Sick Of Looking For Truck Driver Jobs?

Are you sick and tired of working for someone else and constantly looking for truck driver jobs? Here’s what you need to know when starting a trucking company in Canada.

Starting your own fleet – What you need to know

Starting a for-hire or private fleet in today’s economic and regulatory climate presents unique challenges for business owners. Developing, setting up and maintaining a compliance system involves much more than obtaining the right authorities and permits for your fleet, picking up a load and hitting the road. Carriers have many ongoing responsibilities once their initial setup is complete; this is where the administrative challenges begin. Let’s discuss some of the common issues that most new carriers face when establishing their fleet.

Doing your due diligence, don’t take short cuts

Many new companies’ stumble through their regulatory compliance set-up and then push it to the side once their trucks hit the road. As a new carrier it is your responsibility to do your due diligence and ensure you have all the necessary licenses, permits, authorities, compliance and recordkeeping systems required to run an interjurisdictional trucking business.

Eager to get on the road and thinking about hiring the first driver that comes through the door? Think again. Your company’s future and the safety of all road users depends on a thorough screening and review of your driver candidates. Even today, competing for a limited pool of qualified drivers, you do not want to neglect a proper and thorough hiring process. Furthermore, a qualified motor vehicle should mean much more to a fleet operator than simply one that meets the criteria for IFTA, IRP, NSC and DOT purposes. Annual inspections, preventative maintenance programs, regular emissions testing and accident registers to name a few, should all be key elements in determining if your vehicles are qualified to take to the road.

Taking short cuts may seem attractive during the set-up stage since most businesses and operators are on a tight budget, but the potential consequences far outweigh any perceived money savings. Developing a comprehensive compliance system always pays for itself.

Time frame and Set Backs

New business owners may not realize how much planning is required to obtain the proper licenses, authorities and permits for their trucks in a timely and efficient manner. While some permits are simply a matter of a few clicks on your computer mouse, trucking authorities such as the FMCSA Operating Authority can take up to 6 weeks to obtain. While patience is important during the setup phase of your new trucking business, many of the requirements can be fast tracked with the right know-how. Strategically submitting your authority applications and compiling information for other applications can significantly improve the typical wait times. Ensuring accuracy on all applications and filings is also crucial in getting you on the road as quickly as possible. As an example, the FMCSA requires all filings, such as BOC-3 process agents and proof of insurance to identically match the initial applicant information provided. One small error can result in a rejected application and significantly delay the issuance of your authority.

Starting A Trucking Company In Canada: Your Ongoing Responsibilities

Motor carriers face many ongoing licensing, permitting and regulatory compliance responsibilities when commencing interjurisdictional trucking operations. Now that your company is set-up, the administrative task of keeping your fleet compliant has just begun. Adding new trucks to your International Registration Plan (IRP) fleet as well as compiling, tracking and keeping your fleets distance records and fuel purchases for International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) reporting are just two aspects of regulations that impose a considerable administrative burden on your company. Adopting adequate administrative processes is crucial to the success of your fleet’s compliance moving forward. 

For over 25 years TransReport Services has been successfully setting up new trucking businesses with the necessary authorities, licences and permits. If you’re thinking about starting your own business, contact us today to learn how we can work together to get your ideas rolling.