Category: Business

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Carriers Newbies

Salary and Benefits of a Letter Carrier

There were 324,990 letter carriers in the U.S. in 2009, according to a May 2010 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These federal government employees sort and organize mail for their individual routes. They then deliver the mail using the most efficient routes. Some letter carriers work rural areas in trucks, while many in urban areas deliver mail mostly on foot. These workers must be at least 18 years old and in excellent physical shape. They usually get paid by the hour.

Median and Average Wages

  • The median wage for all letter carriers in the U.S. was $25.90 an hour, or $53,860 per year, according to the May 2010 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average wage was slightly less, at $24.16 per hour or $50,250 per year. The middle half of letter carriers, between the 25th and 75th percentile, earned hourly rates between $22.17 and $26.26, or annual wages that ranged between $46,110 and $54,610.

Average Wages by State

  • Letter carriers earned their highest wages in the District of Columbia at $25.35 per hour, or $52,720 per year. They also earned above-average rates in California, at $25.09 per hour or $52,190 per year, and in Massachusetts, at $24.94 an hour $51,870 per year. These government workers earned closer to average wages in Michigan, at $24.06 per hour or $50,040 per year. Those in Missouri earned slightly less, at $23.52 per hour or $48,930 per year.

Average Wages by Non-Metropolitan Area

  • Letter carriers’ salaries can also vary regionally in more rural areas. For example, those in the Southwestern area of Wyoming earned the highest annual wages of rural carriers, at $25.26 per hour or $52,550 annually, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The second highest rural hourly rates were in North Central Colorado, at $24.77 or $51,520 per year. Those in North Central Massachusetts earned wages closer to the national average, at $24.13 per hour or $50,190 per year. Postal carriers earned somewhat lower wages in the Eastern region of North Dakota, at $21.14 per hour or $43,970 annually.

Benefits

  • Letter carriers enjoy certain benefits from the United States Postal Service. Most full-time workers receive hospital and life insurance, retirement plans, and paid holidays and vacations. They usually earn time-and-a-half when working overtime, according to July 2011 data from the National Association of Letter Carriers. They also earn premium pay on holidays. Moreover, these mail workers receive 13 days of leave during their first three years of employment, according to the Postal Employee Network. Leave or sick days increase to 20 days after three years, and to 26 days after 15 years. Letter carriers also get tax-free flexible spending accounts for covering out-of-pocket health of day care services.

Job Outlook

  • Jobs for letter carriers are expected to decline 1 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to December 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Automated machines have shortened the time these workers spend sorting mail, which will have a negative impact on jobs. Most job opportunities will be as a result of an increasing population.
Categories
Carriers Lifestyle

How to Get Truck Driver Training

Truck driving is an occupation that consistently posts the most job openings. Regardless of the state of the economy, goods need to be transported and that means the trucking industry needs drivers. To join the ranks of this growing profession, however, you need to get truck driver training. These steps explain how that’s done.


1

Obtain a driver’s license from the state in which you reside.
2

Initiate the process of obtaining a Commercial Driver’ License (CDL) by getting a state CDL permit. That is done by taking a written examination at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (or your state’s equivalent), which covers general knowledge and a combination vehicle and air brakes tests.
3

Consider completing the optional endorsement examinations for hazardous materials, double and triple wide trailers and tankers. Upon obtaining these endorsements, your temporary instruction permit (TIP) will reflect that you are licensed to run that type of machinery.
4

Research truck driving schools online or through your local Yellow Pages to find a training facility that best suits your needs. Compare the type, quality and duration of each school’s training program. Websites, such as cdl truck training.com list training centers by state.
5

Choose between a private school, public institution or one operated by a motor carrier. Private schools generally are run by for-profit organizations and train those with an interest in the trucking profession. Public institutions are government funded and include community colleges and vocational training schools. Motor carrier training is operated by trucking companies.
6

Select a truck driver training school that offers practical and hands-on driving instruction, and then be an attentive learner so you can find a great truck driving job when you complete your training.
7

Search for a job with a trucking company. Websites, such as integritytds.com, help drivers secure a job sometimes even before they have completed their training.

Categories
Owner Operators

2012 Owner-Operator of Year finalists

Truckload Carriers Association and Randall-Reilly Business Media & Information Company have announced the owner-operator finalists in the 2012 Driver of the Year competition.

The following 11 drivers will compete for the Owner-Operator of the Year contest:

Bradley Chapdelaine, Dart Transit
James Leatherwood, Louisiana Transportation
Larry McCann , Tennant Truck Lines
Michael McCoy, Great American Lines
Gary McGinnis, Universal Am-Can
Jimmy McSwain, Sunco Carriers
Thomas & Karen Moore, Thomas Moore Transportation (team drivers)
Donnie Parsons, The Mason & Dixon Line
Jeanette Simpson, Landstar Ranger
Robert Stewart, Interstate Distributor Co.

