Since 2006, OOIDA has presented educational classes for the small business owner and the professional truck driver. It has been OOIDA’s continuous mission to fight for the rights of all truckers through research and education. For a variety of different reasons, a vast majority of businesses fail within the first year of operating. Therefore, if you are thinking about entering the trucking industry, switching from a company driver to an owner-operator, or just desire to be a more successful business person, OOIDA would encourage you to view our free educational classes.
Click the “View” link to view the associated video.

Auth = Running Under your own Authority

Bus = Business Education Classes

Other = General Industry Topics

Lease = Leases to a Motor Carrier

Equip = Equipment related Topics

Class list
ID Title Auth Lease Bus Equip Other
23

Advanced Load Board

Learn from industry experts the secrets of posting and searching, understand the Friday and Monday cycle, identify Triangle Routing opportunities and recognize the difference and advantages or Refreshing a post and setting an Alarm Match. Build on your skills for finding profitable loads.

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22

Basic Load Board

Load boards are a necessary tool for today’s Owner Operator. Learn from industry experts the basics of using load boards to gain a competitive business advantage. Learn how to use Load Boards for finding profitable loads.

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96

CVSA Inspections - Level I, II, and III Inspections

Whether you are new to driving or you have been pulling loads for years, if you are a professional truck driver chances are you are going to get pulled over for a CVSA inspection. Watch a roadside inspection and learn answers to the five most commonly asked questions.

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82

Dealing with the IRS: Negotiating with the IRS

Negotiating for tax relief with the IRS can be a daunting process for most people. Are you sure that applying for an offer in compromise is the right thing to do? Learn from the experts what you should and shouldn’t do when negotiating with the IRS.

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81

Dealing with the IRS: Tax Problems

You can’t avoid taxes…no matter what you do. There are many reasons why people have problems paying their taxes. Learn from the experts on what you can do when you are having tax problems and the IRS is calling.

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47

Driver Health: Nutrition on the Road

Bob Perry, the Truckers Trainer discusses how a driver can make better food choices while on the road to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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63

Drug and Alcohol Testing - Part 1 - Who is Responsible

It seems that the current regulations require a small village of people, each with a different responsibility, to complete the various steps of compliance. This module breaks down the different roles and responsibilities of the driver, motor carrier, DER, MRO, SAP, and drug consortium.

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64

Drug and Alcohol Testing - Part 2 - Understanding the Six Types of Tests

There are 6 different types of test, who takes them and when they are required vary with the circumstances. This session will discuss and explain who, when, and why, as well as the notification and reporting process of each of the 6 types of testing.

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65

Drug and Alcohol Testing - Part 3 - What Drivers are Tested For

It is critical that you understand what you will be tested for, and what will trigger a positive test result. This session will identify what drugs the DOT is testing for, we will discuss the “exemptions for prescription” rule, and what to avoid prior to an Alcohol test.

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66

Drug and Alcohol Testing - Part 4 - Results, Refusals, and Consequences

How and when will you be notified? What are the consequences of trying to cheat the test? What happens if I refuse to take the test? If I make a mistake and end up failing a drug or alcohol test will I ever be able to drive again? Part 4 of this series will answer all of these questions and more.

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12

Financial options when purchasing equipment

Will the purchase of a used trailer improve your bottom line? Are you sure you need a trailer? Do you know what to look out for? In this program an expert in the equipment market will give tips and pointers for finding a trailer that’s right for your operation.

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75

Finding Service when you Breakdown on the Road

This program talks about things a driver can do to prevent a breakdown, the steps he should take to be prepared for when a breakdown occurs, and tips to help hold down costs. Further, we are going to discuss a tool that can be used to find truck service providers near your location.

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26

Making Sure You Get Paid

The options for a driver to recover payment from a carrier, broker and/or shipper are limited. In this program we will discuss the options and steps a driver should take to protect themselves.

