Truck Driving Jobs

Kevin0915 · #1 06-16-2009, 01:11 PM

I was thru our terminal in Richmond the other day, and while doing a load of laundry, i saw an ad for a guy looking for a team or solo driver to drive his 2009 T-2000. I thought about calling him up to ask for the particulars, but wanted to ask for (GOOD) opinions regarding driving someones truck leased on to the same company??

I would like to think the pay would be a little better, and maybe the miles, but who knows.

sgreer78 · #2 06-16-2009, 10:52 PM

Then you have to hope he/she actually pays you, you probably get no benefits, and you'll be pushed harder than any dispatcher would ever think about pushing you....all to make someone else money. Stick to driving the company truck and be glad you have steady income.

mike3fan · #3 06-17-2009, 12:57 AM

I have worked for 4 different O/O's leased on to various companies such as Landstar and Jones Motor, I liked working for them better than being a straight company driver. I was basically my own boss getting my own loads and dealing with the agents just like a O/O myself. My pay was always based on a percentage and this is the only way I think it works.

Look I'm gonna be blunt with you I don't see how anyone can make it at Swift as a O/O, so I surely don't think you could put a driver in a truck and pay him a decent wage and make any profit. Now this may not mean anything to you cause all your looking for is a better paying job, but what happens in 6 mos. when he no longer makes his payments and loses his truck?

Kevin 8 mos. or whatever it is that you have isn't nearly enough time to get your head wrapped around all the things you should look for in a new job or truck ownership at this time. I still suggest getting your 2 years in without changing jobs, and keep your eyes open and keep talking to other drivers and make your next move with a well informed perspective. There really is no shortcuts in this deal, many have tried all the things you have asked on this forum and almost all find that it doesn't work out like they think it will. Getting experience at the expense of others (company driver) and taking it slow will be the best shot at making it successfully.

Windwalker · #4 06-17-2009, 10:43 AM

I've heard a number of horror stories about driving for an O/O, that is leased onto a company. Some will pay you and be very straight with you. But there is also the flip-side of the coin. I've heard guys complain that they weren't paid for a couple of weeks at a time.

You need a few years and a bit more savy before you dip your big toe into that one.

dobry4u · #5 06-17-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windwalker

I've heard a number of horror stories about driving for an O/O, that is leased onto a company. Some will pay you and be very straight with you. But there is also the flip-side of the coin. I've heard guys complain that they weren't paid for a couple of weeks at a time.

I know a Swift O/O that cheats his drivers every chance he can. I hope you get some references if you chose to do this.

dle · #6 06-17-2009, 12:53 PM

Have you ever wondered why you keep seeing those little flyers all over the terminals?

From what I've been able to find out
These shafters, bought or leased the trucks, they need warm bodies to drive them. The last person they were successful in conning into it - found out what crooks they were and left. Out of about 15 'owners" that I talked to or about only 3 were working out.

To get on with one of these people you will loose your company driver status (Hello your insurance benefits will be gone) you will have to pay your taxes (Hello your a Small Business Owner). You will have to qualify to be a Lease/Operator.

Wait at least a year. Start thinking like a bussiness owner and analyze what it would be like to be an L/O. Drop what all of these L/O say about how much money they are making. put the numbers into a spreadsheet and figure out what you will get in the end.

Syncrosonix · #7 06-17-2009, 04:23 PM

most of those jerk-offs don't pay their drivers. one of my friends is still owed $4900, and the truck he was driving had been repossessed. oh yeah, you'll end up having to pay back your student loan because you'll lose your "company driver" status.

Jackrabbit379 · #8 06-17-2009, 06:28 PM

If you want to drive for an owner operator, I would go with someone that you know. That's if you know anyone who owns their own truck.

ordinaryguy · #9 06-17-2009, 11:23 PM

say goodbye to your student loan repayments and your health insurance more than likely...hopefully you have a good back, because you might be bending over for it heh

Kevin0915 · #10 06-18-2009, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ordinaryguy

say goodbye to your student loan repayments and your health insurance more than likely...hopefully you have a good back, because you might be bending over for it heh

well, not to mention that i'm on the accelerated pay program (whatever that means)....but i'm paid in a timely fashion. It wouldn't go well if i ran 3,000 miles, only got paid for 2,000, only because there was a problem with paperwork on the other 1,000. and having to wonder if my next paycheck would 'catch me up' would get a little irritating after while.

but as far as the student loan thing goes, i would only owe $37.50 for each week up to the 13 month date. I really dont care to have 100% of my schooling paid for by Swift. I want to meet the 13 month 'break even' date, and then move on.