Split team,Cargo van

Mike99 · Jan 9, 2008

Can somebody tell me what is the fair split on cargo van for team?Thank you

cheri1122 · Jan 9, 2008

Mike: I drove team for awhile, in a cargo van that neither of us owned. In that scenario, one driver is the 'lead' driver, and is responsible for paying all tolls, fuel, and other expenses. When the receipts are turned in to the owner, half the eligible costs are deducted from the pay of the 2nd driver, and credited to the lead, as reimbursement. All income and expenses are split evenly between the drivers, all personal expenses are the sole responsibility of each. Is that what you were asking for?

Mike99 · Jan 9, 2008

Thank you very much but I was referring to the pay split between owner and drivers. How much were you two getting as drivers?

cheri1122 · Jan 9, 2008

Nowhere near enough, lol. The ubiquitous 60/40 split: 60% to drivers, 40% to owner. All fuel & tolls paid by drivers, all maintenance & repairs by owner. Drivers also paid for 'worker's comp' insurance, but not for the Qualcomm.

Falligator · Jan 9, 2008

cheri1122 said:
Nowhere near enough, lol. The ubiquitous 60/40 split: 60% to drivers, 40% to owner. All fuel & tolls paid by drivers, all maintenance & repairs by owner. Drivers also paid for 'worker's comp' insurance, but not for the Qualcomm.

I wasn't a team, but when I drove for an owner in Michigan I had to pay for everything. Sat fees, qualcomm messaging and the truck insurance. although he didn't care where I dh to to get a load and it was a 65/35 split and I was driving a 2005 Chevy express. plus i kept all the extras, but more about that in another thread.

terryandrene · Jan 9, 2008

In addition to Cheri's comment, the payer of the fuel should get 100% of the fuel surcharge, always! Some folks argue that the driver should get 100% of any detention, inside delivery or other acccessorial charges, but that is negotiable between driver and the owner. Most importantly, whatever you do, get a written contract defining the how when and where of all duties of the drivers, where truck is to be returned upon disolution of contract and other terms of contract cancellation. When and how you'll be paid are also important. Put it in writing!

cheri1122 · Jan 9, 2008

Words to live by: "If it wasn't documented, it didn't happen!" Terry is, as usual, on the ball.

Mike99 · Jan 9, 2008

One more question, how do you manage the sleeping part as far as space? And how do you heat he van at night?

theoldprof · Jan 9, 2008

Don't forget to settle who pays for the decuctible in case of an accident. Also, towing bills. Get it all in writing.

cheri1122 · Jan 9, 2008

Sleeping: the van I teamed in had no bunk, so there was room for two bedrolls, when not loaded. When loaded, you just use whatever room there is left. (Hint: if one of you has to sleep on top of the load, it should be the one who is smaller.) If you have just one bunk, I don't know what to suggest - flip a coin, maybe? Take turns?
Heat: I used a small propane heater, the kind that uses a 2 lb cylinder, which screws on, available at low cost at WalMart. Other drivers have other methods, including one,who used several candles, in a large tin canister. She said it didn't truly warm the van, but did keep it (slightly) above freezing.
If you go with the propane, keep a window cracked, and invest in a carbon monoxide detector, for peace of mind, if not continued breathing. If you go with the candles, maybe some marshmallows & toasting forks? (If it aint fun, why do it?)
A good quality sleeping bag will reduce the need for supplementary heat, as will good insulation of the van - if the owner will pop for it. If not, I'd be looking for a more comfortable ride, myself. (Which I did, by buying my own van, lol) Good luck!

LDB · Jan 9, 2008

I slightly disagree on accessorials. I consider them to be either people pay or truck/time or truck pay. If they are people pay, i.e. hand load etc., the drivers should get 100%. If they are truck/time pay, i.e. detention/layover, it should be split equally between drivers and owner since it's time taken away from both sides. If it's truck pay, i.e. liftgate, that should go to the owner since it's paying for equipment the owner invested in. My .02, YMMV.