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  • Chapter 1: Introduction to the Trucking Industry
    The History of Trucking The Oldest Truckstop in America Current trends and future outlook for trucking
  • Chapter 2: Business Formation
    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?
  • Chapter 3: Developing a Business Plan
    Components of a business plan Market Analysis and Assessing Competition Financial Projections: Budgeting and Funding Opportunities
  • Chapter 4: Purchasing Trucks
    Types of Semi Tractors Different Classes of Semi Tractors New versus Used Trucks: Pros and Cons Financing Options for Purchasing Semi Trucks
  • Chapter 5: Purchasing a Trailer
    Types of Semi Trailers New versus Used Semi Trailers: Pros and Cons Financing Options for Purchasing Semi Trailers
  • Chapter 6: Marketing Your Trucking Business
    Creating a marketing plan Target Markets and Customer Segments Digital Marketing Strategies
  • Chapter 7: Obtaining Shippers
    Finding Shippers to Haul Loads For Establishing Relationships with Shippers Bidding on Contracts The Importance of Solid Freight Contracts
  • Chapter 8: Calculating Rates and Pricing Strategies
    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
  • Chapter 9: New Entrant
    What is a new entrant audit? Documents Needed
  • Chapter 10: Hiring and Managing Drivers
    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
  • Chapter 11: Medical Cards and DOT Physicals
    What is a DOT medical card? Requirements for a DOT medical card What is a DOT physical? Health and Wellness in Maintaining Safety
  • Chapter 12: Drug and Alcohol Consortium
    What is the Clearinghouse? Random Drug Testing Setting up a Clearinghouse Account Clearinghouse Violations
  • Chapter 13: Management Information Systems (MIS)
    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
  • Chapter 14: Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
    Licensing Requirements Different types of Commercial Drivers Licenses
  • Chapter 15: Insurance Requirements
    Types of Insurance Coverage Specifics and Potential Liabilities Evaluating and Selecting Insurance Providers
  • Chapter 16: IRP and IFTA
    International Registration Plan (IRP) Steps to obtain IRP Plates International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) Steps to file IFTA
  • Chapter 17: Maintenance and Operational Efficiency
    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
  • Chapter 18: DOT Inspections and Compliance
    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)
  • Chapter 19: Safety Scores
    Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) Driver Safety Scores Weight Severity of CSA Scores Company Safety Scores CSA Safety Scores Points CSA Safety Scores Duration
  • Chapter 20: Inside The Truck
    Important Transport Documents Equipment that must be inside the cab
  • Chapter 21: Outside The Truck
    Tractor Trailer
  • Chapter 22: Company Hierarchy
    Different Departments Different Roles
  • Chapter 23: Staffing Your Trucking Operation
    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
  • Chapter 24: Finding Your Own Loads
    Load Boards and Online Marketplaces Networking for Loads Load Negotiation Techniques
  • Chapter 25: Working with Brokers
    Understanding Freight Brokers Communicating with Brokers Paperwork and Processes with Brokers
  • Chapter 26: Accounting and Financial Management
    Accounting Specific to the Trucking Industry Financial Statements and Performance Metrics Budgeting Strategies
  • Chapter 27: Attracting Investors
    Preparing to Engage Potential Investors Exploring Different Funding Opportunities Crafting a Compelling Business Case for Investment
  • Chapter 28: Technology Integration
    Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Dash Cameras Trailer Tracking Mobile Applications
  • Chapter 29: Location
    Home Office Trucking Terminal
  • Chapter 30: Essential Documentation and Paperwork
    Important Documents Safety and Compliance Paperwork
  • Chapter 31: Paperwork for Billing Customers
    Essential Documents Payment Terms
  • Chapter 32: Summary
    Summary of Key Takeaways
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