Turning my authority back on...

[Waterloo]

Friday, June 21st...

Hooked up with DAT Power Live board. Not cheap, checked my lanes, there is freight. At $149 a month, I do not plan on keeping this service for very long. But, it is a good tool to see what is really going on out here in regards to freight. Good purchase so far.

Also made some other calls, IFTA should be here Wednesday.

Called Apex Capital, they turned on my factoring account with the .70 off a gallon fuel card. The gal said I would have the card on Wednesday of next week. Sweet. She asked who I was looking to haul for, I gave her some names, UPS, Amazon and JB Hunt. She advised their tiered % program, she said those guys all pay quickly, and that my factoring rates should be 2.5% - 3%, I said let's do it. Cha-Ching! And yes, I realize there is quick pay at better rates out there.

Filled out the paperwork for the NASTC Fuel Card, should know something on that next week. Living on CC for the past 7 months has not done any favors to my credit score.

Still have my WEX Speedway Fuel Card in reserve, so I am good for fuel.

Called a few outfits, UPS needs my authority active for 30 days, and then he will bring me on. He added my company to their approved carrier file after looking me up on SAFER for the upcoming season rush, he said he will keep me busy through January of next year. He was glad I called, desperately in need of power only trucks in Detroit area. He gave me his direct line with instructions to call back in exactly 30 days.

JB stated the same the other day. I called over there, but the man I needed to speak with was off, hopefully on the golf course, as that is where I would have been, LOL. He is in desperate need of Power Only trucks too. Rates are running $2 to $4+, I get 72% and first pick at the loads on their private PO board. Also have access to their 360 app and dispatch. He will bring me on immediately, as I am using my old DOT/MC numbers. JB has quick pay, 1.5%, paid in 12 to 24 hours, direct deposit to your bank.

I contacted Amazon, waiting to hear from them. Hearing the same from over there, in need of Power Only trucks. Rates are good. I have friends hauling their freight and trailers.

Called Menard's, same story, when can I start. LOL! If you are starting your authority on a shoe string, I think Menard's is the place to go to build up some time behind the wheel with your new authority. Best reason to go there, HOME TIME! You are home every night unless you chose otherwise. You pick the days you work, weekend work pays more. No forced dispatch or phone calls when you are off.

They treat you like a lease op, give you a fuel card and settlements are direct deposited every Friday. Beauty of this, is that if you need steady cash flow, and or are a bit intimidated with getting your own freight, they may be the place to call. Their fuel card is up to .50 off the pump price.

They also have one hell of a bonus program, every mile you are eligible for up to .10 a mile for every mile you travel. They cut you a check for Christmas. If you really drill down on these guys, they have some pretty decent offerings for the new guy. Rates are roughly $2 to $2.40 to the truck in my particular area, rates may be different in other regions. I hear that most of the drivers there are not very trucking savvy, so a smart operator could do pretty good there if they play their cards right.

One thing I discovered, is that you will need a copy of your original FEIN number from the fed, stating that you are who you say you are in regards to your federal tax identification number if you plan on registering with the state of NY for their HUT permit. I called the IRS and they faxed me over a copy. It was free, but I wasted 3 hours on hold to get it. You will need a secure fax line to receive, they will not email. Your only other option is 10 to 14 days via snail mail. And by secure, they want you standing in front of the fax machine or computer when they send it. This is Top Secret STUFF! LOL! Just hated being on hold for so long.

Oh, got a call at 2300 last night, my buddy that is still over at "THAT" outfit. The outfit I thought was going to be the showstopper... He is ready to quit too, they really shat on him yesterday, left him stranded on the other side of the state, an area both me and him know very well. He was on his way home when he called, empty, and not very happy. We talked a bit, he is thinking of starting the process next week to turn his old numbers back on. I have been sharing my findings with him and so far we both like what we see.

That is it for now, and I hope this helps someone.