Exposing the thieves

350rocket · May 12, 2011

Here's some easy ways to find out if a company is real or if they
recently changed names.
1. check all the phone numbers and addresses on 411.com or
anywho.com by doing a reverse lookup.

2. Find out what county the business is located in. Go to that
county's website under the auditor or recorder section. Type
in the address. It will usually tell you who the property owner
is, the property value and other property/building details
(if you type in what city+state the business is in on a search
engine, websites appear that will say what county it's in)

3. Type in the address on google maps, yahoo maps or
mapquest. Zoom in on the satellite image or 360 view
if available. This will show if the business address is in a
house. Remember though, the maps may not be up to date.

4. Type in the company's name and put the word
COMPLAINTS after it on any search engine. Even a good
company may have a complaint,but what your looking for
is how many complaints.

5. Finally, remember this; most good companies don't need to
advertise for help, especially in this economy. Don't be
fooled by professional looking websites. A good 15 year old
can put one together these days. Hope this info helps.

OntarioVanMan · May 12, 2011

IMO most of the problem "carriers" and I say that lightly..are with the non QC operations.....there`are` a few good ones though...But new entries seem NOT to want to deal with the QC expense and want to run as cheap as possible and they avoid the bigger carriers...because of the way I work, my QC has made me more $$$ in the last 3 months then the yearly costs...

if one comes into this with a 5-10 k van a cell phone and a map and think they'll make biggie money....sorry but they deserve what they get....

hollywood · May 22, 2011

thank you for posting this... I am serious about getting into this I have a nearly new van, a cell phone and a gps system... I have been told with those tools I can make a living... but you say you can't .. I am more inclined to believe you than recruiters.. but my delimia is , I really believe this is something I would be great at and could half enjoy. What is the right way to start. I live in tennessee so I am looking for something near here, is that crazy.. am I barking up the wrong tree. I dont have money to invest, but I have a van already paid for and ready to go...new, confused and hoping

The Enemy · May 22, 2011

hollywood said:
thank you for posting this... I am serious about getting into this I have a nearly new van, a cell phone and a gps system... I dont have money to invest, but I have a van already paid for and ready to go...new, confused and hoping

You say you don't have the money to invest, but with a payed for van, a cell phone and a gps you are ready to go out there and make the big money. Now let me ask you this, trust me its not too far fetched. What happens when the freight goes dry, or you have a major breakdown, or a string of breakdowns, or you have downtime because of an accident. Do you have money set asside in order to be able to recover from the slow time / downtime, or to repair your van, all while still being able to pay your bills on time?

One thing you have to remember, this is a business, so treat it like one, have money reserves. Remember the old saying, you get out what you put in.

BobWolf · May 22, 2011

We all have been screwed at one time or annother.
Keep in mind, A broker can make money in his/her underwear at home with a laptop and a cell phone.

350 Rockett hit on some good some of wich I use.
Ive had good luck at weeding the garden with the following.

Consider investing in your own Motor Carrier authority its not cheap but its worth the investment it says you are ligitimate business and a professional not some fly by night guy.

Decide where you want to cover as your territory so you dont waste time, fuel, and energy chasing work down just to go broke and have working knowlege of the area. Decide also on what kind of freight you want to handle or will not touch at all key is to eventualy specialize your services.

Get the right authority and insurance rember there is no such thing as being over insured. Most brokers will not hire you without one million in liability one hundered thousand in freight regardless of the vehicle you drive. I dont know if I can drop annother companies name but,
I do recomend Comercial Insurance Solutions i'm insured through CIS and find them to be a good shop as they work with expediters. Auto insurance companies are not carrier insurance companies you dont wont to get saddled with a freight claim or be sued.

Get with at least two or three local large freight carriers, brokers, or fowarders who has been in busines for several years and own a minimum of 25 to 50 trucks, and who you can trust to give advice. RE Other carrier reputations, I found if you ask, some not all will give you work contacts when out.
They will most likely have somthing for you to pick up or deliver just make sure you have your authority and insrances in place before taking loads look like a professional.

Customers owning trucks is important because they are aware of what it actualy cost to move freight. A word of caution here as some knuckle heads will try to low ball you politely say no if they can't offer you a decent rate.
Rember, the more freight brokers the better, and dont screw with them or take loads or offer services unless you can deliver you want regular customers and word will spread fast if you screw up.

B.T.W. try to meet them personaly if you can its true that the majority of the human population cannot look somone dirrectly in the eyes and lie. Some can but they are far and few betwene.

Factoring companies that offers creddit checks on brokers are helpfull all businesses have a creddit rating they will either aproove to buy an invoice or turn them down. If they turn the company down all is not lost ask for a com check, t check, etc. Uppon pickup if they dont want to give a quick pay or do not hire you most likely they opperate too close to the vest with thier money or they will rip you off.
Most importantly READ THE CONTRACT AND TRUST YOUR GUT FEELING and dont be affraid to admend contracts into your favor turn down freight that dosent pay what you need to move it.
Learn the word NO and dont be affraid to use it A parked truck will cost you money however an under paid or un paid truck will cost you much more.

NEVER FORGET the first few years will be building your reputation it takes nano-seconds to destroy it.
We all start out working hard, we then learn to work smart as well as hard, eventualy working smart will take over and working hard will be just a favor to your regular customers.

highway star · May 22, 2011

OntarioVanMan said:
.because of the way I work, my QC has made me more $$$ in the last 3 months then the yearly costs...

Inquiring minds want to know... How did it do that?

Turtle · May 22, 2011

highway star said:
Inquiring minds want to know... How did it do that?

This should be interesting. Predictable, but interesting.

hollywood · May 22, 2011

Thank you all for all your help, I have my own business, so I know how to run a company. I was just looking at this as an extra income. I mean its a small company and for 15 years I have paid all my bills with it.. but times are lean and I just want to cover all my bases.... since I drive a lot for myself and have to go all over... I happened on to you guys ... I thought hmmmmmm. So I am trying to research and find out if little ole me will fit in. I appreciate each and everyone of yours time.
Hollywood