Trucker (bidding requirements)

It can sometimes be difficult to break into construction as a trucker, especially as an owner-operator. Building relationships with construction contractors is very important, since ADOT does not contract directly with truckers. It’s important for truckers to regularly market their services because established contractors often have a set of truckers they frequently use.

Attending ADOT sponsored pre-bid meetings, outreach and networking events may be helpful in establishing relationships with prime and subcontractors — See the DBE/Small Business Assistance page for more information about these events sponsored by ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office specifically for DBEs and small businesses.

Getting to know fellow truckers is another important way to get business. Prime contractors for large projects often need to hire many truckers and it is common for several smaller trucking firms to work together to fulfill their needs. If you have a good relationship with other truckers in the area, they may invite you to work with them on occasion. You may also ask them to work with you in order to bid on larger projects.

Finally, truckers often contract with brokers and dispatchers for work. Freight brokers and trucking dispatchers act as intermediaries between clients and truckers, obtaining trucking jobs and distributing them to trucking companies for a commission. 

You must have proper vehicle registration and fuel tax licensing in order to bid on, win, or complete any ADOT projects. You can learn more about those on the Driver Log Books website.

If you operate across state lines, you must get proper authority to do so from the federal government by obtaining an MC number. See the FMCSA website for more information. 

Any contract work not performed by the Contractor is considered a subcontract. This means any agreement (such as sublets, purchase orders, rental agreements) by the Contractor to have another company/party etc. perform contract work on the project is technically a subcontract, written consent of this subcontract is needed prior to beginning work and the subcontract needs to include pertinent provisions and requirements of the Contractor’s contract. 

The Subcontractor Request Form (SRF) is a streamlined online form using DocuSign. This form is used by the contractor and signed by the subcontractor when requesting approval for subcontracts. This form will save time, eliminate excessive paper and ensure the subcontractor receives all the necessary documents. The SRF and instructions are available on the Contractors Information web page. 

A trucking company owner-operator is also considered a subcontractor. When seeking to be hired as an owner-operator or a subcontractor, your process for finding work may be similar to that of other construction subcontractors. See the subcontractor page for more information on how to bid as a subcontractor. When seeking to be hired as an owner-operator, you must contact the contractor in question. In that situation, the contractor essentially leases your truck(s) from you and then hires you (and your team) to drive them. 

Trucking company owner-operators sign the Subcontract Request Form (SRF) certifying that they are a bona fide owner-operator. It is the prime contractor’s responsibility to verify current Commercial Driver’s License and valid registration.