owners that gone bad

truckhopper · Nov 7, 2008

there is plenty of pwners out there that have gone bad. And I know a few but I will NOt put their names in here. Just the things that have been done to us. And from there I will say they will know who they are. I feel for the people that work their butts off trying to get these loads to the next stop so they can make money also. And when it comes to payday you do not get your money. You are told since you brung the truck back to grand rapids, you will not get that money because of fuel. and you are told one thing about the money you will earn and come to find out. you will make 34 % of the load with taxes taken out of that. That is sad. Then from another owner, you are called a lair because his wife cant back up her lies. and you have no choice but to quit, who gives a person the right to call anyone a lair. and you tell them you need to go to the docs for a breast cancer scare and then you are told to hand the truck back in because you seem to go home alot. even through $^%is sending you threw home all the time. then you work for another one out of the same town that you pay for fuel and you dont never get your fuel surcharge. The owner keeps it. But I can say this, WE have finally found the right owner and him and his wife are two of the greatest people in the world and the pay is awesome. no waiting on my money I get it when I pick up . he does not micro manage, he does not lie , they are straight forward with the truth. Thank you the sweet couple from AZ.

owners need to striaghten up yes there is drivers out there that take advantage of the owners but not all drivers are truck hoppers for no reason.

thank you for listening...

truck hopper

ericmoss37 · Nov 7, 2008

If you deadhead a long distance home. You owe it to the owner to at least have him try to get a backhaul or a expedited load going close to home. If the owner pays for fuel you should not abuse that. If you paid for the fuel would you drive a 1000 miles home? I can understand why he would deduct that money. It also cost him warranty miles and truck wear.

bubblehead · Nov 7, 2008

Been there...done that. When we first started, the owner arranged for our orientataion, convinced us to change our hotel arrangements and began to micro manage us before we even began driving their truck. We were shown by them how to cheat the hotels, and observed them play a slip and fall scam at another hotel. During orientation, the owner's wife stole pens and trinkets as well as food from the carrier. We had already signed a 6 month contract otherwise we would have left that day....fast forward, we took a few loads, they shorted us money so we had to pay for fuel...and were ultimately kicked out of the truck at a truck stop...our things thrown on the ground.(this was just after 10 days and 9400 gross to the truck, a C unit. They said we breached the contract. Needless to say we didn't ever get paid, in fact we were sent a demand letter for over 30,000 for breach of contract. My attorney said we were ok to ignore and could file criminal charges against the owner for this scam, and using the US mail to attempt to extort money. Bottom line....better to move on. We now have our own truck and are doing fine...as for the previous experiece...they are just the worm in the apple....cut it away.

Tennesseahawk · Nov 7, 2008

Bubble... the scams they tried before you got into the truck should've warned you what they intended for you. No court would've held you liable for breach of contract.

Besides... every contract has a three day "get out" period, if you change your mind.

rangell218 · Nov 7, 2008

everyone in thiis bussiness knows of a driver that didnt get payed from an owner for one reason or another my first trip out I drove for an owner out of new york boy this lady could tell a lie and make you believe it, never got payed, this is the only bussiness expediting that everyone knows of many drivers not getting payed whats that tell you, let me add there are drivers out there that burn owners as well its not just the owners there are bad apples on both sides, I do agree you should be held accountable for fuel and any money left should be sent to you, but im sure you know thats not going to happen, I understand you cant use there names here but put the word out for other young drivers to learn from. I wish you the best

davekc · Nov 7, 2008

Without a doubt there is both good and bad owners and drivers.
You post does indicate a lack of research on your part. Next time I would recommend someone that is established and can provide references of current and past drivers.
If they can't do that, then you are probably at the wrong place.
Keep in mind that many that call themselves a fleet owner, actually know very little about how this business operates, or it is someone in dire straights trying to get someone in a single truck before they go bankrupt or have the truck repoed.
Sadly, some of the under performing fleet owners and drivers give the rest a bad name.
Good luck on the next gig, and take that time to find that perfect fit.

ConfusedMuse · Nov 7, 2008

Bad owners, bad drivers. Yes, they are all out there, and I agree get past, and present references. Your their first drivers... Im not sure there who you would call must be someone, or take a serious look at the contract, get a contract lawyer who is familair with this business to look at it also. AND read, read, all the fine print, read it again, make sure you understand what is expected of you, and EXACTLY how your to be paid, and what if anything your responsible for, ask questions, and IF the owner seems in a hurry walk quickly to nearest exit!

