reported to the credit bureaus so your company can establish a good credit history, so your previous bankruptcy will not have as much influence and overshadow your new business ventures.

Apply for a business license and other required permits. Your city’s business licensing department can give you the information you need regarding zoning requirements and permits needed for your type of business. The location of your business may not allow businesses for your type in that zone, including those who work from home. Permits such as fire, water and air pollution, and signage permits are only some of the types of permits your business needs. After bankruptcy, the last thing you want to do is violate a fundamental responsibility, inching your way into another financial meltdown.

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Freight Loads Trucker News

How to Determine Freight Class for Truck Shipping

All items that move by ground in the United States are subject to regulations administrated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Commonly know as the DOT, this agency regulates safe ground commerce by enforcing guidelines for trucking companies that handle freight. The NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) breaks down all shippable items in categories into which all freight must be properly classified prior to being shipped. To the surprise of many first-time shippers, each classification code affects the cost of transportation. In order to avoid confusion and possible fines for infractions, it is imperative to properly classify freight.

Determine what item is going to be shipped. Make a list of items to be shipped if there are more than one. Describe in great detail what the item is made of, its purpose, its value and its condition. Weigh and measure the dimensions of all packages being shipped. MNFC classification codes are extremely detailed, so any additional details, such as types of packaging, is helpful.

Contact a local LTL carrier. An LTL (less than truckload) carrier is a trucking company that consolidates various customers’ orders to fill trucks. Contacting a local LTL carrier is easiest by calling during business hours, but is also possible in many case online.

Give a description of the item to ship, along with all additional information, to LTL carrier. List all items that follow under different classification numbers, so that an accurate price can be quoted. The trucking company will help you classify the items by looking up the freight in the MNFC classification manual.

Calculate the density of the freight. Density is calculated by dividing pounds by cubic feet. Classifications are determined not only by classification number, but by density.

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Freight Loads Lifestyle

How to Get Started in Hotshot Trucking

Freight companies normally hire and use huge semi-trailer trucks when transporting goods across the country. Hotshot trucking refers to using trucks that are smaller than a semi-trailer. Hotshot trucking takes up less space than a semi-trailer, the ride is more smooth, and looking for contract work Is much less of a hassle. In this article you will easily learn how to get started in hotshot trucking by learning what kind of truck to buy and how to look for work.

Determine who you will be hauling for. Leasing yourself and your rig to a trucking company is the preferred route to making fast and easy profits. Trucking companies find all the loads for you and take care of any bills and collections due. Normally you keep eighty percent of the profits, while they keep twenty percent which is a good deal.

Contact the terminal manager of the company you chose to work with. Submit to him your application and wait to get accepted. Once you get accepted he will send you out for a complete medical exam and a drug test which you must pass. This process can take a day or two.

Purchase your trailer. Buy your rig only after you get accepted by the company you chose to haul for. This is because you want to buy a rig that meets their requirements. The best and affordable type of rig you should buy is one that is 10.71 tons, spring loaded dove tail, dual tire and a tandem axle. These specifications will meet most shippers’ requirements.

Buy your truck. Your truck has to be a dually and diesel. If it isn’t diesel, trade it for one that is. A gas engine will not last long enough to complete those numerous trips you will be assigned to do. Get the biggest and longest truck which has four-wheel drive if you can afford it. Longer trucks will make your ride better compared to the short ones. Also make sure the cabin is spacious so you can sleep in it after completing a long drive. Keep your truck simple and don’t spend too much on designs.

Get your truck and trailer inspected by the United States Department of Transportation. After the DOT inspects your truck and trailer, you will receive stickers that say your truck and trailer have met their requirements. It is important that you make sure you get the correct inspection or your trucking company will send you back. Now you are ready to report to your terminal manager for your first job. Bring a notebook so you can write down what they want you to do and not forget anything.

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Lifestyle Trucker News

How to Find Van Insurance

Securing van insurance can be more challenging than getting auto insurance. With some preparation and research, however, the process of insuring your van can be a smooth process.

Before purchasing van insurance, you must have the specifics of your vehicle available. Have the vehicle identification number and match the written number to the vehicle itself. Common identification locations on vans include the windshield and inside of the driver side door. While the VIN number provides many of the vehicle details, some van specifics might not be included.

