One of the biggest challenges that I face as an independent owner operator is government regulation and compliance. I was recently reminded of that again as I’ve tried to get my Team Run Smart SelecTruck on the road. As a single truck trucking company, I have to jump through every hurdle that the big fleets do. I remember shortly after I obtained my own authority, I received a letter stating that a DOT agent would visit my business within 6 months to inspect and audit me as a new entrant. I asked one of my mentors in the trucking industry, “Quail Man (that’s his handle), do you mean to tell me that an agent from the government is coming to my house (that’s my company HQ) and will sit at my kitchen table and inspect my records, log books, receipts, my truck, my drug program, my maintenance program, my permits, my license, my medical certificate, etc.?” Quail Man answered, “Yep!” And he was right too. A few months later, I had a government agent sitting at my kitchen table with me going over EVERYTHING that I just mentioned and even told me how to keep up with it. Not only do I have to have the required items, I’m supposed to maintain them how they want it!
I passed with flying colors thank goodness. In all fairness, the DOT employee prepared me by telling me what he would be looking for when he scheduled the audit about a month out. However, once you pass the federal new entrant inspection, you must become educated on the differing rules within the different kingdoms (read: states) that you plan to operate in. For example, Virginia has a tax surcharge over and beyond its diesel fuel tax. Kentucky has a special permit that has to be purchased in addition to the IRP and it cannot be purchased at the scales. New Mexico has a state permit that is required and it can be bought at the Port of Entry. California deserves its own blog due to its many requirements. There’s much on this website about California Air Resources Board (CARB) to help you through that maze of regulation.
Just yesterday, I received a letter from Kansas Department of Taxation asking if I’d run through their state last year. I did, 427 miles worth and they wanted all my truck and trailer information including VINS. Wow, I can’t wait to see if I owe them more tax. I already paid them through IFTA!
The amount of regulations that we must comply with as owner-operators is overwhelming at times, but it can me managed effectively with a little research and by finding a mentor who has faced this before. Also, a great website like TEAMRUNSMART.COM is helpful with business coaching and the lessons learned from experienced owner-operators sharing their knowledge from the open road. Ever Forward!