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24

Negotiating Rates and Charges

Most owner operators enjoy driving a truck and owning their own business. But these same drivers cringe when it comes to negotiating for freight. Why? Because most of them aren’t prepared to negotiate successfully. Learn from industry experts the secrets of negotiating for profitable rates.

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74

New Entrant Safety Audit Part 1: What is a New Entrant Safety Audit

This program is part 1 in a 5 part series detailing a New Entrant Safety Audit, which is a paperwork audit conducted by the FMCSA. In part 1 we'll explain what a New Entrant Safety Audit is and what you are being audited for.

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28

New Entrant Safety Audit Part 2: The 16 Deadly Sins (1-6)

This program is part 2 in a 5 part series detailing a New Entrant Safety Audit. In part 2 we will continue our conversation by discussing the sixteen deadly sins, specifically sins 1-6, that can cause automatic disqualification of your authority.

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29

New Entrant Safety Audit Part 3: The 16 Deadly Sins (7-16)

This program is part 3 in a 5 part series detailing a New Entrant Safety Audit. In part 3 we will continue our conversation by discussing the sixteen deadly sins, specifically sins 7-16, that can cause automatic disqualification of your authority.

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30

New Entrant Safety Audit Part 4: The 6 Factors

This program is part 4 in a 5 part series detailing a New Entrant Safety Audit. In part 4 we will continue our conversation by discussing the six factors that the auditor will be evaluating.

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31

New Entrant Safety Audit Part 5: The Files Required

This program is part 5 in a 5 part series detailing a New Entrant Safety Audit. In part 5 we will continue our conversation by discussing the files that you will need to have and what needs to be in them.

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11

Purchasing a trailer, new or used?

Will the purchase of a used trailer improve your bottom line? Are you sure you need a trailer? Do you know what to look out for? In this program an expert in the equipment market will give tips and pointers for finding a trailer that’s right for your operation

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10

Purchasing a truck, new or used?

Are you considering the purchase of a new or used truck? Learn what to look for? In this program an expert in the truck market will join us to discuss the ins and outs of finding a truck that’s right for your operation.

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15

Truck Insurance: For Owner-Operator under their own Authority

There are coverages that you are responsible for and there are coverages that the carrier is responsible for providing, and there are also coverages you should consider. This program will discuss the coverages available and more importantly who should pay for them.

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5

Understanding the Costs of Operations

A vast majority of businesses fail in the first year because they cannot control their costs. Thus, this program will help walk you through the different types of costs of operating a trucking business, as well as a how to save and invest, in order for you to operate a successful business.

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95

Affordable Care Act - A Moving Target

Whether you are enrolling in the ACA program for the first time or simply reenrolling, you will find that the rules, regulations and coverages are a moving target. The coverages and costs are changing every year. However, you get to make decisions…every year. Learn how to evaluate your plan.

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88

Affordable Care Act - Open Enrollment

Even though Affordable Care Act has been around since 2014, there is still much confusion about the law. The Open Enrollment Period is a major element of the ACA. Learn why it is so confusing and discover the truth about the penalties for missing the deadline.

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18

Authority: Getting your Broker Authority

There is a difference between an Operating Authority and a Broker Authority. This program will discuss the differences as well as describing how to apply for and secure a broker bond.

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3

Company Driver to a Leased on Owner-Operator - Part 1

FMCSA regulates the leasing agreement between the carrier and the equipment owner. Carriers will often add requirements that are not mandated by these regulations. This program will help you understand your rights and the responsibilities of both parties.

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4

Company Driver to a Leased on Owner-Operator - Part 2

The move from a company driver to a leased-on owner-operator requires that you now make decisions that once were made by your employer. These decisions range from choosing a carrier to understanding to the pros and cons of getting endorsements.

