Questions to ask and answers to get before accepti

[DooWop]

Need some help and answers: I would like EO members to help me write down a list of questons to ask a possible team driver/OO. I would be the "employee" There is a world of experience and wisdom on this site, and I would like your input. Also need advice as to what qualities to look for in a owner/ co- driver. Not sure if I can stay cooped up in a truck for 3+weeks with someone I don't know but I need to make some $$$.
Thanks in advance.

Regards

DooWop

 

[cheri1122]

RE: Questions to ask and answers to get before acc

Doo Wop, That's a REALLY thought provoking post!
The short answer is that the greater your need to make money, the more you're willing to put up with from a codriver, but the longer answer will have to come later - I need to think about what I wish I'd thought to ask when I was in your shoes! Sometimes I have managed to shoot myself first, then ask the questions - a bad habit that this site is really helping me to break, lol.:+

 

[RichM]

RE: Questions to ask and answers to get before acc

Chemistry is very important. I have seen guys exiting a truck ready to start swinging at each other. Cleanliness and habits are important,such as smoking, drinking on layovers type of music listened to etc.
Method of payment,since he is on the road with you how will you receive your pay. I would reccommend a checking account at the samebank he deals with,that way his wife or someone can make your weekly deposit into your account.

Safety,does he drive the speed limit or is he a hot rodder. If possible find out if he has been involved in accidents.



Maintenace of the vehicle,does he keep it in good condition.
Living close to each other so you can get home without much expense on your part.

Time off,ask him what monthly percentage of time he wants to be available and to run.

Thats just some of the things but I think personal chemistry is the most important.

 

[geo]

RE: Questions to ask and answers to get before acc

how far away does the co driver live from you are both going out of the way to get to each other, where will you park the truck
who will start the truck, like who will take it home and when are going to go back on the road each time you take time off
it's like going on that 1st date
one of my cousins in richmond va has had the same co driver for28 years, his oldest son is married to his co driver oldest daughter
and his youngest son is married to his co driver youngest daughter
and there also next door to each other so they were luckly to find
each other and get along so well

 

[cheri1122]

RE: Questions to ask and answers to get before acc

Just like in a marriage, you try to find a division of labor that takes advantage of each partners strengths - one is good at routing, the other can back up to the dock faster, one is good at sounding professional on the phone, the other has clear handwriting, etc. If you can draw up a list of all the tasks & issues, and discuss them before taking off, it would probably go smoother. When you come to a task that neither of you is good at, take turns!
Talk to the other party enough to get an idea of how compatable you are, before you accept a cross country run, so you can walk away if you don't think it will be a good match. And, good luck!

 

[arkjarhead]

RE: Questions to ask and answers to get before acc

Something that hasn't been brought up yet is a contract. When they tell you how much they are going to pay you ask them if they will put it in writing. I've driven for two expedite owners. The first one I didn't have a contract with and didn't get paid. The second and one I'm with I have a contract and get paid correctly. Some may say a contract isn't essential, but I would disagree. I have a friend who is sitting at home right now not working because he isn't getting paid. I hear a lot of people say "Oh the owner told me a contract isn't needed I work on hand shake agreements". That's a red flag to me. My contract is a one page document that explains what I am paid, what expense I take care of and what expense the owner takes care of. Something for you to think about. Mainly because the company the truck is leased to is going to stay out of it, which is best for them, and you will be own your own. Before anyone says anything I'm not bashing companies for staying out of the mix. It's a wise descision on their part.