Q:I heard about some new "Form 150" that must be filed. What the heck is this? We don’t need any more paperwork.
A: First of all, I wrote about this a year ago but it seems appropriate that we mention it again. You most likely filled one out a long time ago when you got started in the trucking business. Now, every motor carrier will have to update
it’s MCS-150 identification report to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration every two years, instead of merely filing it once when beginning your business. I can assure you it is a very easy form to fill out.
The FMCSA says keeping this "Form 150" up to date will help them track carrier safety, target inspections and keep up with industry trends. Because carriers tend to move around so much, I think this form is the only way the FMCSA can keep track of them all. And since there are about 4,200 new carriers each month (with a current total of nearly 525,000 carriers) it is a much-needed item.
That was the easy part. The hard part to figure out is when exactly to file. The filing requirement will be phased in according to the last two digits of your US DOT number. If the second to last digit in your DOT number is even, you must file in even years (2002, 2004, etc). If the second to last digit of your DOT number is an odd number, you must file every odd year (2001, 2003, etc). Remember, this form must be filed every other year, either in even or odd years, depending on the second to last digit of your US DOT number. By the way, zero is always considered to be an even number.
Next, determine what month you need to file in by the last digit of your US DOT number. If your DOT number ends in 1, you must file your MCS-150 update by the end of January (that’s this month). If your DOT number ends
in 2, you must file by the end of February. If your DOT number ends in 3, you must file in March and so on respectively, and then once every two years after that. If you haven’t figured it
out, 0 means you must file in October.
So let's look at an example: If your DOT number ended with 55, you would be required to file in May of every odd year (May 2001 would have been your first year, then May 2003, etc). I hope I haven't confused everyone, because it really isn't as bad as it sounds.
WATCH OUT FOR
BLACK ICE
Icy surfaces are tricky! For example, ice at or near the freezing point (wet ice) is far more slippery than cold ice. You need to be alert to changes in temperature, in the areas you are traveling through, that may affect your trucks ability to keep its traction.
Black Ice is probably the most dangerous kind of ice. Black ice only happens under a very specific set of circumstances and it’s usually there before you are aware of it. In order to
form black ice, the temperature must drop so rapidly that water freezes on the road into a smooth, almost invisible, extremely slippery surface. Being alert for the possible formation of black ice is probably the best defense.
On cold days when the roadway is wet, keep your eyes on the spray being thrown off
by other vehicles around you. As long as you can see spray, the road hasn’t frozen over entirely. But if there is a sudden lack of spray from the tires of other vehicles – watch out! Conditions are prime for black ice.
TRUCKER'S RATE MANUAL
Over the years, the NTA has served many small and medium-sized trucking companies across the United States. I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked, “What should I charge?” or “Where can I go to find out what to charge?” Given the large numbers of different types and sizes of trucking businesses, there is no single answer. Setting rates for trucking companies is an even mix of art, science, accounting and strategy.
What the NTA has done is come up with the first edition of a “how to” book so that each of you can come up with your own set of rates called, The How To - Trucker’s Rate Manual. Topics covered in this useful book include where to start and how to handle the situation of being told what the “load pays”. There is also an interesting chapter explaining why there really is no such thing as a "back haul”. This book also addresses the question, "How much should I charge?" by showing you how to figure out your specific rates. Other chapters cover how to implement a fuel surcharge, cash flow, collecting your money, writing contracts and a new cost-per-mile chart.
MORE REASONS TO JOIN THE NTA
The NTA has recently negotiated special long distance rates for its members. There are no sign-up fees, no contracts, and no hidden fees at all. To get your 4.9 cents per minute interstate rate, call 1-866-833-4530. When you call, make sure to mention the NorthAmerican Transportation Association to get this rate. The NTA will also have a prepaid, rechargeable calling card with voice mail available soon.
Another great new benefit available is coast-to-coast road service, 24 hours a day. The NTA now offers free access to North America Fleet Services LLC (NAFS). There is no enrollment fee, no set-up fee, and no annual dues. NAFS offers dependable, web-based, emergency road service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every NTA member is entitled to a 15% discount on any work performed through the NAFS network.
Last but not least, don't forget about the NTA's drug and alcohol program. There's an old saying that you are known by the company you keep. The NTA's drug and alcohol program is the only nationally accredited program from California to Colorado. Remember, you must be an NTA member to take advantage of all these fantastic services. For more details about membership call (562) 630-7637. Until next month, “Drive Safe - Drive mart!“
