Looking for a change
- Thread starter Reese2
- Start date
Well Panther is a central dispatch, they say their not a forced dispatch, but if I refuse to take a load they take a percentage of my acceptence from me. If I have 100% then refuse a load I drop to 90% . Then they have this 2 mile rule . If I'm sitting waiting for a new load and I move 1 mile to get a bite to eat then move back that 1 mile to where I was they start my 16 hr. clock rule so If I then get a load after 2 to 3 hrs. I'm already down to only 12 to 13 hrs. they will let me drive.. you have to be still for 5 hrs to reset the 16 hr. clock.. then they have this rule 900 miles or 16 hrs. which ever comes frist. the other day I had a load that went 902 and they made me swap out at 600 miles when I still had plenty of time on my 16 hrs to run it. then one day I ran 985 in the winter and they never bothered me go figure.. So I was really wondering about Landstar .
OK, first and biggest problem of all is the 16 hour business. There is a 14 hour clock but no 16 hour rule of any sort. If you are operating on a 16 hour clock you are in violation of federal law. Next, there is no 900 mile rule at Panther. There is a tendency to limit solos to 500 miles unless there is time for a 10 hour break before delivery or the load is entirely in 65-70mph states in which case they usually don't worry until about 575-600 miles. I guess you could be in a van but then there are no hours regulations and driving a mile or two to eat wouldn't affect anything.
As to Landstar, they are a very good company and for some are an excellent fit. There system is totally different and to a fair degree works on a buddy system so you might get passed over after waiting a couple days just because the agent with the freight has a buddy that just drove into the area and gives it to him. They are on my short list of recommended companies. Good luck with your decision.
panthercub
Seasoned Expediter
Reese is referring to Panther's policy of making van drivers stop for 5 hours after they have been driving/on duty for 16 hours...... Usually, when a load comes thru the QC there will be a message attached stating that the run includes a "5 hour break". However, I once did a 1081-mile run to JAX (best run by far for me) and because of the tight delivery schedule no break was called for.
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
is the grass really greener?let us know when you move
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
Another thing I'd be careful about saying who you are currently leased to when talking about swapping outfits. Carriers read these forums, and not only that there are some "good ole boys" as I like to call them that will snitch trying to get an atta boy. Sometimes they are talking over things with the company to try to get things squared away. These people are the driver's reps. the rest are just looking for brownie points.
Oh yes, the variable rule....every carrier has that as well....only applies when in the carriers favour!!
panthercub
Seasoned Expediter
Exactly, OVM. Exactly!