Gman, for the 3 years I have been on this site I have monitored your posts probably more than anyone elses (no offence to anyone else out there). You seem to have this amazing abilty to keep your cool and just lay the facts out no matter what the situation, and I have learned several things from you... one in particular is to buy with your brain and not your ego. If I buy a truck (and the doubts and the butterflies get thicker and thicker the closer I get to that, and I hate to sound like a 37 year old child, but I have to be honest... I'm scared), but if I buy a truck I dont care what the name on the side is. I dont care how long the hood is, I dont even care if its a cabover! The truck I want is one that starts and runs and goes down the road when I need it to, and gets decent fuel mileage.... period!
I called Jacobson today and they said when I get my truck bring it to Iowa (they'll pay up to $450 worth of fuel to get me there), they'll put the qualcomm in it, and I'll be rolling. They do not have a restriction on the age of the truck, all it has to do is pass the DOT inspection. If I buy a truck I've got the job. Actually here is the email he sent me after our phone conversation...
Tim
You would have no problem switching over to OO status. Just let me know when you get a truck.
Steve Orenic
Jacobson Companies
800-626-8786
866-287-5799 Fax
Orangetxguy, here is the attachment (it was in .pdf but I just copied it here) he sent with all the O/O info. I know it says "lease plan" but this isnt a lease, they dont offer that. I will be buying the truck from an outside source...
INTRODUCTION & GENERAL INFO
You have contacted us about our Owner Operator Program. We want to let you know the opportunity we have for Owner Operators. We operate 53’ dry van business with primary lanes originating in the Midwest with hauls to the Southeast and Southwest. Jacobson is negotiating new contracts and expanding existing relationships with major US shippers, and we have an immediate need for Independent Contractor Business Partners.
We are working hard to help our Owner Operator Business Partners with the escalating costs of operations, especially when it comes to “Black Gold” diesel fuel. We are negotiating higher charges with our shipper customers in our Fuel Surcharge program, and we pass this on to our Operators 100%. We also have initiated a very aggressive fuel discount program that will rebate up to $100 weekly to the Operator. This can equal $.03 cents/mile.
We also have provided just about everything for the Operator at no expense, including Plates, Permits, Drug Tests, Physical Exam, Direct Deposit, Qualcomm Usage & Installation, and tolls paid in certain areas.
Look this over and call me! We have the business and we can keep you rollin’ with good miles!
Steve
866-402-2887
OWNER OPERATOR LEASE PLAN
Summary of Program Offerings
$1,000 Sign On Bonus – paid in 3 installments
93 Cents Loaded
93 Cents Empty (paid after initial empty 35 miles)
LONGEVITY PAY – ½ ct/mile for first 3 years – One ct/mile after 5, 7 and 10 yrs
FSC PROGRAM –Average up to 62 cts/loaded mile August 2008
FREE BASE PLATES & PERMITS
SAFETY BONUS - $.01/mile paid out semi-annually
FUEL DISCOUNTS – Can add up to $100 week/$.03 per mile
FREE QUALCOMM usage & installation
FREE DIRECT DEPOSIT – actually in your bank on Friday
LOW FEE COMDATA CARD – good for all the fuel you can use and $200 weekly cash with fees generally as low as 35 cents
FREE PASSENGER PROGRAM - age 5+
$25 weekly deduct for fuel taxes – settled at end of quarter
$1000 escrow acct – deducted $50 weekly – Pays 6% Interest
Phys Damage Ins available at great rate, Bobtail is $8.00 deducted weekly
Loads are settled every Friday for paperwork scanned in by Wednesday 12N
Drug testing and Physical exam is free
Stop-off pay is $45 for 1st stop then each added stop pays $60, $85, $120
Handling is paid at $90 – Minimal occurence
Detention paid at $35/hr after 2nd hour – max of $225
Layover is paid at $75 per day after 24 hrs
Log-books are provided and daily logs must be turned in weekly – Logs must be maintained legally & in accordance with current DOT regulations
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Jacobson?
Jacobson (JTC) is a well respected carrier and a very successful part of the Jacobson Companies group, which includes Jacobson Warehouse and Jacobson Logistics. In business since 1967, JTC has a very established customer base primarily set up for drop & hook dry van freight movements. JTC also has a well-maintained late model fleet of 53’ dry van trailers. JTC offers a great settlement and support system for Owner Operators, and the partnership between JTC and it’s Owner Operators has been very successful. JTC is gradually transitioning company trucks into short-haul commitments, leaving the long haul open for the Contractors.
How many miles can I run?
We expect you to be able to haul 2700-3300 mile weekly as a solo. Our commitment to the long-haul market provides you with consistent mileage all year long. Based on being available 48 weeks of a calendar year, our solo owner operators can run 135,000 miles or better, depending on how they like to run and desired home time.
Does JTC have a forced dispatch?
No! We do not have a forced dispatch. Owner operators will never be forced to run to west coast or New York City.
How often will I get home?
Quality home time for every driver is a priority at JTC. Your fleet manager is responsible for getting you home on the day you request to be there. Most of our successful solo owner operators choose to remain available for two to three weeks at a time. Many like to be home every other weekend. Most of our successful team owner operators choose to remain available for three to four weeks at a time. A good rule of thumb to follow is being available 25 days of each month, but we do not dictate home time to you.
Does JTC have a policy on advances?
Yes, you will be able to use the Comdata fuel card for 300 gallons of fuel daily and $200 cash weekly. Teams will be able to get additional fuel and cash.
Does JTC offer Fuel Surcharge?
Yes. We have a FSC Schedule adjusted every Tuesday morning, and does vary depending on the Shipper. This amount is paid at the same time the load is settled with you.
How and when do I get paid?
Drivers are paid every Friday by direct deposit. Statements of earnings are prepared and sent to your home each week, via fax, email or regular mail. The load must be delivered and scanned in to JTC by Wednesday at 12 noon.
Does JTC have an escrow?
Yes. The bond totals $1000 and is payroll deducted at $50 per week until settled. This deduction is eliminated after 20 weeks. This amount earns 6% interest once established.
What types of insurance benefits does JTC offer?
Currently, independent contractors are provided with the option of Physical Damage and Bobtail insurance, to be deducted weekly through settlements. JTC can also provide the driver of the truck with health insurance and occupational accident insurance.
What type of operation does JTC have?
JTC owner operators transport 100% dry van freight for a wide variety of customers. There is no Hazmat and very little handling. JTC incurs all costs of liability insurance and the cargo insurance. JTC provides truckload service across the country hauling general commodities, but tends to “run up and down the middle” with most shipments, including hauls into the Southeast and Texas. West Coast freight is available at your choice.
What does JTC do for driver orientation?
JTC owner operators can attend an over-night orientation at corporate headquarters in Des Moines, IA. The lease is executed and all licensing and permits are provided after drug test results are returned. The driver will have everything needed to be dispatched the next day.
Who pays for fuel taxes?
JTC will file and compile all paperwork related to fuel taxes, but the charges will be the responsibility of the operator. JTC deducts $25 per week, and then settles up for the exact charge at the end of the quarterly period. FHUT 2290 taxes of $550.00/annual are the responsibility of the operator.
DRIVER APPLICATION
Fill out and FAX to
866/287-5799
You can also apply on our website today!
www.drivejtc.com
& click “Employment”
Call Steve 866/402-2887 and let him know you have applied on-line. He will get your application expedited!