QuestionMy dad has a small trucking company. He drives and has one more truck under him. He is wanting to lease on 4 more trucks within the next few months. He wants me to work for him in his office and pretty much do everything there is to do. He has a wife now that is running the other 2 trucks from their semi. How hard is this going to be beings I have never worked in this industry and I really don't know to much about all this? Also, is there something I should be doing to prepare to take all this on and learn about how things work such as getting loads, miles, fuel tax report, accounts payable and receivable? Any information would help. Thanks so much!
AnswerHi Liz... Thanks for the question. I can only answer in very general terms because I have very little specific information about your father's motor carrier operation or your background and training beyond what you've briefly stated.
First of all, it would appear you would be assuming significant responsibilities as a top level management position in the operation of a motor carrier business. What you've described is an extremely challenging and multi faceted task, even for a small trucking company operation. It requires a strong background and various skills in so many different areas. For instance, just the files and record keeping of a motor carrier company is complex within itself. The company file and record requirements are dictated by FMCSA regulations and are subject to being audited at any time. Failure to maintain accurate and current records can result in penalties including fines and other punitive measures. The financial records are similar to many other types of businesses in terms of billing, maintaining accounts receivable records, and expense records, however there are several unique requirements for tax (i.e. IFTA) and legal purposes. Finding and booking loads must be coordinated with equipment schedules and routes. That is a discipline that alone requires a lot of skill obtained from either formal training courses or time on the job. This business is complicated and not only requires extensive business management ability, it also demands a working knowledge of the regulatory and statutory aspects to do it correctly and legally. There are several formal training courses available for motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, dispatchers, and other aspects of the industry. All may be of benefit, but none alone will totally prepare you to assume a major management role in a motor carrier business. Much of that must be learned by working for a successful operating carrier to gain the knowledge through experience and exposure.
I certainly don't want to discourage you, but until you have gained some experience and knowledge by working in the trucking business, you're not going to be prepared to successfully take on such a vast and varied array of tasks.
I apologize for being so blunt, but I'd prefer to be honest with you than paint an inaccurate picture. The job you described is far more than a simple and basic "office management" position and should not be entered in to without proper preparation in terms of skills, knowledge, and demonstrated abilities.
I do wish I could be more constructive and optimistic.... and I do sincerely wish you the best of luck. Please feel free to ask any specific questions that I may be able to answer for you. I'll be happy to attempt to help in any way I can.
...Don