Determine whether your van has a complete or incomplete chassis. An incomplete chassis is a vehicle built with most of its parts but completed without adding additional passenger and accessory vehicle features. Incomplete chassis vehicles are generally sold to companies that modify the vehicle to meet their needs. These vans might be used as buses, delivery trucks or other custom vehicles. While some vans can be easily spotted as incomplete chassis, others might not. Your insurance representative can assist you, if necessary.

Once you have determined your vehicle’s chassis, determine your van’s use. Insurance companies will want to know how you intend to use the van. The vehicle can used for daily commuting purposes, leisurely trips or business, to name a few. Determining its use will help your insurance representatives determine whether your vehicle requires a personal auto policy or a commercial insurance policy.

Compare rates. If you have insurance on a vehicle, your current agent or company might be able to assist you. Most carriers provide multivehicle discounts for insuring more than one vehicle on a policy. Ask for a quote with adding the van to your current policy. Obtain insurance rates from other insurance companies. Compare the rates to the rate from your current carrier.

Purchase your policy. Select a policy with a carrier that meets your coverage needs, has a secure claims history and has a stable financial foundation. Review the carrier’s history if you are unfamiliar with your choices. Financial stability information for insurance companies and carriers are available for review with A.M. Best. A.M. Best is the leading rater of insurance companies and financial institutions providing information on companies worldwide.

Once you have completed your purchase, you will receive your new business policy information. Upon receipt, review the information in detail to ensure accuracy. If you find inaccurate information, contact your agent or carrier representative and provide them with the updated information. Keep a copy of your policy identification card in your vehicle at all times.

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Lifestyle Trucker News

How to Convert Used Oil to Diesel Car Fuel

With the threat of uncontrolled global warming looming over us and the prospect of a very different future for our children, it’s only natural that we start looking for alternatives to the polluting fossil fuels we’ve come to rely on as a species. Diesel fuel offers a ray of hope for lasting change in this area. Diesel is far cleaner than traditional fuels, and it’s readily available. In fact, you can convert used oil to diesel car fuel yourself, with a little instruction.

Find a steady, reliable source of used oil. Many restaurants will willingly give you their used oil for free if you ask. This oil is typically available in large quantities, making collection necessary only one to two times a week.

Heat your used oil in a wide, deep vat. The oil should be heated to just below the smoking point, and should never be brought to a boil.

Strain the heated oil through a filter and into a new, clean vat. Make sure any small particles are removed from the oil during the straining process.

Test the pH level of the oil to make sure it’s more alkaline than acidic.

Add methanol and lye to the oil. The addition of these substances will cause any glycerin in the oil to drop to the bottom of the vat. If the vat is clear, you can watch while this is happening.

Skim the glycerin off of the oil.

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Business Lifestyle

Subcontract Requirements for the North Carolina Department of Transportation

The Office of Contractual Services (OCS) of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) operates a subcontractor program that allows subcontractors to work on: NCDOT statewide projects that originate from Raleigh headquarters office that are known as Central Let contracts; and NCDOT divisional projects that originate from one of the 14 division offices that are known as Department Let Purchase Order contracts.

Generally, subcontractors must fulfill three requirements to become and remain eligible to work on NCDOT contracts completing a separate application for each of the requirement levels.

The first-time Pre-Qualification Application is the initial entry into the NCDOT subcontractor program. OCS will assess qualifications and abilities before approving. Once approved, subcontractors are given a user ID and are listed in the NCDOT Directory of Transportation Firms with a Pre-Qualification Status of “Subcontractor” and will wait a month before being allowed to bid for jobs.

An annual Renewal Application is necessary to ensure that the OCS has current contact and experience information and Safety Index on file for subcontractors. A 3-year Re-Qualification Application allows for periodic reassessment of a subcontractor’s abilities, experience, and equipment list.

The NCDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is designed for independent small businesses where a minimum of 51 percent of the ownership stakes are controlled by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, minorities, or women, respectively.

Through this program that is conducted by the NCDOT Office of Civil Rights and Business Development (OCRBD), these persons receive separate DBE certification and are not required to go through the pre-qualification process to be subcontractors, in accordance with Title 49 CFR, Part 26, Appendix C.

The DBE Certification Application is submitted to the OCRBD for review. After an interview and a site visit, a DBE Certification Technician will approve the application and will generate a listing in the federal Unified Certification Program (UCP) Directory. A UCP listing allows the DBE subcontractor to participate in any federally funded program with any other state agency without having to reapply for DBE certification.

DBE subcontractors are required to submit an Affidavit and Personal Net Worth Statement annually and a Re-Certification Application and Personal Net Worth Statement every three years to maintain DBE Program eligibility.

