Small Business Idea: Data Verification Specialist

Layoffs and job losses are increasing so quickly in our current economy. Transportation related jobs remain strong. A Data Verification Specialist can offer support to drivers who need or want help improving their documentation choices.

This is an idea I developed while my husband was working as truck driver. When he submitted his receipts in for reimbursement and his log sheets in for payment he was told logs were missing. Receipts were often not reimbursed in any way. When he called the companies to ask about the receipts they simply said they did not know what he was talking about. He had no proof of the amount owed to him through receipts because the companies he worked for had required that he turn in the original receipts.

This went on as he moved from one trucking company to the next. It was simply a repeating theme with the companies he worked for.

I put together an Excel spreadsheet with a box and code number for each type of document that passed through his hands. I named this document "Data Verification Log". A copy of the DVL and all of the documents would then be scanned and compiled for delivery to the trucking company.

The top of each sheet in the Data Verification Log contained the names and codes of the documents normally processed.

The bottom half of the Data Verification Log contained a column for document titles, the document date, and additional document description. One example of how to fill in the form: Fuel Receipt: Code 1 / date on receipt / number of gallons of fuel. This line would be followed by a description of the next document in the packet. For example: Straight Bill of Lading: Code 3 / date / name of person who signed to accept delivery of shipment.

So right now you are probably wondering how this description of how I organized my husbands trucking documents could possibly be a business idea.

The problems my husband ran into (with trucking companies shorting him on pay) were not isolated to one trucking company. The problems went on and on as he moved from one company to the next. I am not questioning the ethics of the trucking companies he worked for. This simply leads me to the conclusion that there are probably other drivers with documentation problems. For that matter, anyone in any field can run into documentation problems.

Data Verification would be easy to do on-site at truck stops if you have a laptop and portable equipment. Setting up an office would be another option.

A Data Verification Specialist could set up a business with a reasonably low investment. Many people already have the equipment needed. A computer with a spreadsheet program installed, a printer, and a scanner are the main things needed. Basic office supplies would represent another small investment. Paper clips, paper, business cards, rewriteable disks or flash strips (cost absorbed by drivers who would get to keep the disk or strip) and large envelopes would be must-have items.

Finally, don't forget Uncle Sam. Check with your state and county departments of taxation - you might be able to access them through the SBA or SCORE or your state's website. You don't want to get yourself into trouble over taxes so check out your local laws before you start your DVS business. Getting a Notary license would also increase the value of your documentation work. A Signed, notarized document packet presents an official appearance as well as giving customers the documentation proof they are paying you to provide.