The History of Trucking

The Oldest Truckstop in America

Current trends and future outlook for trucking

Selecting the appropriate business structure

Steps to register your trucking company with FMCSA

Steps to register your trucking company with the state

What is a USDOT number?

What is an MC number?

Components of a business plan

Market Analysis and Assessing Competition

Financial Projections: Budgeting and Funding Opportunities

Types of Semi Tractors

Different Classes of Semi Tractors

New versus Used Trucks: Pros and Cons

Financing Options for Purchasing Semi Trucks

Types of Semi Trailers

New versus Used Semi Trailers: Pros and Cons

Financing Options for Purchasing Semi Trailers

Creating a marketing plan

Target Markets and Customer Segments

Digital Marketing Strategies

Finding Shippers to Haul Loads For

Establishing Relationships with Shippers

Bidding on Contracts

The Importance of Solid Freight Contracts

Operating and Fixed Costs

Developing Competitive Pricing Strategies

The Role of Contracts in Rate Negotiations

Factors for Calculating Rates

Example 1: Rate Calculations

Example 2: Rate Calculations

Factors Used to Calculate the Base Rate

Calculating the Rate Per Mile / Base Rate

What is a new entrant audit?

Documents Needed

Driver Recruitment and Retention

Designing an effective onboarding and training program

Promoting driver satisfaction and minimizing turnover

Pre Employment Drug Screening

DOT Physical

FMCSA PSP Reports and their Implications

Steps to Run a PSP Report

Background Checks

Driver Qualification File

What is a DOT medical card?

Requirements for a DOT medical card

What is a DOT physical?

Health and Wellness in Maintaining Safety

What is the Clearinghouse?

Random Drug Testing

Setting up a Clearinghouse Account

Clearinghouse Violations

MIS Data Collection

Who has to file MIS data reports with the FMCSA?

How do you file a MIS Data report with the FMCSA?

Setting up a DataQs account

Licensing Requirements

Different types of Commercial Drivers Licenses

Types of Insurance

Coverage Specifics and Potential Liabilities

Evaluating and Selecting Insurance Providers

International Registration Plan (IRP)

Steps to obtain IRP Plates

International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA)

Steps to file IFTA

Importance of Routine Maintenance for Semi Trucks

Managing Operating Expenses

Fleet Efficiency and Performance

Basics of Vehicle Mechanics

Types of CMV Transmissions

Daily Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections

Driver Vehicle Inspection Report DVIR

Preventative Maintenance (PM)

Mechanical Failures and Troubleshooting

Annual DOT Inspections for Tractors

Annual DOT Inspections for Trailers

Types of DOT Inspections

Preparing for Inspections

Hours of Services

Log Books

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)

Driver Safety Scores

Weight Severity of CSA Scores

Company Safety Scores

CSA Safety Scores Points

CSA Safety Scores Duration

Important Transport Documents

Equipment that must be inside the cab

Tractor

Trailer

Different Departments

Different Roles

Employees

Leasing Owner Operators onto Your Company - Without Truck

Lease Owner Operators onto Your Company - With Truck

Documents Needed - Without Truck

Documents Needed - With Truck

Job Descriptions and Recruitment Strategies

Building a Strong Company Culture

Load Boards and Online Marketplaces

Networking for Loads

Load Negotiation Techniques

Understanding Freight Brokers

Communicating with Brokers

Paperwork and Processes with Brokers

Accounting Specific to the Trucking Industry

Financial Statements and Performance Metrics

Budgeting Strategies

Preparing to Engage Potential Investors

Exploring Different Funding Opportunities

Crafting a Compelling Business Case for Investment

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)

Dash Cameras

Trailer Tracking

Mobile Applications

Home Office

Trucking Terminal

Important Documents

Safety and Compliance Paperwork

Essential Documents

Payment Terms

Summary of Key Takeaways