Just starting out

JohnO · Nov 28, 2004

Making a career change am leaning toward expediting with a straight truck. Been reading this list and others gathering a ton of worth while information. Have spoken to FedEx recruiter and currently studying for CDL license. I spoke with O/O today who has straight truck contract with FedEx and is looking for a driver in my area. He’s willing to take me on and pay solo 60% with him picking up all expenses except fuel and team 30% paying 50% of fuel.
He'll spend 3-4 weeks at first breaking me in then shift back and forth between solo and team.
70% is average availability and load acceptance
Everything seems to be falling into place very quickly.
I appreciate any feedback.
Thanks

RichM · Nov 28, 2004

Sounds decent,but get some kind of agreement in writing and have his signature notarized.You need to know how and when you will be paid,if you are out as a solo and the truck breaks down will he cover your expenses waiting on repairs. Take a couple of hours and read through all of the posts about working for someone else and you will learn a lot.Good luck.

JohnO · Nov 29, 2004

I appreciate your input.
Before I start he mentioned signing a document explaining what he expects and I can expect. Getting signature notarized will be included. After picking up load, FedEx will put 60% of gross into Comdata account to cover all expenses during delivery. Once load is delivered I fill out necessary paperwork and mail all receipts minus fuel to O/O balance will be mailed to me within a week.
He’s been running 3 trucks for 8 years and has had 8 different drivers so it appears he’s a decent person to work for. I’ve spoken to the 2 teams who currently drive for him and they say he’s AOK. One team has been driving for 4 years and the other for 1 year.
I’ll ask about expenses while awaiting repairs. Reading other posts on subject is being done.
Thanks

Glen Rice · Nov 29, 2004

It sounds like a positive plan and now you need to execute it. Good luck and document everything. You may also want a attorney to look over any contracts, just to protect you both. Good luck and please keep us posted!

RichM · Nov 29, 2004

Unless something has changed FDX only puts 40% into the com account,used to be 50% but drivers would get their cut up front and then hold off on sending in their paperwork.At least thats what they told us.

JohnO · Nov 29, 2004

Having lawyer check paperwork and document everything are sound suggestions
I rechecked and 40% is correct amount FDX deposits into com account
Sure do appreciate all the input
Thanks

LEE E · Dec 1, 2004

Hey john just curious do u have any experience driving a straight truck or have u drove one before. i never knew fed ex or any contract driver though fed ex would hire u on with no experience. the only reason im asking is because i currently make runs from columbus, ohio to detroit/ flint, mi for the last 4 months and was thinking about the fed ex route but didnt know if they would hire me on because i only have 4 months experience

JohnO · Dec 1, 2004

I have no experience, I’m currently studying for CDL license in NJ. FedEx recruiter told me to be road tested by one of their approved truck driving schools after I get my CDL license, get criminal background check and drug screening. So from what I have been told all you have to do is call my recruiter Kerry Klodt 866-274-6116 and get the ball rolling.
Good Luck!

LEE E · Dec 2, 2004

Thats sounds great because i currently dont have no cdl class b because the trucks i drive for my company are straight trucks 24' just below the min weight of a class b truck anyway im going to give the recruiter a phone call thanks for the help and i hope everything goes great with your new career.. GOOD LUCK