Small flatbed leasing companies? or big companies who pay percentage?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by LewisJr, May 3, 2015.

  1. LewisJr

    LewisJr Bobtail Member

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    Jan 9, 2014
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    Hey guys I've been on the fence about making this post but I'm desperate for information. I'm 21, I'm from mississippi, and have roughly 3 months verifiable flatbed experience. First off I don't need anyone telling me that I need to get more experience or learn the business. I don't mean to be a dick but I've seen how some guys bash on here and kill ideas rather than provide the advice being asked for. With that being said, I will admit that I have a lot to learn and hopefully you guys can point me in the right direction. I have a small background, my dad has driven for 26yrs and starting at 17 I would team with him every summer. I learned how to drive and secure loads from my father's teaching. Got my cdl on my 21st birthday and I left the same day for orientation. I have been through a training and load securement class with the company I am with now. My goal is to become an owner operator as soon as possible. I have three trucks at my disposal that my father has and a 48ft. trailer. However, the trailer has some issues so I might not use it. I am looking for a company to lease me on, preferably a smaller company. I have a plan in place with Werner who will lease me now but they do not pay percentage and I would rather not have to chase miles @94cents/mile. My dad does pretty good, between 2500-3300 a week (take home) with %75 at the company he is leased on to. They will not lease me because of my age. They require 23yrs of age, just like landstar and I believe Mercer is 25. I've heard and talked to guys that have done it at 21 so I know its possible, I just have to look around. It seems like , my best chance at my age is with a smaller company. Hopefully, you guys can help me and point me in the right direction. Even if you don't have any input I appreciate your time and thanks for reading my post.
     
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  3. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    Your going to find that your age is going to be a factor with many outfits for insurance
     
    A-Game Thanks this.
  4. LewisJr

    LewisJr Bobtail Member

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    Jan 9, 2014
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    Yea I understand that, it sucks. I was actually going to try and obtain my own authority but my insurance quote was a little high. However, the agent told me once i got 3 months or so he could cut it in half and it would be at a somewhat normal level.
     
  5. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    Bentonville Arkansas
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    You insuracnce will be very high at 21. My last company wouldnt hire me into i was 23 so soon as i hit 23 i went to work for them. Even now at 25 just bought my truck and was calling around for insuracnce. its gonna be very high!!! Maybe look at running on your own. Have you talked to mercer? They might hire you just cuz a website says one thing don't mean it. Always Call i would not run for .94 a mile
     
  6. Streamer

    Streamer Light Load Member

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    Feb 18, 2013
    Florida
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    Have you looked into company jobs? TMC hires for percentage pay... granted, I believe their age requirement is 23.

    Give Lonestar LLC a call.
     
  7. abcdefg

    abcdefg Bobtail Member

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    Feb 17, 2015
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    If your dad has 2-3000/ week, why not buy a new trailer?
     
    A-Game Thanks this.
  8. LewisJr

    LewisJr Bobtail Member

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    Jan 9, 2014
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    Yea it's looking like Werner is my only option. I've thought about getting my own authority but I don't think I'm ready for that yet. I need to save up some money before taking that on.
     
  9. LewisJr

    LewisJr Bobtail Member

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    Jan 9, 2014
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    He plans on fixing it. And he doesn't really NEED his own trailer where he's at.
     
    Tdgraham Thanks this.
  10. mc8541ss

    mc8541ss Road Train Member

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    Sep 22, 2007
    Lower Alabama
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    I know you don't want to hear it but many of the smaller companies cannot lease you on until you have a year and some require two years over the road flatbed experience. It isn't because they don't want you necessarily but that is what their insurance requires. The big companies are self insured and can pretty much do as they please. Your in Ms check with Jordan. Not great but probably better than .94 per mile. Good luck.
     
  11. LewisJr

    LewisJr Bobtail Member

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    Jan 9, 2014
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    Thanks I will, didn't know they had owner op.

    Thanks for your service.
     
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