Looking For Company

jabaker70 · Nov 28, 2005

Hello,

I am trying to find a good company to hire on with. I am researching to find the Best company to go on board with. I want to start out driving for an O/O, either a van or straight truck, then maybe buy my own. I live about 60 miles south of Pittsburgh PA., and about 30 miles south of I-70. I have my Class A with Haz-Mat, just want to try something different. I have basically narrowed it down to Panther2. If anyone has any other suggestions, they will be greatly appreciated. Would like to get the low down on the following.

1. Hometime
2. Average Pay Per Week (van or straight truck)

TIA Joe

Broompilot · Nov 28, 2005

In my opinion Panther II is a good company... For a straight truck, not they are bad for a Van I feel you need to talk to alot of Van drivers to make sure you can even make a living in one.

I would not sign on with any owners until you talk to a min of three of his current drivers, look at the owners finances make sure he has enough capitol to fix a truck imm should it break down out there. Actual cash in the bank not how good ones credit line is.

Most important keep asking questions one is not enough. Like for instance if a truck breaks down whos gona put you up in Motel, you or the owner? As for $ that depends on what your work ethics are, but beware you are in a truck that is to make money for both you and the owner, if all you need to make is 2K a month and your having a fast running month and than decide to shut her down after 8 days out is that fair to the owner?

This industry is not as Rosy as some of paint it to be. You may be stuck for 5 days in St. Louis. There are busy times and slow times money is very inconcistant as compared to most Transportation Industries we only go when there is a need and that need is generally emergencies yeah the customer is willing to pay a premium but many times you show up on a dock and that persons boss gets wind and does not see the emergency so the load cancels.

From what I have heard and do not take this personally most OTR Drivers have a very difficult time sitting as we have to in this industry so if your not willing to patient than re think this. A perfect example is on another thread where a driver was in Loredo TX and DH over a couple of days all the way to Memphis, this was very expensive and came out of his pocket. I personally would have DH maybee to San Antonio, Dallas, or Houston but that would be it.

Good Luck keep asking.

Tennesseahawk · Nov 28, 2005

I don't recommend Panther as being the best place for a solo driver.

Broom... I was the driver who deadheaded to Memphis from Laredo. How long do you think I should've sat? I dropped in Laredo on Sunday, and waited there til Thursday. I got that load on the following Wednesday after I got my truck fixed in OK. As far as I'm concerned, I should've started heading out two days after I got to Laredo. I guarantee, I lost more money waiting than deadheading.

highway star · Nov 28, 2005

2 days is my maximum anywhere. If it has'nt happened in 2 days, move on.

davekc · Nov 28, 2005

We have done well with Panther. We feel they give us the most flexibility to keep our trucks loaded at the most competitive rate.
That being said, I would advise you to talk to as many drivers as you can to educate yourself on who is the best fit for you.
Also, read as much as you can in the EO archives, they are full of a wealth of information.
Good luck and happy travels.

Davekc
owner
21 years

Tennesseahawk · Nov 28, 2005

Dave... would you put a solo truck on with Panther, though?

davekc · Nov 29, 2005

Dave... would you put a solo truck on with Panther, though?

It would depend on their level of knowledge and experience. Other factors would depend on where they live and income expectations.
With the new HOS rules, a solo in expediting needs as much flexibility as they can get. The ability to find their own freight is paramount for success. Panther and Landstar are the bigger companies that allow that flexibility. Any load that goes out of a main traffic lane, one has to be able to return as quickly as possible, and not do it as a loss. During a busy quarter it is not needed as much, but when it slows down, the bills are still coming.
Controling the geographic region you are running in makes a difference as well. If you are a solo for example, stay away from the west coast unless you are going on vacation.
Are there solo loads there? Of course, but wasting days to get one or deadheading back is not profitable.

All of the above ties into knowing your cost per mile.
Businessman first, driver second.

Davekc
owner
21 years

Tennesseahawk · Nov 29, 2005

You and I both understand that. But would you recommend to a newbie to go solo with Panther? I have a bit of experience, and I had a terrible February last year running solo. Most solos I've talked to say Panther is a team company. Now, I would run with them solo ONLY because they allow me to find my own loads. Although, they are still pretty stickler as to when the truck starts and stops, as far as the HOS. I can only see the new HOS being harder for a solo under them. I don't like to knock a good company, but their rules and micromanagement get in the way of making money. Though I'm sure it's worse with other companies.

davekc · Nov 29, 2005

Without a doubt a team will have more opportunities than a solo. A solo can be successful, but if they are new, it would be wise to have enough capital to get you through the learning phase. If they aren't aggressive and rely strictly on Panthers ability to move them, their revenue could possibly suffer. If someone is operating with a carrier outside of "the box", revenue is likely higher, but so are the risks.

Davekc

bryan · Nov 29, 2005

Hi
I'm in a van with Panther living about 60 miles west of you.I get home by bouncing there( usually from Dayton or Cleveland) not many loads come to the Ohio Valley for a van.Five tons do deliver to this area though. A buddy of mine with TST in a 5 ton delivers to the Pitt quite often.A lot of haz mat loads in this area which can not be hauled in a van,there over the 1001 lb rule.There is a good bit of freight that comes out of your area.They bounce me over that way to pickup.I guess they can't get drivers to hang out there because of the lack of truck stops.
Honestly if I had it to do all over, I would of went with a 5 ton.To much dead time and too much deadhead with a van.There is just more calls for a 5 ton than for a van.Most recruiters will tell you that.Best of luck.

uneasyexpediter · Apr 5, 2006

van driving is straight, just research into companies that do not run on a load board system. you want a real first-in, first-out policy also. nothing like sitting in Clarksville, TN for a week waiting on a hundred mile load offer!

Bud Davis - R.I.'s King Of Swing!!!