> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tread.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Vendors > Add the third-party hauling companies you dispatch to. ## What you'll do Add every Vendor — an account you send dispatches to, instead of assigning your own [Driver](/onboarding/master-data/drivers). That covers brokers, outside haulers, and Owner-Operators (O\&Os). ## Before you start * A vendor list with company name, address, primary contact name, email, and mobile phone. * Decide which vendors are O\&Os — an O\&O is a Vendor with a single Driver, dispatched directly as a Shared Driver. * Vendor addresses are required if you want them to appear on PDF settlement statements. ## Walkthrough Open **Settings → Vendors** and click **Create Account**. The Account Type is set to **Vendor**. If the vendor already runs Tread, use **Connect** instead — see [Connected Ecosystem](/concepts/connected-ecosystem). The Create Account dialog with account details and the primary account contact Fill in the **Account Name**, address, and — if you export to accounting — the **External ID** and **Accounting ID**. Accuracy matters here: this data prints on settlement statements and exports to accounting. Pick **Broker**, **Contractor**, **Hauler**, **Owner Operator**, or **Producer**. Pick **Owner Operator** for a single-Driver vendor you dispatch directly — the form says it plainly: "Select O\&O to direct dispatch." Two Vendor Settings live here too: restrict the vendor's equipment options for dispatch, and allow the vendor to split jobs. Account Configuration with Account Type Vendor, Company Type Owner Operator, and the Vendor Settings toggles Enter the contact's name and pick an **Invite Type** (Email or SMS). If the account is connected, this contact is invited to Tread as a User — use a real email or mobile number. From [Equipment](/onboarding/master-data/equipment), share each truck the vendor runs to their company. They see it, you keep ownership. ## Verify Settings → Vendors lists every hauler with its compliance status. Open one — the account shows the contact you entered, and any shared equipment appears under their fleet. ## Common mistakes **Adding subhauler drivers as drivers on your own roster.** Drivers who work for a vendor belong on the vendor's company, not yours. If you add them as your drivers, dispatch boards mis-attribute hours and settlements pay the wrong party. Vendor adoption takes about four weeks. Set expectations early and stay firm on the requirement.