In December 2012, TCA will select the top three finalists. The grand prize winner will be announced at TCA’s Annual Convention, March 3-6, 2013, at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Each owner-operator finalist will be profiled in a 2012 issue of Overdrive.

Jeff Mason, vice president of group publishing at Randall-Reilly, publisher of Truckers News and Overdrive, said, “It is our privilege to be able to interview and showcase each contest finalist to share what makes them successful with the rest of the industry. We’ll make sure that everyone knows their stories and what it took for each finalist to be named one of trucking’s best.”

Categories
Business Lifestyle

How to Establish a Transportation Company

Cab companies and limousine rental companies are among the most well known transportation companies. However, transportation can mean moving anything, such as people, things or animals from one place to another. The options are limitless for pursuing this business model.

Plan a business model and service strategy that is different from what is already in the market. Review the operating procedures of other transportation companies out there. Decide whether you will transport people or goods.

Get a chauffeur’s license if you are planning to transport people. Check with your state business regulators for licensing requirements. There could be additional licensing requirements for providing transportation to the general public. An “Entrepreneur Magazine” profile of limousine services says, “If you cannot acquire a limousine plate, you may be able to purchase one if any are for sale, but expect to shell out big bucks, up to $100,000. Limousine plates and licenses are in high demand, mainly because it is not uncommon for operators to earn six-figure incomes.”

Apply for a business license. The Company Corporation advises drivers and independent operators to get incorporated or register as an LLC. The organization says, “If there is a claim against the LLC or corporation, then generally only the assets owned by the LLC or corporation, and not the business owner’s personal assets, will be potentially subject to the claim. In other words, customers may be able to limit their potential liability if there is a claim or lawsuit relating to their business.”

Get funding to buy a fleet of vehicles. Submit your business plan and a loan application to your bank. If denied for the loan, ask the loan officer for a referral to a venture capitalist.

Buy transport vehicles. Contact a wholesale dealer to get a discount for fleet purchases. Get decals for all vehicles. Contact the motor vehicle division and submit your application for decals. In some states, you can get up to 20 decals for each application.

Work out transportation routes, schedules and mileage rates.

Purchase comprehensive auto insurance that covers all the drivers, your vehicles and passengers. Get additional business liability insurance in case the passengers sue you and your driver for an accident during one of your transports.

Hire drivers. Check driving records through the department of motor vehicles. Many DMVs offer this service for a fee of $20 to $50 through their websites. Call references and get an idea of the driver’s personality and whether she would fit in your organization.

Market directly to people who need the type of transportation service you offer. For example, if you are providing transportation services for seniors, print advertisements in publications like AARP. If you are providing transportation services for the jetsetters, advertise in in-flight magazines.

List your business in the telephone book. Contact the publishers of your local business directory publications. Discuss rates. Spend a little extra to get a bigger ad instead of a telephone number and address listing. Make sure your ad is visible among your competitors’.

Categories
Business Lifestyle

Ideas for Trucking Industry Recruiting

The trucking industry is one of the most important transportation industries in the United States. While there are ships and railroads to move goods, trucks comprise much of the ground transportation market. Maintaining solid, dependable employees is important to future growth and stability for many trucking companies. Therefore, the trucking industry must constantly come up with recruiting strategies and ideas.

Job Fairs
Recruit potential employees into the trucking industry via job fairs. These fairs can take place at high schools, colleges, and universities, and participating can do a lot of things for the trucking companies that set up a booth. These fairs provide an opportunity for your company to give a positive view of available in the trucking industry. It’s important that the person manning the booth is a member of management, this way he has credibility as a source and he can offer interviews on the spot, if possible. There should also be cards or fliers with company information (including company Website); so that interested parties can conduct research on their own at a later date.

Benefits
While it’s true that employees need to have good pay, what will often turn them into loyal workers are the benefits offered by the company. Easy examples include health care, eye care, and dental plans that will ensure the overall health of a driver and his or her family. Another benefit that will make employees seriously consider a long term career is the amount of paid vacation received. For many truckers with families, it’s also important to make sure that they get time at home, guaranteeing that truckers will have a certain amount of time to spend at home is also a big draw. These types of benefits should be included in employment advertisements, whether in a newspaper or on television, and they should be listed alongside salary to catch potential employees’ interest.

Apprenticeship
Another great suggestion for the trucking industry is to offer an apprenticeship program. This allows people (usually students) to begin learning the trade of trucking. Going through an apprenticeship makes the job more structured, and it will weed out people who just aren’t interested enough in the job to stick with it. It will also make the trucking industry seem more approachable. It’s also important that this type of program be advertised extensively. Make announcements at the schools with which the company is affiliated, and have representatives from the company come to talk to classes and answer questions about the program. Put ads in local newspapers, and approach outreach educational facilities about including at least a blurb in their newsletter including all of the necessary contact information for the program.

