My truck is getting close to being paid off. No, it won't be in the next couple of months, but after several years of hard work, I'm down to a year left. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The company I'm leased onto has been very good about helping me to maintain it. At $45/hr, shop rates are not bad. It's been a good place to be. Running on percentage, the load rates haven't been the greatest, but not bad... Until the last few months. The rates got cheaper, and I talked to the owner about it. Then they got cheaper yet. Of course, ELECTION YEAR.

Well, yesterday, they gave me a load that does not cover expenses. The loads going out still pay the same per loaded mile, but shorter miles. The back-hauls are the problem. To run this load, I have to take money out of my pocket (that I've made on the previous load).

Now, I find out that two of the O/O that were here are gone, and their trucks are still here. The owner's brother owns them. They were not able to make their payments and the finance company came looking for them. The owner's brother paid off the balance owed and now owns the trucks. One at $15,000, the other at $12,000. He's "TRUCK HUNGRY", and I just found out that I'm next.

I will deliver this load. Will not leave it anywhere but where it's supposed to go. But instead of picking up another trailer and going after another load, I'm going to bob-tail home. On Monday, it will be signed on with someone else.

There are also 5 other guys that have bought brand new trucks this year. I know, for a fact, that if they are hauling the same freight I am, they will not be able to keep them. Yet, they do not seem to be getting hit with ELECTION YEAR SLOW DOWN. Different load rates for different trucks???

Where I'm going, I will be getting paid by the mile, not percentage. If I run the miles, I get paid the same as someone that is buying a brand new truck. And, if someone is going to book a load that does not pay the expenses, THEY GET TO EAT IT.

Good decision man. Going into the negative on the load? No thanks. Sounds like the guy you are running with now is a bastard. Hope the new company works better with you.

C'mon back up thisaway and lease on with Packerland.
Actually you wouldn't have to live up here to do that-Check em out and see what they've got to say to you-Forgot the guys name though but they'll get your through to the right person.

Good idea to leave. He does sound TRUCK HUNGRY. It's a shame how greed controls so many people, and to the loss of honest hard working people. BOL with the new company.

I always thought that percentage pay for a lease operator was an open door for the company to screw you with "take it or leave it" low paying loads.

Not all-Packerland hauls Smithson Meats and also Cheese.
Most are pretty happy there.

Packerland...talk with Brian Kaphaem...I think the spelling is correct.

that name sounds familiar-He's been there forever no?

Dunno how long he's been there...I spoke with him once last year. Nice guy, seems like a good company to consider for leasing tho I am not familiar with where rates are now.

been awhile since I talked with them-There's quite a few O/O's for them in your area.