The NCDOT Small Professional Services Firm (SPSF) Program is very similar to the DBE Program. However, it uses the size of the business as a criterion for enrollment. The NCDOT uses the SBA size standards based on the number of employees and the gross annual income.

SPSF Program applicants will first complete the general pre-qualification process. Once completed, a complete and notarized SPSF Contractor’s Self-Certification Form will be submitted to the OCS. Upon acceptance, the SPSF contractor is listed in the UCP Directory.

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Freight Loads Trucker News

How to Calculate Trucking Rates?

Over-the-road trucks transport everything from food to electronics to construction equipment. Truckers get their loads from companies and brokers, even other truck companies. Regardless of where the load comes from, the company must set a reasonable rate for the load. When trucking companies are asked to transport a load, they often quote a per-mile rate. For example, if a broker states that she has a load from Miami to Los Angeles, the trucking company will state that they need $2 per mile to run the load, while the shipper will quote an overall price for the load. Trucking rates are calculated on a per-mile basis.

Calculate the mileage between the starting and destination points. For this example, the trip begins in Atlanta and ends in Miami.

Divide the overall rate by the number of miles from the start to destination. The rate in this case is $3,100, and the mileage between Atlanta and Miami is 680 (3,100 / 680 = 4.56). The per-mile rate is $4.56.

Calculate the cost of transporting the load. On average, the truck gets 5.5 mpg. The truck will use 123 gallons of diesel for the 680-mile trip, and $3 is the cost per gallon of diesel (123 x 3 = 369). The transportation cost is $369.

Multiply the truck driver’s hourly rate by the length of time needed to complete the trip. The truck averages 60 mph. The 680-mile trip will take about 11 hours (680 / 60 = 11.33). If the driver pay rate is $12 per hour, the cost for the driver is $132 (11 x 12 = 132).

Add the gas cost and the truck driver pay ($369 + $132 = $501).

Divide the total cost of the trip by the number of miles in the trip (501 / 680 = 73.7). The cost of the trip is 74 cents per mile.

Subtract the per-mile cost of the trip from the per-mile rate to arrive at the per-mile profit of the trip ($4.56 – $0.74 = $3.82). The per-mile profit is $3.82.

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Lifestyle Owner Operators

Financial Help for Owner Operators

Over the road truck operator-owners are small businessmen just like anyone who runs a small store or service provider. Occasionally, money is scarce, which merits a need to seek financial assistance. Although people generally advise against borrowing money to pay creditors, it can be good business sense to borrow money to make more money. An owner-operator can pursue various avenues, with varying amounts of risk and reward. When seeking financial assistance, however, always remember to have everything in writing. Financials, projections, obligations and receivables are required.

Any business needing cash will probably need to put up collateral for the loan. Of course, the owner-operator has a readily available piece of collateral: the truck. Don’t be too hasty, however, to sign away the truck unless the potential for reward using the financial assistance is almost guaranteed. Without the truck, there is no more business. Also, be hesitant to put up a personal guarantee because this will involve all the assets the owner-operator possesses. It’s a very delicate balance between risk and reward to assign collateral to any loan type.

A quick source for needed money is factoring. Quite simply, the owner-operator sells any receivables to a third party at a reduced rate. The rate is negotiable, but expect it to be significant. The buyer can’t make money if paying too much for your outstanding invoices. Factoring is good because it can raise quick cash to buy diesel fuel or new tires to make a cross-country run that will make the year. The risk is selling an account balance to what is essentially a stranger. Your customer will get bills and requests for payment from someone unknown. You get the money, but you may lose a customer.

A quote loan is a loan on an accepted quote to do business. Farmer’s and merchant banks are great places to seek this type of loan. These types of banks do the loans constantly with farmers: loan against the future sale of the harvest. You’ll be requesting a loan against the future payment of a completed load. Don’t expect a loan for the full amount, but possibly between 25 and 30 percent and a fair interest rate. The loan comes due with the invoice. The loan is due whether the invoice is paid or not.

Leaseback is the same concept as refinancing your house: You get a lease against your truck, the leasing company pays you the difference for the value of the vehicle and you pay over time. The advantage is you can deduct the lease payment from your taxes as an expense, a low interest rate and payment over time. The disadvantage is the leaseback will only be for the market value of the truck less any liens. If the truck is paid for, you might get a decent amount. If it is not paid for, and the existing loan value is high, you might not get back your application fee.