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27

Dealing with A Lease Agreement - Part 1

This program is a continuation of the program “Dealing with a Lease Agreement - Part 1”. In part 2 we will continue our discussion and dissection of the requirements and explain what to look for in the FMCSA regulations, specifically 376.12 – parts G through L

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73

Dealing with A Lease Agreement - Part 2

This program is a continuation of the program “Dealing with a Lease Agreement - Part 1”. In part 2 we will continue our discussion and dissection of the requirements and explain what to look for in the FMCSA regulations, specifically 376.12 – parts G through L

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49

Driver Health: Common Aliments in Trucking

Bob Perry, the Truckers Trainer discusses ailments common in the trucking industry and offers suggestions that a driver can use to avoid the condition or prevent more serious complications.

X View Class
48

Driver Health: Exercise on the Road

Bob Perry, the Truckers Trainer discusses how a driver can maintain a level of fitness by using materials commonly found in a truckers everyday environment.

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36

Hours of Service: 60/70 Hour Rule (or Recapping Your Hours)

This video demonstrates how to track your hours to insure you are not in violation of the 60/70 hour driving regulations.

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20

Law on the Road: Do I Really Need an Attorney

Not all citations require the assistance of an attorney to gain relief … but many do. This program will discuss when it is necessary to go it alone and when you need to seek counsel.

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21

Law on the Road: How court procedures effect your case?

How should you plead? Should you just pay the fine? Do you have to appear in court? What can be negotiated? Can they take your logbook? What if they take your CDL in place of a bond? In this program we will discuss and explain your options in each of these situations.

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72

Law on the Road: What's location got to do with it?

As a small business, you are responsible and accountable for the rules and regulations in every State you drive. There is often a pattern for the tickets that many States choose to enforce. In this program we will look at how location plays a role in the violations and penalties you may receive

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1

Life Style Issues in the Trucking Industry

The turnover rate for trucking companies is over 100% on a regular basis. Life style issues are the primary reason. This program examines the realistic lifestyle issues presented by those who have lived it.

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2

Recruitment ads are designed to attract new drivers, but…

Recruiters and recruitment ads tout the advantages or the various incentives to attract drivers but seldom tell you the whole story. This program will expose the details and possible pitfalls of the various offer

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32

Retreads Part 1: Environmental Benefits to Retreading

This is part 1 of a 4 part video series presented by the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB). In this program you will learn about the positive impact retreading has on the environment.

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33

Retreads Part 2: Retread Plant Tour

This is part 2 of a 4 part video series presented by the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB). In this program, you will take a guided video tour of a modern retread plant.

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34

Retreads Part 3: Retread Tires, Who Uses Them?

This is part 1 of a 4 part video series presented by the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB). In this program you will learn about the positive impact retreading has on the environment.

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35

Retreads Part 4: True Causes of Rubber on the Road

This is part 2 of a 4 part video series presented by the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB). In this program you will learn what really causes those tire treads left on our roads.

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14

Truck Insurance: For Leased-on Owner-Operators

There are coverages that you are responsible for and there are coverages that the carrier is responsible for providing, and there are also coverages you should consider. This program will discuss the coverages available and more importantly who should pay for them.

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97

HOS Overview of the rule

Following a petition for rulemaking in February 2018 by OOIDA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a final rule updating the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations to increase safety on America’s roadways in May 2020. The rule is to give drivers more flexibility within the HOS and more control over deciding when it is safe to drive and when it is not by updating four major parts to the HOS. 1. Short haul 2. Adverse driving 3. 30-minute rest break 4. Split sleeper These rules should help provide truckers with greater flexibility, thereby keeping them safe without hurting their bottom line.

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98

HOS Short Haul Exemption

The Short Haul provision extended the maximum allowable workday for short haul operations from 12 to 14 hours to correspond with the 14-hour limit for those drivers who are not currently under the regulation. It also increased the air-mile radius from 100 to 150 air-miles to align with the ag exemption.

