The Owner-Operator's Business Assn. Of Canada (OBAC) has launched its Contract Advisory Service for owner-operators.

OBAC says the service will provide an unbiased review of any for-hire or private carrier contract, allowing the owner-operator client to make a more informed decision regarding a carrier before signing a contract that doesn't suit his or her needs.
"A service like this can help the owner-operator in several ways," says Leo Van Tuyl, OBAC's executive director. "Using the client's own cost figures, we can determine if the carrier's revenue package will be sufficient to meet their needs. We can also point out clauses that might prove troublesome in the future."
The principal advantage to this service, says Van Tuyl, is that it will reveal any potential problems with the contract before the owner-operator gets into a situation with a much more expensive remedy.
"We recognize that switching carriers can cost an owner-operator up to $10,000 when accounting for downtime, paint, license fees, etc. A modest investment at the outset can save owner-operators thousands in the future."
The review will consist of a ranking of the items contained in the contract in regards to OBAC's recently produced Carrier/Owner-Operator Contract Guidelines. Clients will fax or email a copy of the contract to OBAC, which will conduct the review and report the findings back to the client within two business days. The fee, per consultation, for OBAC members is $75 ($100 for nonmembers).
For more information, visit the OBAC web site and click on the resources section, then "Contract Guidelines." A full description of the Contract Advisory Service can be found on the OBAC web site as well, or by contacting Van Tuyl at 26-200 Fitch St. , Welland, Ont. L3C 4V9.
Or call (888) 794-9990. The web address is www.obac.ca.