How to properly leave a bad owner

jaminjim · Jun 22, 2006

Okay you seasoned vets of trucking, what should themagicoen do to cover himself when returning the truck?

Tennesseahawk · Jun 22, 2006

This all depends on how bad the owner is. If he's taking money from you, I'd get out immediately. If the situation is like themagicoen's give him a week or two notice. But if the owner wants it back immediately, accommodate him. It's his truck, and if he doesn't want to live by the rules HE set, so be it.

Make sure you get back everything you have coming. If you're in NC, and he wants you to dh the truck back to OH immediately, it's HIS fuel, not yours. Make sure he checks the truck out when you drop it off. Don't just leave it, then have him notify you of the broken whatsit when it comes time to pay you. Might be a good idea to get something in writing, stating the truck is in good order.

Don't be arguementative when you drop it off. If the conversation turns such, leave. Don't give him fuel to pennypinch YOUR check, just cause he has the power to. You need to be level-headed until you get your money. Then, if he owes you more, persue it.

mrgoodtude · Jun 22, 2006

Newbies here but I am passionate about doing the right thing and believe in Bad Qwan. Be a person of good will and character and you will be able to sleep at night. Vindication while sweet at the moment only leaves you feeling empty later and has a way of coming full circle. Return his truck clean and in the manner you agreed upon when you started, start anew with a clear consience and embrace a new day with a "good" business partner. We did and are proud of it.
Mike and Cyn

arkjarhead · Jun 22, 2006

I would make sure the truck is spotless when he turns it in. If I were him I would work a notice unless he said no. I would also get a something in writing that says I brought it back. CYB is something to remember in situations like this. Cover Your Butt.

jaminjim · Jun 22, 2006

One of the first things I would do is to wash and clean it then take pictures inside and out with a date stamp on the photo.

Broompilot · Jun 22, 2006

PROTECT YOUR AZZZ... PICTURES AND THEN PHOTOGRAPH A NEWSPAPER AND GET IT STAMPED BY THE U.S. POST OFFICE.... This will go a long way to protect you. PHOTOGRAPH the inside, every inch of the truck, and than ask the owner to sign off on the photos at hand. If he is a jerk he will most likely NOT. Dont let this stop you....

I hate bad owners.... Never had one do not understand there thinking but ignorance is ignorance.

Protect ones credit, save, save, save, and save some more.... Ownership is priceless I AM NO SLAVE TO ANYONE I own PERIOD.... If you must do as others have here your upside down and its a gamble if your gona get the screw driver or the hammer but eliminate the owner and your alot more assured of the hammer........

I apoligize for sounding off as if I am bragging, but I can assure you of one thing I HAVE NOT BEEN SCREWED OVER by owning my own truck. One last thing did you run a back ground check on this so called CROOK? Chances are he has bad credit and a Criminal Record. Collection agencies probably have a file on a no good like this. And so will the local County Clerk if you google is name....

Good LUCK and now wonders why one needs to borrow from the Credit Card companies to stay afloat=CROOKS bad situation gone even worst and the poor guy with no cash gets taken advantage of no difference between credit card companies or one who thinks he is holding the cards to screw one over........

Jack_Berry · Jun 22, 2006

maybe find a local surveyor to do the inspection of the truck. his photos and independant stance will help if it goes to court.

i just had a thought. how is the engine and mechanicals? have them certified also. i don't know much about the inner workings of expediting yet but this guy sounds like he wants to hang you for anything he can find.

Jack Berry

davekc · Jun 22, 2006

Alot of good advice with the pictures. It wouldn't hurt to have it looked at by a third nuetral party if you are anticipating problems.
It is a shame this kind of foolishness has to go on.
I still thing his owner has lost his marbles.

Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

guest · Jun 23, 2006

I would say that if there is bad Karma with you an a owner. Put in your two week notice and let them tell you if they want you to work it out or not. That way your not the bad guy. Now if your driving for someone that is messing with your money and not paying you. I would take there truck back to them and have them sign a paper that they got there truck back they way it was when you got it.

It's just business. Some people are good at it, and some aren't. That's why I tell everyone to put thing's in writing from the start. That way they can't say they didn't tell you that or something. It's all in Black and White. It's just smart business. When an owner sign's a lease with FedEx, Tri-state, Landstar and so on, They all have you sign a lease, that way you know what they exspect from you, and they know what you exspect from them. It should all be the same for Driver's and owner's.

Drive safe

Dave Mayfield
FEDExCC/Roberts Express O/O Since 3/1/1995
C1847,C2045,D3397,D5047

ATeam · Jun 24, 2006

Regarding truck turn-in, here's and idea for both fleet drivers and fleet owners to consider. As part of your agreement, include a truck inspection form and a statement that the driver would sign at pick-up and the owner would sign at turn-in that says "I have had the opportunity to inspect the truck and found it to be in satisfactory condition." Once documented, any disptued items could be specifically (and professionally, hopefully) dealt with. Rental car companies do this all the time. Could not fleet drivers and fleet owners do the same?