Joining the Expediting Industry....

[ATeam]

Having driven for fleet owners before, we had two that delivered trucks to us that required us to immediately clean it and/or go out of service for repairs. While we did not want to believe it at the time, because we had our hopes set on a good working relationship, and because we thought we had a good read on the fleet owners in question, it turned out that there are better fleet owners out there than those two. In both cases, we ended up leaving them behind with a bad taste in our mouths. In both cases, they were trying to put time, effort and expense on the drivers that is their duty to absorb themselves.

A fleet owner that delivers, allows the delivery, or causes the delivery of a non-ready truck to a new team is a fleet owner to immediatly flee. Don't fight with this guy (gal). Drop him like a toilet seat.

I mean it. Run away now. It may take you a while to find a better owner but that time lost when you are in control will be better than time lost when the fleet owner tries to assert control because you are out on the road in his or her truck.

If Panther will not help you get immediately into another fleet owner's truck (povided, of course, that one is available), FedEx Custom Critical is a short drive away, in Green Ohio. If you tell Panther that, they may prove willing to bend their rules in this circumstance.

 

[MikeC]

But sometimes the shoe is on the other foot. Some drivers will refuse to check fluid levels or change a simple bulb or they might change the bulb and want to be paid for their 5 minutes of labor. A Good working relationship is what counts for both parties to be successfull.

 

[Wingnut]

As a fleet owner myself, I find no excuse for any owner to hand over a filthy truck to a driver....let alone one that's empty or almost empty on fuel. To me, this shows an owner who not only could care less about his equipment, but also could care less about his drivers.

It makes me wonder that if the owner is pulling this kind of stuff already, what will happen when the truck needs maintenace or repairs....or what's going to happen when it's time to pay the drivers? This owner doesn't sound too reliable or honest to me....but then again, that's my own personal opinion. I agree with ateam, I'd RUN now before you get in too deep and take a beating. There are many good owners out there with good, clean equipment. It's not too late to find someone better.

 

[jaminjim]

I don't know that it's the owners fault that the truck was filthy, but it is the owners fault for not having the team put up in a motel while the truck was detailed and serviced. I would think that if an owner has a good relationship with PII that they could have had someone glance at the truck before a new team shows up. If they don't have a good relationship with PII, then who wants to drive for them anyway.

 

[rmctt2]

Who is the Owner anyways !! LOL
Maybe he can explain !

 

[highway star]

Dave showed concern about the "little bit" of fuel and this sounds like a red flag to me. I would think that you would start a driver out with a full tank with the agreement that the truck is returned full. Like they do with rental cars. I've heard plenty of stories about fleet owners that have no money. Could this be one of them?

 

[LDB]

My teams buy their own fuel but they start out with the tanks as full as they can be. I can't comment too much on the rest because I have the original teams in both my trucks but I'd be sure if one was turned in it was clean. It might not be quite "Felix Unger" clean but it would be clean enough to go as is and not fear pathogens.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[x06col]

Our newbees musta went Sud already, no typing lately. Always fun to read these drama episodes on here. Hope they are getting along ok tho.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

>Dave showed concern about the "little bit" of fuel and this
>sounds like a red flag to me. I would think that you would
>start a driver out with a full tank with the agreement that
>the truck is returned full. Like they do with rental cars.
>I've heard plenty of stories about fleet owners that have no
>money. Could this be one of them?

Funny you and Dave mention that; and I know I mentioned this to you, Kim.
When I first got in last truck, it had no fuel and the oil was off the stick. The oil part always worried me, as it gave an idea how his last driver took care of the truck... he didn't. If I didn't know the smaller International engines were crap, it would've been more than a coincidence that the engine went on it.

Yes... easiest way to be fair to everyone in a situation like this... truck go out with tanks topped off, come in topped off, or the driver leaving pays for the difference. Unfortunately for me, I had just filled it up when the engine went.

-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!

 

[hptptrucking]

Hey ya'll,
Well first I want to say the newbee's didn't sud out. Can't get rid of us that fast. We are not quitter's... LOL...
But I want to tell you we have been truly blessed in this situation.
Without going into much details, we got out from under the filthy truck and owner. Another owner with Panther seen my last post on here and came to Panther today at the end of orientation and hired us. I prayed so much about this the past 3 days and pray does work. This owner has truly got their stuff together and made us an offer we could not refuse and a truck that is going to be wonderful for us.
They are even taking care of us for the weekend. We just feel so blessed and we are looking forward to working for these owners and start making some money and learning the business.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and advice here.
I look forward to chatting more with you soon.



Teresa & Harvey AKA
Lady Tee & Big Pappa

 

[rmctt2]

Good for you !!
Thank you New Owner !!

 

[dieseldiva]

That is such good news. We couldn't be happier for you!!!

 

[ATeam]

That's a GREAT outcome! Congratulations.

It is also a case of EO information sharing and good expediting community members at their best. I hope the marginal and subpar fleet owners read this thread and learn what is expected of them.

 

[davekc]

I know Panther has some great people in their recruiting dept. I"m glad you got it all straightened out.
Good luck on your new adventure. Certainly sounds like a much better gig.









Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator