Trucking with Authority

Do you have a goal? Do you have a plan to get there? How detailed is your plan? If you reach your goal, what happens?

Every load board has a list of loads. That's all they're good for, right? No! Load boards offer countless other tools that can help you better quote your loads, establish lanes, and dispatch your trucks to improve your bottom line! Today we'll discuss some of the tips and tricks you can use to gain an advantage in your business.

New technology is overtaking the trucking industry! How do we survive? Press "1" on your keypad to tell us how you're preparing!

Happy Independence Day!Let's talk about why the 4th of July is such an important and special American holiday. Plus, listen for the SECRET WORD!Visit: thetruckingauthority.com to enter the CMC 2017 Giveaway!

Join the show! Tuesday, 7PM Eastern!CALL: (563) 999-3001Taking your calls and answering your questions! Also, I will reveal the second secret word for the CMC LIVE Giveaway!Go to thetruckingauthority.com to enter! Today's show is all about you!Press "1" on your keypad to ask a question!

Yes! You heard us right.Trucking With Authority wants to send one lucky listener to the 2017 CMC LIVE for FREE! The event will be held September 17-22, 2017 at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, IA.It will be the BIGGEST, BADDEST trucking education seminar of the year!Here is how we will choose our winner:I will share a SECRET word during each show from now until July 25, 2017.Fill out the form below and enter the secret word to complete your entry.A new word will be given each week giving you up to 5 chances to win! We will draw a winner on Monday July 31, 2017. GOOD LUCK! We look forward to seeing you there!

Today is the beginning of the anual DOT Blitz! Let's discuss that along with everything regulations related. ELD's will definatelty be on the menu for discussion! Your questions and comments are what keep us going, so bring them to the table and let's talk! Press "1" on your keypad at any time to raise your hand and get in the screening room. Don't be shy!

Are you comfortable with recieving money? Can you confidently ask for an amount that you don't think will be accepted? These are common attributes of most people and can come at a huge cost when you're making a sales call or during a negotiation. Why do we think this way, and why is it hurting you? How can we overcome this? Tonight we will discuss this issue and try to figure out how to overcome it!

They say there are a million ways to skin a cat and even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. While those are catchy ways to justify meaningless coincidences, they are not a plan to drive your life or business forward. Tonight we will talk about setting a goal and strategizing a plan to succeed.

On today's show we'll discuss how the simple principals of supply and demand directly affect rates, and how and why those rates fluctuate over time. We will look at available resources to help forcast what to expect in the coming freight market. We'll also look at how competition is affected, not just within the trucking industry, but also the entire transportation industry as a whole.Your calls are always the priority on this show! Press "1" at any time during the call to get the opportunity to share your experiences, ask your questions, or simply add a comment.

Today we're going to look at things from the other side! What do shippers expect from brokers and carriers? How do shippers view the service that carriers provide to them?  You might be surprised! I was fortunate enough to attend the NASSTRAC annual conference here in Orlando, FL a few weeks ago. Rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest shippers and freight brokers in the world was an eye opening experience! Tonight we'll discuss some of the remarkable things I learned.

The ELD Mandate is just aroung the corner! It's time to start looking for way to be comliant. First let's talk about the rule and what it requires, then let's talk about the hundreds of solutions out there! Whether you're in agreement or not, the entire industry only has a little time left to find an ELD solution, so let's help each other find one!Your comments and questions are what this show is all about, so press "1" on your keypad at any time to get on the air!

Let's talk Load Boards!It's hard to get competing companies to gather in one place, but that's exactly what happens at MATS! We were able to have in-depth discussions about the various features and benefits provided by some of the biggest load board companies out there. Where is the future of load boards headed? Who benefits most from the information provided? Most importantly, how can carriers get the most out of load boards to put more money on the bottom line? Today we will discuss and compare some of the most popular load boards and reveal some tips and tricks you can use to seek out better rates. We won't stop there! We will also discuss some of the features brokers take advantage of so you can be prepared in your negotiations!

We are starting to see some rapid changes in the freight market. At times it's changing faster than businesses are adjusting for it. How can we be ready to quote rates based on the market conditions? What factors drive rates higher, and what keeps them steady even when the supply and demand factors should be forcing a change? Let's discuss the current freight market and the rates we are seeing. If you have questions, this is the show to get your answers!

Understanding the relationship between an owner operator and carrier is vital in the success of both parties. Building that relationship on an understanding of the laws surrounding it can allow everyone involved to focus on developing the business. Tonight we will talk about what is required and how it can be beneficial for everyone to form these business bonds.Your questions and comments make this show successful!

Do you always buy the least expensive fuel based on the price posted out front of the truck stops? Do you have a hefty IFTA tax you ay every quarter but don't understand why? We will explain the basics behind how the IFTA tax works and how you can take advantage of it to save money! We will also discuss the differences between IFTA and the various other taxes that some States charge just for passing through!

Do you always buy the least expensive fuel based on the price posted out front of the truck stops? Do you have a hefty IFTA tax you ay every quarter but don't understand why? We will explain the basics behind how the IFTA tax works and how you can take advantage of it to save money! We will also discuss the differences between IFTA and the various other taxes that some States charge just for passing through!

What does it take to make a deal? Do you jump right into haggling over money, or do you practice your negotiation skills? What prompted the customer to call in the first place?

Freight Brokers are an integral link in the supply chain. They offer a service to both shippers and to carriers. While there are many new companies out there trying to "cut out the middleman" and it's always been a drivers dream to get rid of brokers, they provide a human element to the industry that may prove impossible to replace with a computer. Let's discuss the different elements of what a freight broker does. While we're at it, let's look at some of the technology that is aimed at replacing the broker altogether. Is it possible?

After years of driving a truck and focusing on what the fleets have taught you, it's time to break away and run your business! Sometimes we have to focus on the bigger picture and stop focusing on "piece work." We'll discuss what that means and how we can change our thought process in business to further our understanding and more quickly reach our goals!

Are you ready to apply for your motor carrier operating authority? Wonder where to start and what is involved? Tonight join in as we discuss the step-by-step process of applying with FMCSA. We'll also cover everything you need to know to get started hauling freight under your own authority!

You've done your research. You've got your business plan. You've formed your new company. Now it's time to put all of that into action! What do you do first? Where do you start? Where do you find the resources? Where do you find the equipment? How will you get paid? Join us on today's show as we talk about getting started with your new business, setting up operations, and pushing forward toward your goals!

Now that your business plan is laid out, you need to form your new company. Tonight we'll discuss the differences between a Sole Proprietor, an LLC, and a Corporation. There are many myths surrounding the different options you have, but there are important reasons for chosing one over another and we'll cover all of that tonight.  We'll talk about everything from how to choose a good business name to filing the forms with your State.

Tonight will mark the first of a series of episodes to plan and start your new business. For many people, the new year will mark the start of a journey toward a new goal. It's often the best time to start a new venture in business. Tonight we will discuss one of the most important but also most overlooked aspects of starting a new business, creating a proper business plan. Before you do anything else to start your business you should have a detailed business plan in place. How do you create the plan? How do you put the plan in writing? How detailed does the plan need to be? Join us tonight as we answer those questions and more on tonight's show.

BROKER! For many carriers and drivers, that word is synonymous with many expletives. On the other hand, it's a role that many carriers cannot do without. For a shipper, it's a solution to problems that most small carriers can't provide. What does a freight broker really do? How does a freight broker fit into the overall business transaction of logistics? Understanding the bigger picture can help us as carriers solve the problems of our customers. On this show, we will explore the freight broker business model. We'll discuss not just how a freight brokerage operates, but even what it takes to become a broker yourself!

We've all heard about setting goals and staying focused, but are we really focused on the right things? Our businesses can take us in may directions and sometimes those changes in direction also require us to change our focus. Tonight let's discuss how our businesses can improve by taking another look and some areas where we may have lost focus. Press "1" at any time to come on the show and add your comments, suggestions, or to ask your questions!

As we roll into the 4th quarter we have a lot of things to get in order. Getting the office organized for the upcoming year-end obligations is always a high priority. Making sure the trucks, trailers, and other equipment is properly maintained for the season is especially important. Ensuring the safety of your drivers during the winter months and unpredictable weather conditions is of utmost importance. Communicating with your customers to make sure their needs are met during this transition period is also at the top of the list. How can we remember it all, get it done, and still keep our sanity? These are the issues all business owners face this time of year, but as motor carriers the responsibility and importance of getting it all done is exponential! Let's talk about some of the things we need to be mindful of and some tips on how to manage it all efficiently.

IFTA --- Learn how to buy your fuel, save money, and the requirements to file your quarterly returns! One of the most confusing programs in the trucking industry is IFTA. It's the fuel tax system truckers use every time they buy fuel. Understanding how it works can save you a ton of cash at the pump! Understanding the requirements can save you a huge headache when you file! Today we'll talk about some of the systems out there to help you track your mileage and fuel usage. We'll also talk about some of the techniques you can use to take advantage of different tax rates in every State that can put more money in your pocket.

With the turmoil in our country, what steps should you take to make sure that you and the shipment make it to your destination successfully?

There are many obstacles to overcome in the trucking industry. Each of them presents a unique opportunity. Keeping an open mind and seeing when an opportunity presents itself is a trait indicative of a true entrepreneur. Let's discuss the top hurdles we face today and how overcoming them could propel your business forward!

What role do you play in your business? What impact do you have on the industry? How do others interact with your role? Understanding these positions can help you form better plans and be more successful with your iterations with those filling other roles. Let's discuss that concept and everything else trucking related!

A win-win negotiation should have a lot of give and take. Trading concessions from each side of the negotiation for acceptable terms from the other can yield positive terms for everyone. However, once money becomes the topic of the negotiation, it is seldom a give and take of other terms and becomes haggling. People rarely find themselves in a position of win-win negotiating when it comes to haggling. Today we will discuss some tactics that can keep the flow of the negotiation going in your favor!

Sometimes we lose focus on our goals in a negotiation. Too oftern we skip right into haggling for the money. No matter how much training we do, the trucking industry has a way to drag us back into thinking about miles and money. We quickly forget all of the other factors that could add more money to the bottom line, not just today but long into the future. Every time we negotiate on a load we have an opportunity for so much more than just haggling over a few dollars. Today let's review some techniques that can help us all achieve that win-win scenario!

We go into business for many reasons, the biggest being money and freedom. Unfortunately, those take time and effort and too often new business owners throw in the towel before they ever reach their goals. You may ask yourself why. Usually it's because the goals they set were not realistic. Tonight we will talk about goal setting in the trucking industry. Let's be real with ourselves so that we can start to develop a plan to be successful. We can reach our dreams but not if we don't make them happen in reality!

Fix it, fix it right, and fix it right the first time! Those are the few things we expect from a repair shop when we need maintenance done. Unfortunately that's a tall order these days. How can we minimize our down time and find a shop that can keep our wheels turning, and not just his or her wrenches? Tonight we'll discuss some tips and tricks to find a shop that can do the job you need and do it right! We'll welcome any recommendations or tips that you've acquired while out on the road. We'll also discuss some things that you might decide are better to do yourself. A good repair shop can have a huge impact on your bottom line, so it's worth the effort to find that diamond in the rough.

Do you use all of your resources to their maximum potential? Are you fully aware of the resources that you have? Today's show is focused on recognizing the resources available to you and helping you utilize them to their fullest potential. It's too easy to fall into the loop of "just a truck driver," but we all have so much more to offer. Obviously your truck is one major resource that you rely upon for every load, but are you using it to it's maximum potential? What other resources are out there that we can use to help use be successful in our business? Let's discuss the resources we have and some we may not even think about!

"I left money on the table!" That's often the feeling after negotiating with a freight broker. The idea that brokers are taking advantage of the carriers is common in the transportation industry, especially when the market is such that the carrier finds his/herself without much leverage. Like it or not, brokers serve a very important role in the transportation chain which moves hundreds of thousands of loads each year. Without brokers most truckers would be out of business. Without trucks so too would brokers be left without a purpose. Let's discuss the mutual benefits that brokers and carriers have and how those benefits change as the market changes. We'll throw in a few negotiation techniques that may help fatten up your bottom line!

So you went out on your own and finally delivered your first load. Congratulations! Now you need to get paid. What paperwork do you need? Where do you send it? How can you guarantee payment? How long does it take? Someday this process will be second nature, but starting out it can be intimidating. Running your own business completely independent means you have to take on the role of accounting and collections. Don't worry, every business does it so you wont have to reinvent the wheel to make it work. We'll the process of sending invoices, software that may help, and what to do when tough customers try to drag out their payments.

What makes your business stand out? What is the sales pitch you use when you approach your customers? In many cases these questions have the same answer, yet many people canot quickly an instictively answer either of them. A business plan can help! Let's discuss some oppotunities to create a plan and reach the goals you've set out to acheive!

What's the best way to set yourself apart from your competition? Do your job! In a world where everyone expects something for nothing, service providers have gone downhill drastically in the product they sell. What are some ways you can provide quality service and a premium product to your customers? Provide quality service!!! Let's talk about what we as trucking companies can do to provide a better service to our customers and leave the rest of the crowd in the dust! Your calls are what set this show apart from the rest.

PAPERWORK!  How do you handle it? What is required and what happens if you don't do it properly? Tonight we'll discuss the requirements and what you must always keep on file. We'll discuss the regulations and some systems to help you overcome them. How do you keep track of everything? How can it be easier for us all?

Do you have a dream to do great things but can't decide if it's time to start? Do you want to get started in the trucking business but not sure if it's a good time? Are you on the fence about getting your own authority but not sure if you're ready to take the leap? Tonight we'll talk about some techniques you can use to help make these big decisions. While we're at it, we'll take a broad look at the trucking industry today and the trends we're seeing that might help you better understand the decisions you face.

Electronic logging devices. They're coming! Like it or not they've been mandated and will be in every truck by the end of 2017. How can we stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for the mandate? Why are they so unpopular with many drivers? Do we need to rethink our Hours of Service rules? Let's discuss the rules on the horizon and how to get over the hurdle.

Talk to anyone about the history of the trucking industry and one topic will always come up, regulations. Just how does an industry that prides itself on undergoing a huge government period of deregulation have so many regulations? It seems that there is a new regulation proposed every time the government approves a new bill. So how do we stay on top of the regulations and how can we continue to conduct a profitable business when it seems as though "Big Brother" is always looking over our shoulders?

How do you find shippers to work with? Once you find them, how do you get your foot in the door? We'll discuss these issues and more!

Today's show is all about you! Bring your questions and comments and lets share our knowledge of the trucking industry to better our peers and gain some benefit for ourselves while we are at it!How can you be resourceful and set yourself apart from the crowd? What makes you different than every other person with a truck and trailer out there?

Joining us tonight will be Josh Warne and Dudley Boyd of Enoble Business Capital. There are a lot of facts, fiction and rumors surrounding the concept of factoring, and many people are lured into it not aware of everything involved. Let's discuss how factoring works, the different options and types of funding available for your business, and how you can use these options to help your business succeed. We also want to weed out the rumors and bad advice some factoring services use as propaganda. This is always a hot topic on this show and your questions and comments are what will drive us forward! Press "1" on your keypad to get on the air!

As a driver, becoming an owner operator is a big step in building a trucking business. There are boundless opportunities once you take control of the direction of your career. As a carrier, hiring owner operators can open up countless new opportunities. There are many intricacies that everyone should understand in the relationship of the carrier and the owner operator. There are laws that need to be followed, and basic ethical rules that must be adhered to if everyone is on the true path to success. Let's discuss how becoming an owner operator or lease an owner operator can help you take the next step in building a business.

We've all made contracts in our lives. From the time we are young we made promises and agreements to fulfill them. As we go through life those agreements become much more complicated, and the word "Contract" starts to take on a much more fear inducing meaning. In business we encounter new contracts on a seemingly daily basis. Do we always know what we are agreeing to? Let's discuss some of the red flags to watch out for and some simple ways to overcome them. Let's start Trucking with Authority!