Truck Driving Jobs

Rhino · #1 11-18-2010, 01:54 AM

I wouldn't call myself a new driver, but compared to some of you guys I might be. I was OTR for a while then local heavy haul flatbed driver for 3 years, till the lay off then company closure. I've been a full time student at a local College for the past 1.5 years. We are now in a situation that calls for me to go back OTR so my wife can finish her last 3 quarters.
Now I have a pretty sweet offer from a local O/O. I would be driving a nice truck, have a three state driving radius, great pay. The load will be a reefer unit filled with Kroger products to be taken to the stores in Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan. I'd go anywhere from one to three stops and back to Columbus every night empty. Since my pay is based on a percentage after fuel, I wouldn't want to make the 1.5 hour trip home every night. So even though I could be home every night, I probably won't be.
Now the bad: as far as I know, he doesn't offer any kind of insurance. Being a married father of 3, that's a big deal. He also doesn't hold out any taxes, I'd be responsible for that. Those are my concerns. I was told that Averitt would be calling me for a phone interview, but I haven't heard from them yet. I hear only good things about Averitt: home weekends, good pay, full benefits, but I like the thought of having a dedicated route and guaranteed home time.

GMAN · #2 11-18-2010, 02:09 AM

More and more companies are not offering insurance to employees. Those who do are passing more of the costs along to the employee. When you stop to think about the taxes, it should be each of our responsibility to pay our own taxes. If you want to go to work for the owner operator and be home each night, just take a percentage of your pay out to pay the taxes and that is all you need to do. At the end of they year you will have your taxes ready to pay. You will pay the taxes either way. Your employer will take them out of your check or you can take them out. The only difference is that the employer will pay half of your social security if they take out for taxes. That amounts to about 7 1/2%. You can find insurance without going through an employer. I have looked at several programs the last few months. Prices can vary quite a bit. You need to ask yourself what you really want to do. Percentage pay offers more opportunity for a bigger paycheck. I don't recall hearing anything negative about Averitt. They are pretty rigid about their driver's appearance.

Rhino · #3 11-18-2010, 10:57 AM

I wonder what family insurance would even run per month? I wouldn't want a huge plan: vision, dental, health.

chris1 · #4 11-18-2010, 12:08 PM

You will have no un-employment,no workmans comp(maybe a cheap occ ins that pays little)any credit you try to get will be as if you're self-employed. 1099's for drivers are used by so called "employers" to avoid payroll taxes. Think of all everything else they will try to avoid paying.

freebirdrfd · #5 11-18-2010, 05:21 PM

No 401k, No paid vacation, You will have nothing but a pay check.

Rhino · #6 11-18-2010, 05:51 PM

Just got off the phone, they are offering insurance, but it's not cheap.

Rev. · #7 11-18-2010, 06:50 PM

This isn't legal.

Fredog · #8 11-18-2010, 07:16 PM

yes it is

freebirdrfd · #9 11-18-2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev.

This isn't legal.

Yes it is. He would be a contracted employee. It's a shame what companies try to do knowing that there are desperate people out here looking for work. :smokin:

Rhino · #10 11-18-2010, 10:47 PM

Its not the only job offer I have to choose from , just one I wish could work to my advantage.