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Trucking Resources – How To Write A Contract Agreement – Part One Of Three
Thursday, September 2, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 8:44 PM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, My commitment to my readers is to find good information that will assist you in being successful in the trucking business. I found this article recently on a blog page about entrepreneurial thinking. There is one critical difference between the business owner and the entrepreneur. That difference is replication. I will write about this concept in a future blog (get on my RSS feed to make sure you receive the article). One of the things that make a successful trucking business is a well written contract agreement. Most of us know them as “hauling contracts”. Whatever the name, this basic ingredient makes or breaks your relationship with your customers. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Writing a Contract Agreement
2010 | Jul 14
One of the critical instruments in any transaction, whether between a vendor and a customer, an employer and employee or even two private parties, is the basic contract agreement. For some business owners however, the basic contract agreement isn’t so basic.
Some feel that using a contract is an unnecessary inconvenience. Some feel it could actually cause them to lose an account or agreement. Others fear committing themselves to a poorly written contract or one that is not legally accurate.
When you get down to the heart of it, a contract is simply “an agreement or understanding between two or more entities to perform services.” It provides, above all else, communication and clarity of accountabilities for the parties involved. It establishes a basis for trusting that each will carry out the terms of the agreement.
Until fairly recently it has been the domain of attorneys and legal departments to draft and write up contracts. However, with the advent of authoring software and legal forms websites, this task has been made simpler, less expensive and more readily available to the small business owner. Here are some pointers to help you write a clear, carefully-worded contract if you choose to create your own.
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Trucking Industry News – Smart Spending – Part Two Of Two
Saturday, August 21, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 12:05 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, Yesterday I started a blog on smart spending. Today is Part Two of that blog and it will cover topics about curbing splurges and setting up automatic payments. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Curb The Splurge
Positive, definitive goals make it easier to prioritize every time you’re in a checkout line. Smart spending is often just a matter of conscious spending. if you’re making an impulse purchase, stop and question your motives. Is that trip to the mall a misguided attempt to fend off the midweek blahs? If so, envisioning your long-term goals at the moment may stop you from shopping. Taking a moment to examine your motives not only saves you money, but also prevents buyer’s remorse that often kicks in once you realize you’ve spent unwisely. To paraphrase a shrewd old saying, giving up something of lesser importance for something of greater importance is not a sacrifice, it’s a bargain.
Even more gratifying than curbing your luzuries is cutting your family’s existing expenses by 10 percent. You can often reduce your cell phone or cable bill with just a few quick phone calls or mouse clicks. Switch to more energy-efficient appliances or a programmable thermostat to lower your utility bill. A little creative thinking can help you reach your goals even faster.
Put It On Autopilot
Make it as easy as possible to follow through on your good intentions by setting up automatic payments. Boost your retirement savings by signing up for a higher contribution rate on your 401(k). This year you can invest a maximum of $16,500 if you’re under 50 years old and $22,000 if you’re at least 50.
You can also set up automatic montlhy deposits into your Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA). The 2010 annual limit is $5,000 if you’re under 50 ($6,000 if you’re older). If your goal is to plump your emergency savings, arrange a monthly transfer from your checking account into your savings. Want to pare down a high credit card balance? Set up an automatic monthly payment so you can keep chipping away at it without work or worry. Automatic bill payments will also save you money wasted on late fees and interest rates. It’s just one more way that a little time spent planning now can pay off quickly in savings without much effort or stress at all.
While saving money, your state of mind should be as balanced as the state of your bank account. Embracing the fact that you’re in charge of your financial destiny can make saving feel more like an adventure than a burden.
Trucking Industry News – Smart Spending – Part One Of Two
Friday, August 20, 2010
posted by admin 4:18 PM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, It’s been a couple of weeks since I blogged because of some technical issues. Got the bugs worked out and we’re back on track, or in this case, online! I found a great article about budgeting, in the Geico Direct magazine, Spring/Summer 2010 issue. It will give you some ideas on how to stay in the black whether you’re starting a trucking business or keeping a trucking business solvent. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there.