Been through some wicked owners too, had a few good ones too. Sadly going through several owners also makes me look like flyby, but, I don't like getting ripped. Best owner
I found to work for US! we now own our own truck. It's not for everyone being an owner, though. I wish everyone the very best in finding the right fit for an owner to drive for, I do know they are out there.... somewhere!

And, Yes I have deadheaded 1000 miles it was a family emergency and YES I paid for ALL the fuel, and YES I still got screwed by the owner.

scottanhelen · Nov 8, 2008

When I have been trying to find a owner I look at talking to them as a two way interview, they are interviewing you and you are interviewing them. As has been said over and over in the forums, you are a contractor not a employe. There for don't look at it as a one way interview. Don't be afraid to assk them all the questions you need answers, and don't be afraid to ask for references. If you do not like the answers you get or the owner can not answer you questions, or are will not give refs then call some one else there are plenty of owners looking for drivers.

truckhopper · Nov 8, 2008

davekc said:
Without a doubt there is both good and bad owners and drivers.
You post does indicate a lack of research on your part. Next time I would recommend someone that is established and can provide references of current and past drivers.
If they can't do that, then you are probably at the wrong place.
Keep in mind that many that call themselves a fleet owner, actually know very little about how this business operates, or it is someone in dire straights trying to get someone in a single truck before they go bankrupt or have the truck repoed.
Sadly, some of the under performing fleet owners and drivers give the rest a bad name.
Good luck on the next gig, and take that time to find that perfect fit.

the thing is I did ask one of their teams how they are. and they gave high praise. So I did research and talk to the other team and even spent time with this one owner for a few days.

truckhopper · Nov 8, 2008

ericmoss37 said:
If you deadhead a long distance home. You owe it to the owner to at least have him try to get a backhaul or a expedited load going close to home. If the owner pays for fuel you should not abuse that. If you paid for the fuel would you drive a 1000 miles home? I can understand why he would deduct that money. It also cost him warranty miles and truck wear.

one I took my time and money to go to GR mi to get the truck and no one paid my way there. he understood, I had to do it that way and for taking the truck back to him. he said he understood and did not tell us he was taking any money out on us until it was paid day. we recieved our stubs with no warnings until I checked the bank and finally got ahold of his cpa. and it was only 400 miles and we did stick our own money in the fuel tank . that was only right.

BillChaffey · Nov 8, 2008

Mr. Tennesseehawk,
the "three day get out period" you mention is called "Right to Recession" and it is NOT a Federal law it varies from state to State. As in some States have it for certain types of Contracts and not for others. I know from bitter experience. Personally I think anyone entering into a Contract should have a Arbitration clause in it.

Moot · Nov 8, 2008

truckhopper said:
But I can say this, WE have finally found the right owner and him and his wife are two of the greatest people in the world and the pay is awesome. no waiting on my money I get it when I pick up . he does not micro manage, he does not lie , they are straight forward with the truth. Thank you the sweet couple from AZ.

Congratulations on finding a decent owner to work for! Maybe you should change your screen name now, unless that refers to how you supplement your expediting income.

davekc · Nov 8, 2008

Well it is good you did find a decent couple to work for. I would advise that disputes are handled by a third party. That is essentially what we would do, and have that in our contract.

Tennesseahawk · Nov 8, 2008

You're right, Bearcat... my mistake. Michigan has that law, but my wife believes it's only service related.

MightTry · Nov 12, 2008

Im in AZ, Who are these folks? I'd like to speak to them.

iceroadtrucker · Nov 12, 2008

You might as well 86 that thought on here as you will never get no where with all the owner ops on here.

dabluzman1 · Nov 12, 2008

Here is Ohios rescind of sale law:

Ohio Cancellation Rights:
• Door-to-Door Sales: Three Days. The Home Solicitation Sales Act gives
consumers three days to cancel sales made in their homes or at a place that is not
a company’s regular place of business, such as a bridal fair or a home
improvement show.

• Credit and Debt Counseling Services: Three Days. Consumers have three days
to cancel credit and debt counseling services under the Ohio Credit Services
Organization Act.

• Prepaid Entertainment Contracts: Three Days. Prepaid entertainment
agreements only include contracts with health spas, dance studios, diet centers,
dating agencies and martial arts schools. The Prepaid Entertainment Contracts Act
does not include all kinds of prepaid contracts, such as prepaid tanning salon
sessions, prepaid plans at laser tag or paint ball facilities and prepaid plans for
ring tones or other cell phone services.

