Need As Much Info As Possible

[keithnel]

Well after several months of research and weighing the PROS and CONS. I have decided to begin a career in expediting. Now comes the the difficult part of deciding who has the best offer out there. I have decided to drive for an owner for a while to see if i like it before making the plunge into being an owner operator. I am going to be looking for a cargo / sprinter van to drive, but need some tough questions answered before I go any farther. If anyone can offer advice - Please feel free! I would appreciate as many honest - straight forward answers as possible.


1. Fuel - My father - In - Law has driven a 18 wheeler for an owner for many years. The owner pays for the fuel. I see hear that the driver pays for the fuel. Is this standard or should the owner be paying for fuel?

2. Insurance - How much should I plan on spending a week on the "Workmans Comp" type insurance that you must have.

3. Who should pay for the Qualcom, Trip Pack, ETC.

4. Are there any hidden cost to the drivers that drive for someone else. I've seen some folks talk about lease fees for the vans and such.

5. Do most of the vans have sleepers or should I allow for a motel bill?

I really appreciate any help anyone can give me!!!

 

[terryandrene]

keithnel:

See our comments today in the "Standard Contract for D trucks" They apply to vans as well.

Expediting and your F-in-L are quite different. He is either an employee or is probably on a dedicated route where near exact fuel costs are predictable. Expediting is not predictable, neither is you activity like going home on weekends, so you typically pay for the fuel.

Many of the vans have sleeping capability or you live like a hobo and make do for yourself. You had best get an owner that has a sleeper because you will go broke as a non-owner if you stay in a cheap motel every night. Many nights a motel won't be available if you are delivering in a rural area late at night.

Check the free classifieds on the home page; lots of owners looking for drivers.

 

[RichM]

I would also take a long hard look at what is the minimun net weekly income you need to survive. Most folks driving a van on a split revenue deal do not net a 4 figure weekly income. Exceptions, sure but few and far between.

 

[LDB]

The following paragraphs are my response to the standard D contract thread. The figures are for my D unit however the theory is the same for any size unit. I hope it helps you some and good luck to you.

"The 60/40 split is most common and usually the 60 goes to the driver however it could go the other way just as easily. The 60 side pays for the fuel and receives the fsc. The 60 side is going to net more money for you unless you get into a truck that's worse than a dog for fuel mileage.

For all dispatched miles in 2005 I've earned 12.05cpm in fsc (fuel surcharge). The best was 24.81cpm and the worst zero. At $1.20 per paid mile the split would be .72 + .12 for 84cpm or .48cpm flat. My fuel cost for 2005 is 23.1cpm. Subtracting from 84cpm leaves 60.9cpm taking the 60% plus fsc or still a flat 48cpm taking the 40% route. Numbers will vary depending on the carrier pay per mile and the fuel economy of the truck but that's how it figures.

Other than fuel and tolls there isn't much you would be responsible for paying. Your contract will probably say you pay any parking fees at the few truckstops that charge them. You'd also pay any traffic or weight fines incurred since those are items you control. Documenting the condition of the truck is excellent advice as you'd also be held responsible for anything outside normal wear and tear.

I can't think of anything else at this point. I'm sure others will contribute and add to this as well. Good luck to you."

Leo
truck 4958

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