Good questions

mouse549

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
To drive for a fleet owner or someone that has a truck leased to an Expediter Co., what are some good questions to ask?
Like what % will I get, who pays for fuel/tolls...etc...
Do these individuals usually have some kind of contract for the driver? Do I have to get my own Health coverage?
Thanx:)
 

RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
These days the common percentage rate appears to be about 60% of the gross,with you paying for fuel plus tolls.I don!t know of anyone who pays for health insurance for their drives as they usually want their drivers to be independent contractors for them.If you are an emploee receivng benefits then they have to pay half of your social security.
Something in plain writing that clearly spells out whats required of you and how you get reimbursed for the trucks maintenance plus other costs born by the owner is a absolute must. I would ask for some type of layover pay if the truck fails on the road and takes more then 24 hours to fix it.Check out Ed Houseworth trucking from this site.He appears to offer a fair deal..Good luck
 

mouse549

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Thanx
I called Housworth and they only work with Teams, is there a company like that that works with Solo drivers?
Mouse
 

Wild Bill

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Retired Expediter
One thing you might want to establish with the owner is the hometime policy. The owner maybe be thinking out a month, month and a half on the road while the driver is thinking 2 weeks out. Getting the issue out in the open can save a shouting match later!

One thing I always forget to ask while in negoiations with a new owner is who pays for the truck washes. Usually the owner will picke them up but its good to have that established from the beginning.

Everyone always remembers the big questions (percentage, tolls, fuel..etc) But in the heat of the discussion the small things slip through the cracks.
 

Fr8 Shaker

Veteran Expediter
When most people talk about expediting, they usually refer to all the bigger companys. ie.fedx, panther, tri-state. but there are alot of smaller local companys also depending where you live. if you know of any in your area you can usually check with them and ask if any of their owner/operators are looking for drivers and they can take your name and #. also it depends how you want to run. you want to be home or live on the road?
just to give you an idea. heres how i'm set up. i work for a local expedite company and drive for an owner. i get 38% of what the truck makes and i have no expenses. he pays all fuel, repairs, truck washes,tolls and anything else the truck needs.the only paper work i have to do for him is mileage reports. I run local and interstate,but i'm home everynight or every other night. (deadhead 99% of the time)but then i'm home for another load. i guess i'm one of the lucky one's. the guy i drive for is great. he gave me a credit card for fuel and all other expenses.the only thing i have to pay is if i go over minutes on my cell phone.

P.S. another way to find a company and get info.is to talk to others drivers on the road. either by C B or at truck stops. Good luck!!!
 

mouse549

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
That sounds like a good deal, because that was my next question.
If I'm just starting, how am I suppose to pay for fuel and tolls which could run $500. or more? I realize I am to prepare for this venture, but if am to be paid 60% of gross, and pay fuel/tolls etc...I would need to start off with at least $1000. in pocket. Does that sound right? Since I won't be paid 2-4 wks aftr beginning driving.
Is this sounding right, someone that has started with a contractor, please help.
I'm doing this to see if I really want to buy my own truck, and find out just how much capital I need.
thanx
Mouse
 

Lawrence

Founder
Staff member
Mouse,

Yes you are correct, you will need start up cash. Hopefully, the carrier the truck is leased to has a Comdata card that will advance you on each load.

Lawrence
Expediters Online.com
 
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