Smart Spending – by Carla Fried
On the road to your financial goals, you can always adjust the route. Here are some budget tweaks that may just get you to your destination faster. If you think budgeting means denying yourself and living without, think again. Smart spending is about making the money you have work harder to get more out of life, not less. It’s much easier to push your financial plan that few extra yards if you view it as an opportunity rather than a chore. Every dollar you save is another dollar you can put toward your child’s college education, your retirement or that dream anniversary vacation.
Revisit Your Goals
Maybe you already have a plan and can see your financial goals on the horizon. That doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to reach them faster. Start by reviewing your plan and tweaking where you can. Once additional payment a year can knock five years off a 30-year mortgage, saving you a ton in interest. Putting just $100 per month into a savings account with 2-percent interest becomes $6,300 in just five years (savings accounts are a reliable choice in any economy).
Perhaps you can pushc yourself and resolve to add 10 percent more cash to each of the goals on your list over the next year, putting 10 percent more into your 401(k) or credit card payemtns. Make sure it’s a figure you can stick with. The goal is to pare your spending, not put your current life on hold.
Search For Savings
Cant’ imagine how it’s possible to spend and still save? Here are some ways to wring even more out of what you already have. Collect at least six months’ worth of bank and credit card statements (12 months is ideal) and identify every essential transaction, such as gas for the drive to work and the utility bill. Then, evaluate what’s left; those are purchases you chose to make. That doesn’t make them bad purchases, but here’s where you can learn to spend–and yes, indulge–but more strategically.
Pick one nonessential expense that you really love–your season tickets, for example–and keep it. That’s your luxury to enjoy. Now look at the other nonessentials and challenge yourself to either cut them entirely or scale them back. Is your family going out to the movies and dinner every Saturday? Resolve to stay in two Saturdays a month and have a family movie night at home. you can still have fun, just less expensively. If your kids balk at scaling back, maybe it’s a good time to suggest they get a part-time job. You can save more by setting limits on how much of your children’s fun you will bankroll.
Some Tips: 1. Giving up something of lesser importance for something of greater importance is not a sacrifice, it’s a bargain.
2. Unexpected expenses: Life is full of surprises and not all of them are welcome. Maybe it’s a major car repair or an urgent trip to help a friend or relative in need. You can’t avoid every financial setback but you can prepare for them. Aim to set aside at least three to six months of living costs in savings, just in case.
Tomorrow’s blog will conclude with Part Two of today’s article.
Hello, Fellow Drivers, I wanted to take a few moments to talk about getting started in the trucking business. Some of you have commented that now is the best time to get a loan to start a trucking business. While there is nothing wrong with borrowing money, it puts you at the mercy of the lender. For instance, a typical truck and trailer loan will run an average of $2000 to $3000 per month, for about six years, depending on the type of rig and trailer you purchase. That’s a lot of moolah to earn on the road, not to mention the fuel, maintenance and road expenses you also will incur. After owning my own trucking business for over 7 years, my suggestion is to start your business with some cash in the bank. In other words, if you borrow the money for the rig, have three to six months of cash in the bank to run on until you are earning a steady income.
Some of the comments from my readers entail borrowing money against your house, since interest rates are at an all time low (in some cases 3.5%). I have been an entrepreneur for over 20 years and for almost 4 of those I managed a branch office for a major mortgage company. Armed with “insider” knowledge of mortgage loans, my suggestion is to save up cash until you have a 3 to 6 month cushion in the bank (the more months saved the better). Avoid borrowing against your most valued asset, your home. For most hard-working Americans, this is their most valuable asset. Keep it that way by leaving the equity in it. I am also a real estate investor. Before the real estate crash, I was able to purchase over $2 million in properties with no money down. While that made me feel like a big shot, it put me in a leveraged position, leaving me vulnerable to my lenders. I have been fortunate to be able to manage my properties well, but that is not the case with many investors. My suggestion again, is to not leverage yourself to the point of vulnerability. There is an old saying the finance world: CASH IS KING! That saying will always ring true, no matter what the interest rates do. The more liquid you are, the more power and freedom you will have in your business.
Some of you will go ahead and borrow to the hills to get started in a trucking business. You will also be wishing about 12 to 18 months into that leveraged position, when the loads are slim, that you had been more liquid. You will have to stay out on the road until you meet your obligations, whereas if you were more liquid, you could enjoy more down time. It is my wish that this blog has caused my readers to at least pause and think about the cost of debt.
