NASTC to train authority holders new to business

The Trucker News Services

2/22/2008

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) has announced the organization will begin a monthly program to train new authority holders and new entrants in the long-haul trucking arena on how to survive and grow as a small start-up company.

The first program will begin in April and be held at the new NASTC Training Center in Gallatin, Tenn., on the third Friday of each month starting April 18.

This program is designed to go beyond simple FMCSA compliance issues and delve into all facets of the difficult challenges facing a start-up company.

Areas of concentration will include:

• Safety and compliance

• Drug and alcohol testing

• Cash flow

• Insurance

• Tractor and trailer maintenance

• Fuel management

• Affordable and effective use of technology

• Financing your venture

• Growth management

• Accounting

• Legal issues and contracts

• Cost per mile, lane analysis , daily management data

• Finding and keeping good drivers

“New entrant companies have a remarkable failure rate,” NASTC President David Owen said.  “Because of this, most suppliers, vendors and business consultants can’t afford to successfully go after this market segment.  As a result, all new entrants pay a premium for everything they need to start their company.  Because of lack of credit history, safety history, and size, the insurance companies, regulatory agencies, and financial institutions have little interest in helping these carriers.”

Owen noted NASTC specialized in helping small trucking companies.

“Helping these new entrants survive and prosper is foremost in NASTC’s best interest,” Owen said.  “I truly believe that anyone who goes through our one-day course will infinitely improve his chance of survival, his operating ratio, his bottom line, and his safety rating.”

For more information on how to reserve a place in April’s initial class, call (800) 264-8580 and ask for Hunter.