Categories
Lifestyle Owner Operators

Driving Etiquette

What is the saying? “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you?” If drivers remembered this,there would be fewer accidents on our highways today.

Everyone appreciates the good manners of the driver who: signals his turns, makes his stops smoothly, and gradually pulls into the proper lane well before making a turn. This not only shows “good manners,” but can save the lives of others-as well as the driver’s own.

The Courteous And Alert Driver
A good driver is alert, and knows about the local speed limits and the meanings of the signs. The courteous driver does not sneak through at the beginning or end of red lights. DARN! He always uses his signals. He looks before he backs into or out of a parking space and he parks carefully. The well mannered driver dims his headlights the minute another car approaches. If the other car fails to do likewise, he resists the temptation to flash his lights. He uses his horn in emergencies only.

Accidents
When a courteous driver scrapes the fender or inflicts minor damage to a parked car without its owner present, he leaves a note giving his name, his telephone number, and the name of the insurance company. If the owner is present, the courteous driver exchanges insurance information politely and contacts the proper authorities right away without incident.

Be Considerate of Others
Courtesy is most important to safe driving. The courteous driver considers how his actions will affect those behind, in front of, and beside him, and is alert to what other cars are doing as well. Because of this attitude, he is a safe driver..

Drinking & Driving
In our world today teens face the pressures of drinking. Drinking alone is bad enough, but when you drink and drive you are putting someone else’s life in danger. The most important part of well-mannered driving is to know NOT to drive when you have had too much to drink. If you’ve been drinking give your keys to someone who has not. Your reactions and reflexes are slowed down a lot when you have been drinking. Remember, the courteous driver is an alive one.

Categories
Lifestyle Owner Operators

Problems in the Trucking Industry

Shipping goods by truck has always been a vital method of distribution in America. However, the trucking industry has been facing new threats and problems making its distribution method harder to maintain. The cost of fuel, highway congestion, competition, lack of new drivers and problems with long-hauling are factors contributing to the industry’s demise.

Fuel Costs

As economic crises loom and the tension of world affairs increases, the cost of fuel suffers. In February of 1999, the price per gallon was $1.18, compared to February of 2009 at $2.13 a gallon.

Highway Congestion

As more and more cars make it onto the highways, the ability for a trucker to make his trip in a timely manner decreases. Accidents, traffic congestion and highway construction can all lead to a loss of profit.

Competition

Some truckers have found work harder to come by in recessions. Oftentimes another trucker will offer to move the goods at a lower price.

Decline in Drivers

A decline in the number of drivers is another threat to the trucking industry. Because trucking has a high turnover, the industry is losing more drivers than it’s employing.

Long-Haul Shipping

One of the methods of shipping is the long-haul, moving a shipment of goods across the country in very little time. It’s stressing work because of the lack of sleep. Fewer drivers are willing to perform this task.

Categories
Business Lifestyle

How to Start an Energy Brokers Business

Starting an energy brokerage firm takes market research and a careful business plan in order to be successful. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available for entrepreneurs ready to start their business as an energy broker. Entrepreneur magazine reports that instability in traditional energy sources creates an opportunity for small-business to grow within the energy sector.

Before getting started, considering all your options is extremely important. You must know the size of the territory in which you’ll compete as well as your competitors. You must also decide if you want to go it alone or franchise.

Research the requirements to start an energy brokerage in your area. These requirements most likely include the regulation status of electricity in your municipality as well as who competes in your area. According to News Batch, energy deregulation refers to legislation permitting the energy market to regulate its own prices as opposed to having a government agency police the market. Gaebler reports that energy brokers operating in electricity markets in which you will not compete would also be a good source of industry information.

Consider franchising your energy brokerage instead of going it alone. Companies like Energy Brokers USA offer turn-key franchising packages which include everything from a customized website to business leads and earning potential for the life of the customer’s account.

License your business. Once you decide whether to operate an independent company or become part of a franchise, you will need to register your business with local government for taxation and licensing purposes. As a benefit, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities keeps an on line database of all competitive energy suppliers and licensed commercial brokers.

Getting Your Business Off the Ground

Call specific energy suppliers and arrange a contract that settles the terms under which they will supply your company with electricity. An energy brokerage franchise will take care of these contacts for you, though an independent energy brokerage will need to negotiate its own contracts. NewsBatch is a good resource for specifics regarding brokering deals in order to provide energy, including how to approach a supplier, the terms of a contract as well as any volume restrictions.

Contact potential commercial customers in your area whose needs your new company could serve. New account leads could be supplied by your franchiser if you choose to go in that direction. However, should you decide to operate independently, you will need to hunt your own leads. Energy Brokers USA advises building a client-base with long-term potential and who will use a significant volume of electricity.