If you would, take some time to read my three-part blog dated 6/5/09, 6/8/09 and 6/9/09 on starting a trucking business. It will give you valuable information about preparing before you venture out as an entrepreneur. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Six Secrets To Success In Your Trucking Business Home Office Part 2 of 2
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 12:05 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, For those of you running a trucking business home office, here is the second part of an interesting article on improving efficiency in a home office. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there.
4. Block Your Time
Designate time for priority activities by blocking it out on your calendar. I commit myself to classes at the gym by putting three on my calendar every week. I don’t schedule phone calls or meetings at those times, so I have no excuses not to go. I schedule calls with people on email and Facebook, instead of playing phone tag so I know when I’ll have time to concentrate on larger projects without the phone being a constant interruption.
I also want one afternoon a week to spend with my family when I do not have to work. I work only a half-day on Fridays to take my family our for a fun time. Friday afternoons are light work days and usually unproductive due to exhaustion. I’m in need of a break, and so is my family. I don’t schedule anything on Friday nights because that’s family time to have a quiet evening at home. Nothing goes on my calendar on Friday after lunch.
5. The Rule Of One
Stick to this rule with yourself and with family members who need your time in one of their activities. I only sit on one non-profit board at a time. I belong to only one book club at a time. I say “No” to things that do not really interest me. No one seems to mind or label me a neglectful parent, and everyone seems very happy to accept my financial contributions and presence when I am able to arrange it.
I keep errands located downtown on the same day (lunch meeting, nail appointment, store return, tailor) so I am only running errands one time per week rather than taking an hour out of my day, every day. If I have a board meeting or lunch with a friend, I schedule no other out-of-the-office time that day. My workout has to be the next day, and my dentist appointment has to be the day after that. That way, I can still be productive for 5-6 hours a day, rather than have any particular day end up a complete waste.
6. Invest In Others
Make an effort to get to know one new person each week. Pick the person who always smiles at your or whom you always say “Hi” to but aren’t quite sure what her name is. Really ask her about herself and take ten minutes to learn her story. She might be the person who ends up inspiring you the most. you might learn that she also takes care of aging parents, or that her husband is overseas, or that she is the marketing director for some huge company. Take inspiration from the stories you hear and remember that we are all busy–it’s about how you handle the buey-ness, and business, of life that matters.
Hopefully you took some tips from this busy entrepreneur that will help you in your trucking business. Remember, be proactive about all aspects of your business and have the courage to look at areas of improvement and make the necessary steps in insuring the changes are made. You will see your trucking business go to new heights because you spent some time and effort toward your success!
Six Secrets To Success In Your Trucking Business Home Office Part 1 of 2
Monday, May 24, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 9:37 PM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, I came across a great article in the May 2010 issue of the Home Business Connection magazine by Ann K. Levine. The magazine is filled mostly with junk ads, but this article seemed to fit those in the trucking business who have a home office. This bit of trucking industry news will hopefully help you run your trucking business home office with greater efficiency. I have condensed the article for time’s sake. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there.
There are six secrets to managing your home office. These tips will help you manage your life in a way that allows you to enjoy what you do. Here are the first three tips.
1. Delegate
Figure out what needs to be done by you and what can be done reasonable well by someone else. I do not need to be the person who returns things to stores and runs to the drug store. I found a great errand-running service that helps me grocery shop and take items to the tailor and dry cleaner when I do no have the time. Find a friend who wants to make extra money that will run some errands for me to free up my time for more important tasks like quarter-end reports.
If you don’t have the money to spend on this kind of help, find a friend who always does Costco or Target runs and ask them to pick up a few things for you and agree to return the favor.
2. Use The Stopper
do you feel like time runs out of your day like water down the bath drain? find the leak and stop it. Evaluate where you are wasting time and just delete it. I used to complain I had no time to get to the gym, but I knew I was spending an hour and a half each day on Facebook and Twitter, and probably another thirty minutes browsing for things I couldn’t afford (or just flat out would never buy) online. I cut myself off from these activities for a week and found I could return and just spend 20 minutes a day on my online activities. Facebook and Twitter are work-related for me, so I can justify that investment. With the “extra” time, I actually make it to Pilates class twice a week.