• Home Equity Loans or Mortgage Refinancing: Three Days. The federal Truth
in Lending Act gives consumers three days to cancel a home equity loan or a
mortgage refinancing.

• Business Opportunity Plans: Five Days. Under the Business Opportunity
Purchaser’s Protection Act (O.R.C. Section 1334.01 et seq.), consumers have five
days to cancel a business opportunity agreement, in which a buyer pays a seller
for the rights to offer, sell or distribute goods or services.

• Hearing Aids: Thirty Days. Under the Hearing Aid Returns Act (O.R.C.
1345.30), consumers have the right to return a hearing aid for any reason within
30 days after it is originally delivered.

• Telemarketing Sales: Under the Telephone Solicitation Sales Act (O.R.C.
4719.01 et seq.), consumers have the right to cancel a purchase until they sign a
written agreement confirming the sale.

• Car Purchase: Ohio law does NOT give consumers the right to cancel a car
purchase.

Counting Business Days:
Cancellation periods are measured in business days, and generally, they do not begin
until the consumer receives written notification of the right to cancel. Business days are
Mondays through Saturdays. Sundays and legal holidays are not business days.

How to Cancel:
To cancel a contract, send the seller a written notice of cancellation. You can cancel by
mail or by personal delivery. If you cancel by mail, send the letter via certified mail and
request a receipt as proof of cancellation. Cancellation is effective upon the date of
postmarking. If you personally deliver the cancellation, take it to the appropriate address
of the seller, and bring a witness. It is not acceptable to send the cancellation notice by
fax or by e-mail.

morningstar55ny · Nov 13, 2008

i been with panther for 4 yrs now.......... wow where does the time go?? lol
and im with my 3rd owner......
my 1st one was great...... but he only had 1 straight truck and it was old and started havign more major break down problems ..... which meant less time on the road making $$ so i had to move on.......
then the 2nd owner...... well ...... i never met her .. there were NO contracts.. well i suppose to get to her eventually to do that... ummm this went on for a month.. then I took on a team driver.... well..... the owner was constantly lecturing us... belittleing me to her and visa versa... she kept telling us how she was going to file for bank ruptcy ..and always had to call her for fuel money on the card .... she always kept saying we had to wait til she figures out how to get some $$ on the card..... then was wanting my team driver to move in with her.... omg... then would accuse me of trying to run her truck like it was mine .even though she kept telling me i was the head driver...... it was a physco case.... she still owes me and my X team driver over $1500 each but we know we will never see that ........... mean time while some of this was going on.........
i was doing some homework on other owners to work for and bailing out of this physco case.... and i am happy to say ........ my x team partner and I found the best owners we could ever work for...... and i been with these guys for wow a lil over 2 yrs now.
wooHoo!! I am also seeking a team driver ..... in case anyone knows anyone ..... perfer female and NON smoker....

KuzinKurt · Nov 17, 2008

In the 6 years on & off I have been doing this, I have had 4 owners. 1st guy had vans on with Thompson Emergency Freight. Didn't make any money, and had to fight to get my last check. 2nd owner was great, but he passed away and his wife sold the truck. I got out for a while, and then in '06, I hooked up with an owner.....it was strange to say the least. But, kind of cool in other regards. He took taxes out & paid workmans comp, so I was an actual employee. However, I was micro-micro managed. To the point where I almost felt like I had to call the office just to use the bathroom.....LOL. Now I'm with an owner that seems ok. He pays me 20%(running team) of all the truck revenue. Let me clarify: 20% of the linehaul, 20% of the FSC (He pays for the fuel), 20% of D/H & EM....he also pays for IdleAire & hotel stays....sounds almost too good to be true. Only been here 2 weeks, and he's done everything he said he would. So, to all of you looking for an owner, I offer you this: don't be afraid to ask for references (i.e. current drivers). Don't mix friendship & business (i.e. working for friends) - that always leads to disaster. Keep truck hopping down to a minimum, as some owners are DAC reporting businesses. Good luck!

BluegrassHillbilly · Sep 2, 2014

Can relate to all these post. Just had a owner out of Knoxville put us out of the truck due to family related issues. She's a loser we believe what comes around goes around. She kept our last paycheck. Thank God we found a wonderful fleet owner to go to work for. You live and learn that's the way of life. Everyone stay safe and be blessed out there.