Supply electricity to your new clients. Remember, though, that you are the broker. Once a business is your client, it is your responsibility to supply the client with electricity at the lowest cost based on your list of suppliers. Many franchisers will have this infrastructure in place for you as part of your deal, though you will have to pay franchising fees and other royalties for this privilege. If you operate independently, you will need to standardize how your energy brokerage will supply power to your clients. One idea, such as that implemented by Energy Brokers USA, is to use a website which automatically synchronizes your client’s account to the most efficient provider

Categories
Freight Brokers Lifestyle

How to Verify a Freight Broker Bond

If you’re new to working with freight brokers, you may be confused about the role of their surety bond. From the Carrier’s standpoint, the surety bond is in place as protection in case the broker refuses to pay for services rendered. Always verify a freight broker’s bond before accepting a load.

Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Go to the Licensing and Insurance section and choose Carrier Search from the drop down menu.

Enter the freight broker’s information. It isn’t necessary to fill out the entire form. If you have the Motor Carrier (MC) or Freight Forwarder (FF) number, no other details are necessary. If you don’t, fill in as much information as you can. Hit “Search.”

Choose the correct broker from the formulated list. Click on “Report.” (HTML shows a snapshot of some pertinent information. Report provides full FMCSA information about the broker in PDF format).

Note the Authorities section. Freight brokers must have current brokerage authority for their surety bond to be valid. Be sure the broker authority listed is active; with no application pending. If the broker authority status is listed as None or Inactive, the company has no current legal standing as a freight broker. Don’t take the load; the broker bond (if any) won’t be enforceable.

Drop down to the Insurance Requirements section. Look for bond insurance. If the freight broker is acting in accordance with federal law, it will list bond insurance as both required and on file. It will also show the current federal minimum requirement of a brokerage surety bond. (Note: Some brokers voluntarily purchase a larger bond. The federal minimum will show regardless of actual bond value).

Look down the page at Active and Pending Insurance. Verify a listing for an active broker bond. (Note: If the freight broker has changed insurance companies, cancelled bonds will also show on this form).

Call the insurance carrier to clarify coverage if desired. Many trucking companies find this step unnecessary, because the insurance company is required by law to notify the FMCSA if coverage ends. However, a short time lag can be possible between a bond lapse and an FMCSA update. If you want to be 100% certain the bond is in effect, note the bond number and use the insurance contact information on the form.

Categories
Business Carriers

How to Become an Expediter Truck Service With a Small Truck or Cargo Van

Expediter services transport time-sensitive freight for manufacturers around the country. Often a company needs to send products quickly. Expediter vehicles can deliver to areas that large vehicles are unable to because of regulations or limited space. You can start your own expediter company if you have a van or small truck, but you must make sure you have the necessary licenses before you begin.

Talk to other expediters about their work. A successful expediting company requires dedication and you could be away from home for days delivering freight. Talking with others will help you decide if expediting is right for you. You can find expediters to talk to by going to local truck stops and online forums.

Apply for a free Employer Identification Number . Your EIN is your business Social Security number for taxes. File for your EIN using your business name.

Incorporate your company. According to the Internal Revenue Service, “LLCs are popular because, similar to a corporation, owners have limited personal liability for the debts and actions of the LLC.” An LLC will suffice in most states for personal asset protection although as the owner, you will have to guarantee any debts that the company incurs. Apply for incorporation through the secretary of state in your home state. The cost varies from state to state.

Apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Each motor carrier must have a USDOT number. File for your USDOT number under your business name. There is no cost to receive a number.

Contracting with an established company (lease-on) with your small truck or van to gain first-hand knowledge about everything from paperwork to potential earnings. As a lease owner, you will have the opportunity to know the load’s gross revenue. Do not contract with a company with the intention of stealing their client base. Most company’s have a “no-compete” clause in their contracts, which prevent you from legally obtaining freight from one of their customers for at least two years. Look in your local newspaper’s classified ad section to find a local company to lease with, or apply with a company online.

Apply for operating authority . The U.S. government requires all interstate carriers to obtain Motor Carrier (MC) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. After you receive your MC number, you will need insurance as well as hiring process agents. A process agent represent your company and cab accept legal documents for you in every state. It costs $300 to apply for your MC number. The cost of insurance will depend on the amount of coverage, your driving history and the amount of time you’ve been in the business. You can locate a service that provides process agents through the FMCSA. A process agent service will cost $50 or less.

Apply for any local permits your city or county requires.
Find customers by visiting local businesses. When you visit, be professional and sell your business. The only thing you have to offer is service; make promises and then deliver. Be sure to tell them what kind of equipment you have, a small truck or cargo van limits the type of freight you can carry.

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