I also decided–after three seasons of dedication–to forego Grey’s Anatomy so I could have time to read and participate in a book club with a group of dynamic, inspiring women. I’m even considering giving up American Idol this season!
3. Retain Focus
During my busy season with work, I schedule myself according to what I can handle so I can avoid feeling overwhelmed on a daily basis. No more lunches or coffee dates with friends. Unless someone wants to go along on my weekly three-mile fun, my friends know to count me out of thing three months out of the year. I make up for it by taking them out for really nice dinners on their birthdays, and I try to say hello on Facebook– but I make no plans.
I protect my schedule so I can focus on work when I need to be working. I do not schedule routine doctor appointments for me or my family during my busy months. Also, I never schedule workouts or meetings for the non-profit board that I chair on Mondays because I anticipate that I’ll have more emails and phone calls waiting for me after the weekend.
Whether you take one or more of these tips to running a trucking business home office, use them consistently and you will see increased success. Look for Part Two of this article in tomorrow’s blog.
Hello, Fellow Drivers, Some of you are thinking about getting your own trucking authority and going out on your own to earn more money. It’s a worthwhile endeavor but must be entered with wisdom, fore thought, and planning. Below are some frequently asked questions about how to get trucking authority. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
Trucking Authority Questions
Q. What is an MC Number?
A. An MC number is issued by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). It grants the right to commence operations in interstate commerce in the transportation industry. There are several factors involved in obtaining an MC number including a USDOT number, BOC 3 Process Agents, and insurance.
Q. What is a USDOT Number?
A. A USDOT number is issued by the US Department of Transportation. It tracks all your company’s information with the different Federal and State Agencies. A USDOT number does not constitute authority to operate in interstate commerce.
Q. What is a BOC 3 Process Agents?
A process agent is someone who may be serviced with court papers in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier. In order to obtain your authority this requirement must be met.
Q. How much insurance do I need?
A. The Federal Minimums for insurance coverage is: $750,000 Liability and $5,000 Cargo. However, the industry standard and recommended coverage is $1,000,000 Liability and $100,000 Cargo coverage.
Q. How long does it take to get trucking authority?
A. It generally takes a carrier 5 to 7 weeks to obtain all the authority and permits required to operate in Interstate Commerce. There are 2 parts to the process: federal and state. The federal portion generally takes 16 business days to complete and then state permits can take an additional 2 weeks after the federal portion is complete.
Q. How much does it cost to get trucking authority?
To get trucking authority depends upon if you hire a company to do the whole process for you (which can be very expensive) or if you do most of the steps yourself and save yourself a lot of money.
Q. What is UCRA?
A. The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement states that all motor carriers, regulated, exempt and private as well as interstate brokers, Freight Forwarders and leasing companies are subject to the fees under the UCRA. Fees are calculated per company based on the number of commercial motor vehicles it operates. Commercial motor vehicles include the total number of trucks, trailers and power units operated by the company. The table below contains the fee schedule that a company would be subject to based on their fleet size:
| Fleet Size | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | $39 |
| 3-5 | $116 |
| 6-20 | $231 |
| 21-100 | $806 |
| 101-1000 | $3840 |
| over 1000 | $37500 |
Q. What is IRP?
A. The IRP stands for International Registration Plan. This covers the apportioned tags for your tractor. The contiguous 48 states plus Canadian Provinces participate in the program. You must register with your base state and select the states that you wish to operate in the current or coming year. This must be renewed annually and has a prorated annual fee. Only vehicles over 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight participate in the program. The annual fee range is $800 – $2500.
Q. What is IFTA?
A. IFTA stands for International Fuel Tax Agreement. It is a means to pay fuel taxes to the different participating states and provinces by registering and filing quarterly returns with your base state. Only the contiguous 48 states, plus Canadian Provinces and vehicles over 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight participate in this program. Registration for the program is generally free but some states may charge a registration and decal fee that usually costs under $30.
