Paying for service or breakdowns

targuard86 · Mar 24, 2006

Fleet owners, how do you pay for things like breakdowns, service and flat tires when your trucks are on the road?

Do you give them a Credit Card and trust they will use it wisely or what?

Along those same lines, if a truck leased to FCC has a flat or other relatively small problem will FedEx advance the truck money onto the ComData card or issue the repair service a ComChek and take it out of the trucks settlement?

My drivers pay for their own fuel so they could pay for it off the funds that have been advanced to them but technically that is their money and I don't think the drivers should have to foot the bill for a tire or other expensive repair.

We have a fleet-one account and can issue "fleet-chek's" off of it but I'm just thinking worst case and the driver can't get ahold of me or my partner.

tec1959 · Mar 24, 2006

Well one of the owners i drove for would give the lead driver of the truck $200-$250 dollars,And let them use it to fix alot of things that were small enough and needed fixed,With larger amounts we would go to a dealer or shop because our trucks for the most part was still under warranty.And when the truck would be in the shop for more than 24 hours the owner would pay the lead driver back for the motel...I guess you could have a shop call you and you could pay with a credit card over the phone once the repairs were done...

terryandrene · Mar 25, 2006

The last time I paid attention to their policy, FedEx Custom Critical would load, upon request, up to 40% (30% for vans) of the trucks run revenue onto the owners Comdata account, after a load was picked up. Any requests to advance more money than the 40% would be considered on a case by case basis, but would most likely be disapproved for any small repair problem, and all large problems if the truck is empty.

LDB · Mar 25, 2006

I have heard of both Express-1 and Panther covering costs and then settlement deducting them. Both instances were over a year ago so things could be different now.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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raceman · Mar 26, 2006

When I had drivers I would give them a debt card that was in their name through my bank. I had them use it for fuel and repairs/hotels(If needed). I could use my computer on line to watch their use of the card and move money to and from the card as needed.

My trucks with with Express1 at the time and what Leo said is correct. If you really needed help E1 would help out and then take it out of settlements over time.

When I was with Tri State they would load money onto ComData cards but it was based on loads. If you had nothing coming they would not load if I remember right.

The deal I currently have is much like E1 used to handle it. If I need big money fast, the company helps me via a Com Check then deducts it from my pay. This is not for small things though they feel we should be able to cover that. But big items, engine rebuild, transmission etc, they will help.

The problem I ran into with drivers using my supplied cards was they took advantage. They would sell fuel to other trucks by using my card. They would then have a receipt but get cash from the other driver at the fuel island. So I just stopped. Why try and make it easy for folks who do not appreciate it. Sent them on their way, let them rob others.

Raceman
OTR O/O

Long Hauler 5T · Mar 26, 2006

Raceman you have touched on a very important subject. TRUST!! There has to be a feeling of trust between the Fleet owner and the driver. This has to go both ways. As a driver, the person should feel comfortable that the fleet owner will be there when needed ie payday, breakdowns, other problems. As a fleet owner , the person should feel comfortable that the driver will get the load where it's supposed to be when it's due with as little hassle as possible. Your driver is also in charge of your truck when he is out on the road and as such needs to be accountable for his actions. ie not chroming
out the truck at your expense, other peoples fuel at your expense.

I will now give you a brief look at the arrangement I had as a driver with a company I drove for. (sub fleet owner for company)

When I started for this company they were a small courier operation that had gotten into the expedite business at the request of numerous existing customers. They had one truck which I started to drive for them long haul. They didn't have com data cards or any of that stuff at the beginning. They gave me Mastercard branded debit card that drew off of their line of credit. I used this for fuel, motels, repairs and the odd Company approved meal. This system worked well except for the odd time that their line of credit was over the card authorized LOC amount. They also used to give me about 200 - 300 Cash for tolls and other cash purchases. I had enough trust in the company to pay for their purchase because I knew that as soon as I got back to the office there would be a cheque sitting there waiting for me no questions asked.

However this system didn't work for subsequent drivers as they thought that things like meals for them and their "passenger" should be paid for by the company. Is a couple of hundred bucks a year worth losing your good job over?