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99

HOS Adverse Driving Condition

The change to the adverse driving provision is intended to make its use more advantageous by allowing the driving window, instead of just driving time, to be increased by two hours. The final rule also modified the definition of “adverse driving” so that the exception may be applied based on the driver’s knowledge of the conditions before being dispatched, rather than just the dispatcher’s knowledge. The definition includes unforeseen traffic conditions, as well as weather conditions.

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100

HOS 30 Minute Rest Break

The new rule retains the 30-minute break requirement, but instead of it having to be off-duty, the driver can now use the break in a variety of ways by allowing on-duty/not driving time to satisfy the break mandate. This includes getting fuel, completing paperwork, making sure the load is secure, and doing an equipment check. The provision was also modified to require the break after eight hours of driving since the last qualifying break, instead of having to take a break after eight hours of on-duty time since the last break.

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101

HOS Split Sleeper

The updated rule allows drivers to break up their sleeper berth into periods of 7 and 3 in addition to 8 and 2. The split could also be 7.5 and 2.5. The key is that the shorter of the two breaks must be a minimum of two hours as long as the two periods equal 10 hours. When the two sleeper periods are paired and total at least 10 hours, neither qualifying period counts against the 14-hour driving window. Additionally, if you take a split and the second period is at least 10 hours, you do not have to deduct the previous duty period. You start with a fresh 14-hour clock.

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102

OOIDA Foundation Cost of operations

Statistics show that 25 percent of new businesses in trucking fail in their first year, and 60 percent fail by their fifth year. So how do you avoid being one of the casualties? The answer is knowing your costs of operations. Without this knowledge, how will you know what you need to earn in order to stay in business. In other words, in order to cover your costs and pay yourself. Controlling your costs is often more profitable than gaining new business. Always remember, "This is no a money made business, it is a money saved business." A business can make money but still fail because their costs are beyond their income.

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103

OOIDA Foundation Cost of Operations #2

Knowing your cost of operations is critical to success. Without it, the possibility of failure within the first five years goes up exponentially every year. Without knowing your cost of operations, you might be subsidizing the broker or shipper, meaning you are paying them to run their freight instead of them paying you.

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104

Global Economy and Your Bottom Line

Total world trade, which comprises nearly half of the global economic activity and is figured by adding exports and imports together, reached $39.7 trillion in 2018. This includes machinery and electronics, fuels, metals, vegetables, food products, and other items. Perhaps more than ever this data suggests that we truly live in a global economy. But what does that mean for the truck driver or owner-operator out on the road today? How does the global economy, comprised of more than 7 billion people and hundreds of countries, impact their cents per mile and thereby their bottom line?

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105

Getting Your Own Authority

Taking that next step to get your own authority is a big decision. While it definitely opens the door for more income and opportunities, it also presents a greater risk for potential failure. Before you make that final decision, it is important to consider some important questions mentioned in this video. Buying a truck is a big responsibility, but getting your own authority is even bigger. 25% of new trucking companies fail within their first year. It is critical for those who are serious about getting their own authority to start off on the right foot.

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106

International Registration Plan (IRP)

Taking that next step to get your own authority is a major decision. While buying a truck is certainly a big responsibility, getting your own operating authority is even bigger and will include various requirements. One of which is the International Registration Plan, or IRP, which is not to be confused with Unified Carrier Registration. For more information on how to obtain your own authority, please check out our other online classes at either our website or YouTube Channel or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Permits and Licensing Department.

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107

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

Taking that next step to get your own authority is a major decision. While buying a truck is certainly a big responsibility, getting your own operating authority is even bigger and will include various requirements. One of which is the International Fuel Tax Agreement or IFTA. IFTA is a cooperative agreement between the lower 48 states and the ten Canadian provinces which allows motor carriers who operate in interstate commerce to pay taxes on their fuel using a single fuel tax license. While there’re some exemptions, if your truck is over 26,000 pounds, you’re required to establish an account with IFTA.

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108

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

The UCR is an interstate agreement which governs the collection and distribution of registration information, such as a carrier’s operating authority and proof of insurance, and generated fees. Though not all states participate in the agreement, all states are required to enforce it. For more information on how to obtain your own authority, please check out our other online classes on our YouTube Channel or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Permits and Licensing Department.