Q. What is Intrastate Authority?
A. Intrastate authority is the right granted by a state to commence for hire trucking operations within the borders of that specific state. If a load’s origin and destination are within the same state then intrastate authority may be required. This generally takes less time to acquire than the interstate authority as only one government agency is required to issue permits. Also a company engaged only in intrastate activities does not need to register with the IFTA or IRP.
Q. What states require special permits?
A. Four states have special permits that are required to operate within their borders. You can register for these permits upfront or acquire trip permits. The states are New York (HUT), Kentucky (KYU Number), New Mexico, & Oregon (File Number). Depending on your operations you should consider registering for some or all of these states as most have a low registration fee of $15 or less per truck.
Q. What is a New Entrant Safety Audit?
A. A New Entrant Safety Audit consists of a review of the carrier’s safety management system conducted by a State or Federal Auditor within the first 18 months of operation. The areas of review may include: Driver Qualifications, Driver Duty Status, Vehicle Maintenance, Accident Register, and testing requirements for Controlled Substances and Alcohol use.
Q. When can I expect a New Entrant Safety Audit?
A. Every new carrier will be audited during the first 18 months of operation (typically within 3-6 months after the carrier is granted their new entrant registration). The safety audits will mainly be conducted on-site at the carrier’s principal place of business. However, some safety audits may be conducted at other locations depending on the circumstances.
Trucking Business Tidbit – Debt is Evil Because… Part 2 of 2
Thursday, March 11, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 12:05 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, Today I want to finish up with this two-part blog about debt. For all the drivers that want to start a trucking business or want to prosper even more in their present trucking business, here are some more tips from Dan Kennedy’s book, “Wealth Attraction For Entrepreneurs”.
Wealth Magnet 19 – Independence
Debt is EVIL because…
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Every dollar you being in is instantly diminished in value by its need to contribute to servicing your debt.
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It compels you to do things you would otherwise not do. Debt produces need. Need is completely counter-productive.
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It leaves you vulnerable to Short-term competitive or marketplace challenges,, economic slumps, aberrant events (e.g. 9/11), etc. that you might otherwise painlessly withstand.
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It is habit-forming. it is easy to get good at juggling debt, comfortable living in debt. You can get so good at survival skills that they are in the way of developing success skills.
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It is a source of worry, anxiety, and frustration that interferes with wealth attractions, productivity , and even physical health.
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It lengthens the time required to get to your Financial Independence Number, sufficient assets and investments that you never need work or earn another dollar for the rest of your life.
Everybody needs to be cautious of need. After all, if you ask most people why they go to work in the morning, they say, “to pay bills.” Very high income people say the same thing. And they are still slaves, just better dressed, because they are working for debt.
Entrepreneurs need to be especially cautious of expanding need by piling on employees, infrastructure, overhead, people, places, and things. bigger is not necessarily better. More gross may not only produce less net but also may move you from master to slave before you realize it.
Whether through debt-reduced or debt-free living, other strategies, psychological techniques, or all of the these things, I can assure you that the less you need the next deal, the next sale, the next client, or the next dollar, the easier it will be to attract all the deals, sales, clients, and dollars you could ever desire or imagine, times ten.
I hope you enjoyed the blog and that you come away with useful information for you trucking business. Remember to be sage out there!
Trucking Business Tidbit – Debt is Evil Because… Part 1 of 2
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 9:34 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, Today I want to cover a practical subject for all of you who want to start a trucking business or who want to prosper in your present trucking business. This comes from a book I keep as a financial shot in the arm when I need to remind myself of the ways wealth comes to me. The book is written by Dan Kennedy and the short title is “Wealth Attraction For Entrepreneurs”. Here is an excerpt from chapter 19.
Wealth Magnet 19 – Independence
Wealth is attracted to wealth, money to money. But because independence is the prime outcome and benefit of wealth, wealth is also attracted to independence. One is as good as the other as a magnet. Consequently, the less you need income, the more opportunities present themselves, the more eager people are to do business with you and pay you money, and the more easily wealth is attracted. The mandates the dimple practice of living beneath your present income so that you can be and stay debt free. … I realize this is very conservative financial advice. … It is again, about attracting wealth more than it is part of a debate about using debt as investment capital. …
Many other financial gurus differ passionately. They would advise, for example, fully mortgaging your home in periods of low interest rates and investing that money in real estate, stocks, or whatever to make the spread and build up assets. I have never gotten comfortable with debt as an asset, with leveraging debt into more debt. … I also find that leverage-the-debt advice often comes from people who earn commissions selling investments. However, right now, this about that debate. The debate ignores and omits the psychology of attracting wealth by feeling wealthy at your core (not indebted) and by feeling and being independent.
