General FAQ


Many times, AAI receives questions from members that are of interest to others. We are posting them here for your convenience.

I understand AAI sells many products and forms that can help keep our company organized. Do you have a list of these products and forms?

A complete list of products and forms that AAI sells is located here. Please call the AAI office at 800/383-1682 if you have any questions about these items or if you would like to order.

Who is Self-Employed and who is an Independent Contractor?

If you are in business for yourself, carry on a trade or business as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor, you generally would consider yourself as a self-employed individual.

You are an independent contractor if the person for whom you perform services for has only the right to control or direct the result of your work, not what will be done, or how it will be done. For more information please go to: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=115045,00.html

What Are We To Tax?

Iowa Sales and Use Tax Ag-Chemical Dealers, Cooperatives, Elevators, Fertilizer Dealers For more information please go to: http://www.state.ia.us/tax/educate/78636.html

{mospagebreak} 

What do I do with my annual Motor Vehicle Reports?

If you have Driver Qualification files for drivers operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle that you have to obtain a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).

Did you know that in addition to obtaining the MVRs, you must annually review the driving record of each driver to determine whether that driver meets minimum safe driving requirements or is disqualified to drive a CMV? Review each drivers evidence of violations and accidents. Give great weight to violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, and operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, that indicates that the driver has exhibited a disregard for the safety of the public.

This “Annual Violation Review” must be formally documented and placed in the DQ file.

Annual Violation Review – you must keep 3 years of reviews on file. In the April 21, 2006 Regulatory Update it said, “Again, throw away the last year’s Annual Violation Review and file the new ones in each driver’s DQ file.”

A driver qualification file must be retained for as long as a driver is employed plus 3 additional years after. After 3 years from the date of execution, the following records can be removed from the driver’s file (meaning you have to keep 3 years worth of these records):
• Annual Violation Reviews
• MVR
• Annual list or certificate of traffic violations
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Any letter granting a waiver of a physical disqualification

The remaining driver qualification file items must always remain in the file:
• Application for employment
• Previous employer inquiries
• Road test and certificate or copy of drivers license

There are some exemptions and exceptions to qualification issues and record keeping at both the federal and state levels.
Sources:
Subpart F — Files and Records, §391.51 General requirements for driver qualification files Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa Truck Information Guide, page 49

{mospagebreak} 

When do I need a Slow Moving Vehicle Sign?

Click here for the answer, or locate the SMV or no SMV pdf on our NH3 page. You must be logged in to view this.

What must I keep in my Driver Qualification File?

A driver qualification file must be retained for as long as a driver is employed plus 3 additional years after. After 3 years from the date of execution, the following records can be removed from the driver’s file (meaning you have to keep 3 years worth of these records):
• Annual Violation Reviews
• MVR
• Annual list or certificate of traffic violations
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Any letter granting a waiver of a physical disqualification

The remaining driver qualification file items must always remain in the file:
• Application for employment
• Previous employer inquiries
• Road test and certificate or copy of drivers license

There are some exemptions and exceptions to qualification issues and record keeping at both the federal and state levels.
Sources:Subpart F — Files and Records, §391.51 General requirements for driver qualification files Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa Truck Information Guide, page 49

{mospagebreak} 

What are the requirements for Nurse Tank Markings and Safety Equipment?

Nurse Tank Markings and Safety Equipment
• Tank must be painted white or silver
• The words “ANHYDROUS AMMONIA” at least 2” tall on 4 sides
• The words ”INHALATION HAZARD” at least 2” tall on 2 sides
• Non-flammable gas placard, Division 2.2 on all 4 sides
• Identification Number “1005” on the placard on all 4 sides
• 5 gallons of clean water attached to the nurse tank
• Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign on rear only of tank
Some states will have additional or slight variations of marking requirements.