I have however driven for a company that tried to SCREW me before I QUIT. It boiled down to I did a sit in at their office until i was paid what I was owed. Then went to the bank and forced the issue to get the cheque cashed. (shortly after the company went under).

Doug

Broompilot · Mar 28, 2006

In my opinion, if my driver does not have a credit card to take care of emeregencies on his own and than let me know the following day than I do not want him/her as a driver for me. We are both in business together and I will be darned if I want a call at 1:30 am that I need to do this or that. They need to be credit worthy, to take care of these emergencies. For a major breakdown $2,000 or more than it is my responsibility to handle the repair.

I also pay my driver back in a timley fashion so as they can pay the bill on their credit card with no late fees etc.. as this would be my responsibility not their's. It may be my truck, but we are as far as I am concerened equal partners and if it is not viewed as that from both sides than why own the truck? Whats good for the goose is good for the gander as the old say'in goes. This is where I feel so many owners get in trouble if you have driver who is not fiscally responsible do you think you really have a long term relationship? I personally "think not".

tec1959 · Mar 28, 2006

Broom i think most drivers can handle and emergency like a flat tire,Headlight,mudflap and other small things and don't have to bother the owner,But as for a breakdown that should be on the owner.So what your saying if i understand that your drivers should take care of anything in the middle of the night if its under what $2000 ????? I myself don't agree with that because its your truck and yes the owners and the drivers are in it together but than there's a break away point for both sides i think....

LDB · Mar 28, 2006

The team in my truck have an account at the same bank chain I do. I have the number and transfer their settlements directly into their account online. The same procedure could be used to cover expenses for a breakdown or whatever. That way you don't have to give out a credit or debit card that could be misused or cash that could be spent and then not available if/when needed. It only takes about $20 to open the account so part of the contract says they'll maintain an account in whatever bank I elect to use. Works well that way.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

davekc · Mar 28, 2006

For $2,000 or under to be the drivers responsibility sounds too high. For me, I prefer they call if it is much above several hundred dollars.
It would seem many drivers would "fire their owners" if they had to put up that kind of cash on a repair?
Not totally sure, as I have never done it.

Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

Broompilot · Mar 28, 2006

Put a $600 tow plus a thousand repair it adds up fast. As long as I pay the bill before the due date whats the problem here. Fiscally responsible driver? I find people with some credit to be safer, smarter, and better business decesion makers.

I will not elaberate, there are enough stories about poor drivers with out a pot to pee in that I decided to set my standards as high as I have. Think you cannot find a good driver keep raising the bar instead of lowering it.

tec1959 · Mar 28, 2006

Broom this isn't really for you even though i don't know you,What about the owners that have a piece of crap truck and less than a pot to p** in??? And they want the drivers to pay for everything and then they have to fight to get their money back if they ever do....

Broompilot · Mar 28, 2006

Your right I did not think of that situation. My response, this is why I bought a new truck. Everything I saw used or what owners had I would not drive.

The second truck I own I would have no problem with driving it, 01 T-300 nice truck, well taken care of and after alot of polish and a little paint on the rear looks very nice.

Set your standards high and you will attract good people, you are correct, and I believe I am also.

tec1959 · Mar 28, 2006

Broom hi yes i agree and thank your right about that,Everyone needs to set higher standards....Have a good one...

Asilynot · Apr 5, 2006

Personally I have the my drivers call me on any repairs over $200.00 I get woke up sometimes in the middle of the night but hey isnt that a part of being in business? If you dont want to be woke up then the easy way would be to put your money into the bank instead of into trucks. As for only hiring drivers that have good credit ratings would you not be over looking lots of good drivers that might have had some bad luck at one time or another?

I always use com checks to pay for repairs. I find that most repair places accept them and there the easiest way to get money from me to the driver. I send the drivers out with around $500.00 when they leave and replace it when needed. But I still like to be informed of the repairs befor they are done. I have some truly excellent drivers but I dont think anyone no matter who looks out for yourself the way you look out for yourself.