Debt doesn’t just enslave through compound interest reversed. It enslaves by imposition, by telling you that you should do work you don’t want to do, accept clients or customers you can’t stand, and otherwise compromise every which way because you need money. I insist your objective should be to get to the position of not needing more income, so you can act independently, be selective, call your own shots, and be entirely free of actual or felt pressure. What I call “The Independent Position” rolls finances, attitude, reality and emotions, and the conscious and subconscious together, and it is magic.
Tune in tomorrow when we give the REST of the story, as Paul Harvey would say! Be safe out there!
Trucking Authority – The FMCSA To Be Shut Down 3-2-10
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
posted by 18 Wheeler 9:58 AM
Hello, Fellow Drivers, After taking a sabbatical from blogging I am back to keep you informed on the latest developments and information to get trucking authority or to have a successful trucking business. Land Line Magazine recently published this article about the FMCSA. It greatly affects the trucking industry. Enjoy the read and remember to be safe out there!
SPECIAL REPORT: DOT to shut down on Tuesday
Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 – As of Tuesday, March 2, a big chunk of the U.S. Department of Transportation will be shut down temporarily because of a lack of funding. Just how long it lasts will depend on Congress.
The stunning news came Friday after the Senate adjourned without passing legislation to extend surface transportation programs that were set to expire Sunday, Feb. 28.
As a result, 4,000 DOT employees will be at home without pay starting Tuesday, leaving only a skeleton crew to deal with matters of immediate safety.
Affected agencies include the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Transit Authority and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For truckers, the shutdown will bring business such as audits, authority applications, MCS-150 updates and other paperwork issues to a grinding halt.
The shutdown will not immediately affect scale houses, which are run by state law enforcement agencies. However, because FMCSA provides funding to state agencies for commercial vehicle enforcement, the furlough will put reimbursements in jeopardy.
U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, D-MN, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, called an emergency press conference on Friday to shed light on the rare occurrence. The last government shutdown happened in 1995 and 1996 over disagreements about appropriations.
“The shutdown of the federal highway program means that the Federal Highway Administration won’t be able to reimburse states for highway or transit funds,” Oberstar told reporters.
The furlough and lack of funding mean no money from FMCSA to fund state commercial vehicle enforcement.
“None of that will happen because there will be no funding for it, and if there is a furlough on Tuesday there won’t be any personnel available for enforcement action,” Oberstar told Land Line.
Oberstar said the shutdown also affects the stimulus funds to states because there won’t be people in federal offices to process grants. He said some states could lose out because of the inaction.
The Highway Trust Fund has been surviving on a series of short-term extensions since the surface transportation law known as SAFETEA-LU technically expired in September 2009.
The U.S. House and Senate have been under tremendous pressure to extend the provisions of SAFETEA-LU beyond Sunday’s deadline.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, asked his colleagues on Friday to lend unanimous consent to a 30-day extension for highway programs offered by the House, but Sen. Jim Bunning, R-KY, did not consent, citing the fiscal ramifications of the $10 billion cost. Bunning’s threat of filibuster caused Reid to adjourn the Senate on Friday for the weekend. Senators are scheduled to return Tuesday with the matter only baby steps closer to resolution.
Oberstar said Friday that in order to get the DOT back to work as soon as possible, he would lend his support in the House to passing the $15 billion Senate version of jobs legislation, HR2847.
The jobs bill contains a provision for shoring up the Highway Trust Fund through the end of 2010. The House originally wanted the highway extension to last only through Sept. 30 as lawmakers work on a five- or six-year highway bill.
Tune in to Land Line and Land Line Now on Monday for continuing coverage of the shutdown and what it means for other agencies.
– By David Tanner, associate editor
david_tanner@landlinemag.com