How do I get background on a fleet owner

sweetbillebob · Nov 20, 2007

Just getting into the biz. A manager/driver for a small fleet offered my wife and I a team position. His contract is with Fedex CC. We got our CDL's and are theoretically going to Fedex orientation next week (no conformation as of today). I have yet to talk with the owner, the manager answers his phone but has yet to call me back regarding questions (He says he will call me back but so far, not once). We have received no paperwork from the owner. To say the least, we are concerned.

How can I get some background information on a fleet owner??

RichM · Nov 20, 2007

If you are not comfortable with the relationship now best to end it before it costs you money. A good owner would take the time to work with new drivers and answer any questions plus be there for them.

sweetbillebob · Nov 20, 2007

Would we be passing up an opportunity getting experience with Fedex CC White Glove. We are brand new and might having that experience offset the communication problem?

cheri1122 · Nov 20, 2007

If you have a 'communication problem', what are you going to do when you NEED the owner to respond immediately, such as if the truck breaks down in a major way?
There has to be a level of trust on the part of both parties, and a commensurate living up to the responsibilities of your end - it doesn't sound as if these owners are working too hard, on their end.

terryandrene · Nov 20, 2007

You seem to be between a rock and a hard place. Experienced FedEx Custom Critical White Glove folks earn some of the best money in the business. Note that I said experienced and you may be faced with a lot of negative experience if the owner or his representative is not available to help you along the way. Your current comms problems my be an indicator of future problems.

Keep in mind that most expedite carriers lease owners' vehicles with the expectation that their drivers are capable CDL holding drivers. When you get to orientation, you will be introduced to the FedEx Custom Critical policies and methods of operation. You will not be taught how to maneuver a truck through the streets of New York City, how to properly maintain a truck or it's equipment, properly secure freight, or how to communicate with your owner.

We trust that you have already signed an WRITTEN agreement with the owner that discusses all aspects of your employment with him. How and when you get paid; who pays for what items; how long you are expected to stay 'on the road' before going home; how to obtain repairs; the 27/7 telephone number for advice, particularly during emergencies; etc, etc.

check out this site for more Q & As important to each of you.

http://www.ooida.com/Swimming_sharks/help_list_co_drivers.html

Good Luck

sweetbillebob · Nov 20, 2007

As mentioned in my original post, we have not spoken with the owner directly and we have received no paperwork from him. Fedex has sent us their paperwork but not the owner. I just got off the phone with the manager/driver and he has a hard time getting the owner to return his phone calls and says that is why he has not gotten back with us regarding our questions. And, the truck that was supposed to be available now, is not going to be available for a week or so.
I think I may need some leads on other fleet owners that would be willing to take on a new yet mature/responsible H/W team.

RichM · Nov 20, 2007

As Terry said when you go to W/G Orientation you are only made aware of their policies. They assume you know how to properly load and secure freight. They assume you can do the physical effort required for inside deliveries and pickups. They assume that they will not have to babysit you but that your are experienced and have the know how plus the equipment to do the job.

Frankly I am suprised that they are taking you on with no previous FedexCC track record as they have been badly burned by new individuals coming on board and then having cargo damage claims made against them. Also as with most expediting companys on time performance is a must. There are other individuals who came on with no experience and hit bridges with low clearances etc. The owner must have thought highly of you to get you into W/G as a completely new set of drivers.

Good luck and I hope it works out for you and have a written signed agreement,not a handshake deal.

Dreamer · Nov 20, 2007

sweetbilliebob,
Check the classifieds of this forum. There are many quality fleet owners who respect your time as well.

Dreamer
Forums Administrator

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greg334 · Nov 20, 2007

I may be wrong about this, but didn't someone say sometime ago (and several times) that one should investigate the owner, but provide absolutely no advice on how to really do this other than going to the carrier? Maybe I missed something here but going to the carrier may not be the thing to do because the carrier has nothing to do with the way the owner operates.

Also sweetbillebob, don't take this wrong and it is not personal at all but I feel that if there is an elite service that a company has, they should not cheapen the prestige or the sales pitch by allowing people with no experience to be part of it. I don't see this as a service to the customers when you are dealing with high priced items or special handling and never been in a truck more than a week. I know of a few who were brought on to WG through an owner but I think that is cheating and the owner should not be allowed to put people in there and start out in WG but have to go through the process like the rest of us. Again, this is not directed to you but hope you the best.

davekc · Nov 20, 2007

Not sure I understand the concept of white glove if they put new people in that position. But I am not with Fedex.

I will tell you that if the guy doesn't return calls, it is likely a sign of your future efforts to collect your paycheck.
Or....wait until you have a breakdown.

Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator

arkjarhead · Nov 20, 2007

I have driven for 2 owners. The first one stunk. He wouldn't give me a contract and I should have ran but I didn't. The second one was awesome. He had many trucks. About 20 I think. Leased to different companies, plus he did local pick up and delivery. Anyhow he had a guy that worked with him in the office. They alternated nights and weekends having the office phone transfered to their home and/or cell phone and if you called that number no matter what day or at what time you could get someone. That's the kinda person you need to line yourself with when you are on the road. Plus if you are new to this business you will have even more questions you will need answered. Like if you get a load offer and are not if you should take it or not. The company wants an answer in 15 minutes or they will mark it as a refusal and some companies put you at the bottom of the board after a refusal. Or what if you accept a bad load that the owner wouldn't have wanted you to take, and you took because you couldn't get in touch with him? Then he's mad and your mad because he's mad. You may think I'm pulling stuff out of the sky but it happens. I don't know what your beleifs are, but I beleive sometimes the man upstairs lets things like what you are in happen to save you heartache down the road. Last but not least listen to the advice you get here. I can't think of anyone here that would purposely lead you in the wrong direction, and if they did about 10 people would raise what I like to call the BS flag and call it for what it is.

Suds43 · Nov 22, 2007

Sounds like he'll be a "hands-off" owner also. LIke he is lining up his new drivers.
I'd run!!!!!!!!!
There are plenty of "good", "honest" owners that will help you anyway they can.

Broompilot · Dec 30, 2007

New, White Glove, no owner contact. This equals to there aint no way from what I know about FECC White Glove Division that your going right into it.

Sounds like something way out of order. Who told you this the Manager of the Owner?

Keep looking that process is a climb to get to the top and for good reasons, it is the top of the top from what I am told. I wish you well.