Requirements

Driver Requirements...

To qualify as a TCS owner operator, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

23 years of age
1 year tractor/trailer experience within last 6 months
Class A CDL
Provide a late model tractor
Safe driving record
Pass government required substance abuse test
Pass a DOT physical examination and meet all other DOT requirements
Successful completion of a background investigation
Be able to speak, read and write in the English language
Provide 47 - 49 weeks of in service availability

Additional requirements for qualification may also be imposed. No determination can be made on your eligibility until your qualification paperwork is received and reviewed by TCS representatives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Tractor Specification...

TCS may aid you in the process of obtaining a tractor if you do not currently own one. TCS will assume no financial responsibility for your tractor payments or your qualification for a tractor loan.

If you own your own tractor or plan to provide one from an outside source, it must meet the following specifications:

Tandem axle
TCS prefers that the tractor weigh 18,500 lbs. or less
Tractors must be equipped with a 24-inch sliding fifth wheel, mounted to slide 12 inches ahead of and 12 inches to the rear of center. Our fifth wheel mounting requirements are 47" maximum from the ground
Must be in good mechanical and cosmetic condition and must pass a current DOT inspection at an authorized TCS location. DOT inspections must be done every 6 months

Note: Because of the weight and height of our 53 ft. trailers, the above requirements are very important. Please contact your TCS representative with any exceptions to the above specifications.

Registration and Permits...

The annual costs of the baseplate and Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax are the responsibility of the owner operator. If you already own your baseplate, it must be proportionally registered in the following states: AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, ON, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV.

If you elect to have TCS obtain your baseplate, the tractor will be plated and registered in the name of TCS. The base plate may be paid in one lump sum charged to your commission statement or can be deducted from the commission statement in equal payments not to exceed a 22-week period.

In order for TCS to get your permits and/or baseplate, we will need the following information:

Copy of Title showing you or your company as owner.
Copy of the Bill of Sale
Current DOT Inspection (within the last 30 days) - original copy
2290 or proof of FHVUT payment
Certified tractor weight ticket ( with full fuel tanks)

If you do not supply the proper paperwork, we may not be able to contract with you. Please call FLEET REGISTRATION at 1-800-723-3925 with any questions regarding the above information. This will minimize any delays.

Review of Qualifications...

The Department of Transportation ("DOT") has several requirements that must be met before drivers can be qualified. These requirements set forth minimum qualifications, including a general background and character investigation and a medical examination, which shall include one or more drug and alcohol tests. All drivers seeking independent contractor status with the company must satisfy all DOT requirements as well as TCS policy guidelines.

To ensure accurate records and timely processing of qualification paperwork, all physicals and drug testing will be done in Fort Wayne while you are in orientation. If you have a condition that may affect your ability to pass a DOT physical, work with your personal physician to resolve the problem prior to coming to Fort Wayne. This will prevent any delays in processing you into the fleet.

In addition to the DOT substance abuse guidelines, TCS is subject to several other federal and state laws aimed at insuring a drug-free work place, including regulations under the Department of Defense, and a prohibition by the federal government against drugs and alcohol in the work place. To comply with these laws, TCS has a Drug and Alcohol Policy. Your owner operator status is dependent upon your compliance with federal and state substance laws, and the company's drug-free work place policy that includes testing negative for drugs and alcohol.

Additionally, when seeking an independent contractor relationship, you must consent to the following:

An investigation of all statements contained or communicated in independent contractor certification process
A medical examination, including drug and alcohol tests
To any physician or hospital furnishing any medical information with reference to you as may be necessary for the consideration of your independent contractor request for certification
To an investigation that may be made through interviews with personal references and past employers listed on the request for certification. Further, consent to investigations into your motor vehicle record, character, general reputation, and personal characteristics
Producing certain documentation to verify your identity and United States citizen status or legal authorization to work in the United States
To the release of information pertaining to any felonies or misdemeanors of which you have been convicted or of any pending charges

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