Van VS Straight for Panther

Buster · Jan 31, 2009

Team driver for Panther Elite, D unit. Considering options as freight is practically non-existant for Elite and or general freight for that matter. Would it be wise to split up and go into two cargo/sprinter vans and stay within the primary service area? I know Panther doesn't use cargo for Elite, but we need the miles to pay the bills and this Elite straight truck has been sitting on the LA board for 8 days. Before you start yelling about moving...WE DO NOT OWN THE TRUCK AND DO NOT PAY FOR THE FUEL. And Panther is no longer giving out EM's - even with 13 trucks here, and 9 Elite trucks within a 300 mile radius.
Any thoughts?

jaminjim · Jan 31, 2009

Same Household?

Buster · Jan 31, 2009

Same household. Been in biz going on 3 years, I with Elite.

Buster · Jan 31, 2009

Would rather DOUBLE our money.

Buster · Jan 31, 2009

Would probably drive for an owner due to the economy. However saw that ad for Ellington(?) in MI for that grey sprinter - sweet!

davekc · Jan 31, 2009

Buster said:
WE DO NOT OWN THE TRUCK AND DO NOT PAY FOR THE FUEL. And Panther is no longer giving out EM's - even with 13 trucks here, and 9 Elite trucks within a 300 mile radius.
Any thoughts?

What does "We don't own the truck and don't pay the fuel" have to do with anything?
My thought is one you likely won't like.
If you have been there that period of time, you likely were deep in the board. I could understand someone at the top of the board giving it a day or so.
With you at 8 days and counting, why don't you broker a load?
It isn't like your too busy to look.
Even maybe put two on the truck?
May not pay your rate, but what is 8 days and counting worth?
Maybe its a "I don't wanna"? Can't see a owner with a truck sitting eight days rejecting a load that at least paid the fuel out to a better area.
If you do that, you don't need a empty move. Broker load would pay better anyway.
Worse case scenerio, pay for the fuel yourself if you "don't wanna" broker a load. If your willing to burn cash to transfer to a smaller vehicles, you should have used the money a week ago and came back to another area.
Hate to be harsh, but I think you will find another world out there when you get rid of the employee mentality.