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109

Form 2290 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax)

The 2290 is a federal highway use tax paid to the Internal Revenue Service each year on vehicles operating on public highways with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds and greater. In order to both avoid penalties and be able to register your truck at the DMV, you must pay your road tax and provide proof of payment. For more information on how to obtain your own authority, please check out our YouTube Channel or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Permits and Licensing Department.

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110

SCAC Code

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code or SCAC is a unique two to four letter code used to identify freight carriers in computer systems and shipping documents. This Code is necessary if you plan on hauling certain types of freight, such as military and government loads. It might also be required by some shippers and brokers and if you operate at the ports. For more information on how to obtain your own authority, please check out our other online classes on our YouTube Channel or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Permits and Licensing Department.

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111

Trucking Permits

Depending on where you operate and what you haul, you will be required to obtain the appropriate permits. For example, a few states require that carriers pay an additional tax beyond their IFTA and 2290, called a Weight Distance Tax, for operating on their roads. It is important to be realistic about your scope of operations so that you can both save money and remain complaint out on the road. For more information on how to obtain your own authority, please check out our other online classes on our YouTube Channel or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Permits and Licensing Department.

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112

Intra-state Authority

It is critical to understand the difference between intra-state and inter-state commerce, as the distinction between the two might not be as clear as some may think. It’s vitally important for carriers to verify with each state they plan to operate in what their respective requirements are for intrastate loads. Be realistic about where you plan to run. This will impact your cost of operations, as well as your ability to stay compliant. For more information on how to obtain your own authority, please check out our other online classes on our YouTube Channel or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Permits and Licensing Department.

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113

Fuel Surcharges

In times of economic uncertainty, it’s critical that owner-operators understand what a fuel surcharge is, and how it can benefit them when the cost of diesel fuel goes up. In this video, we are going to talk about: 1. What a fuel surcharge is, 2. How to calculate it, and 3. The advantages of fuel surcharges. To find more information on this topic and to use our Fuel Surcharge Calculator, go to: https://www.ooida.com/trucking-tools/fuel-surcharge-calculator/

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114

Double Brokering

Broker fraud is on the rise. Conservative estimates say that double brokering affects between $500 to $700 million in freight every year. So how do we prevent this? First, let’s start by dispelling some myths about what double-brokering is and what it is not. Sadly, there’s little enforcement when it comes to double-brokering. The best thing you can do is be proactive - protect yourself from it ever happening to you. For more information on broker fraud, check out our other online videos or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Compliance Department.

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115

Broker Fraud

Broker fraud is on the rise. It’s absolutely critical that you read the broker-carrier agreement before you ever sign it and take a load from a broker. There’s little recourse after fraud occurs, so protect yourself by understanding what should and shouldn’t be in the agreement. So, what goes into a good broker-carrier agreement that will protect you? Just ask who, what, when, where, and how questions. For more information on broker fraud, please check out our other online videos or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Business Services Department.

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116

Due Diligence

Broker fraud is on the rise. In a previous video, we walked you through what a good broker-carrier agreement should look like. In this video, we’ll show you how you can do your due diligence to further protect yourself and your business. Don’t rely solely on others to protect your business. That’s your job as an owner-operator. For more information on broker fraud, please check out our other online videos or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Business Services Department.

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117

Phishing and Smishing

Broker fraud is on the rise. A lot of broker and carrier fraud is committed by scammers stealing the identity of legitimate businesses. They will gain access to your personal information, DOT and MC numbers, and even your EIN number. In fact, you may have inadvertently given these scammers that information. You can prevent this from happening to you by recognizing “phishing” and "smishing" messages. In this video, we'll talk about what to look for and what to do if you notice a red flag. For more information on broker fraud, please check out our other online videos or call OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791 and ask for the Business Services Department.

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