CRST Malone L/P from the beginning

Man it seems that someone is always trying to put down someone elses dreams and success........ I do not know if they are jealous or not but always someone.......

 

good reply gravdigr

 

i will say i read over there lp plan and it looks ok to me. if i did not already own my own truck i would consider there plan. 1.5 years at a reasonable payment just make sure you put money away for that i think $4000 balloon payment at the end. they pick from the same loads at the same rates the guys that already own there trucks do so if any o/o can make it with them a lease purchase should be able to as well.

 

I think ralph is a bit harsh, but I can tell you in some ways he is correct. Everybody approaches each situation in different ways and I think you have a solid plan and a good head on your shoulders, that is not going to be your problem. Your problem is going to be the coproate machine CRST. I listened during orientation about their l/p program and was asked to step outside and pratice for my securement test, that program is a joke, their maintenance plan is a joke, you pay for the maintenance plan but is at their discretion what gets fixed when and where, the amount of maintenance is based on miles ran joke. I have never seen a company that size basically shut down at 5 and off on weekends (the people that do work after hrs cant help you with anything). I think to be realistic you can expect to avg around $1.80 mile, yes they have dedicated customers but do the math when they will offer 2.15 to 2.30 mile before they take 25%. hope that you can fall into a good lane and keep busy. I also think that your area is not ideal dont be tempted to take freight to the east coas to run through the house because its nothing coming off but crap. Try to pick short loads run around try to set yourself up in a Pittsburgh to Cleveland, to Chicago type area. If you dont like your manager fire him/her they work for you not vice versa, be firm, and follow the rules, report your time, turn in your records ....etc. Remember the kool-aid taste really good right now but CRST is a billion dollar company and they could care less about you. Stick to your plan, worry about you, and you should make it. I am arrogant and not a go with the flow kind of guy so we didnt fit, it could have been my fault could have been on them, who knows. I was not a l/p so I had options and got disgruntled in orientation so it was kind of down hill from the beginning. Learn what you can do your best save some money and if you have to roll out put yourself in position to buy your own.

This is not meant to bash that company or the op. I enjoy reading his experience I just want you to be careful.

Good Luck

 

I don't get it....I paid $2,700 a month for 2- 5 year old Pete 379 ext hoods, for three years with no warranty. ( actually a real good deal ) They were low mileage ( high 200,000 miles ) I had 7 trucks at one time. I also had 3 engines go down in one year to the tune of $43,000. Who do you think had to pay for those? Not to mention the $4,000+ license plates, thanks to our fine governor now prisoner Rod Blagojevich (Illinois). ( $30,000 a year for plates and HVUT) So, if you're buying a truck, and not overpaying for it,( check comps. in Truck Paper) they throw in a warranty and full maintanance plan, plates are being deducted weekly( cheap), they make it very affordable for you. Downside is you don't get to pick your truck and the trailer rent seems pretty pricey to me. ( should also be a L/P) You have to pay for your securement equipment anyway, and their insurance rates are comparable to finding it on your own, so what's the big deal? So, the only gamble you're taking is freight availability, rates and are you willing to work. There's been some fairly knowledgable folks on here that answered the first two questions, only you can answer the third. Don't let them phase you Gravdigr, you know yourself better than anybody. By the way, they still have 06's and 07's on a 2 years deal (talked to them yesterday). She sent me a release form I have to sign and fax back, sounds like I could be about a week or two behind you. Send me a message with your name and truck number (I told her I'd get that for her) No promises, I've got a pretty good gig now, but not used to the corporate crap. I'm used to calling the shots.

 

How many O/O failed and are complaining. all situations are not the same for every driver. some can make the lease purchase work for them. I am contemplating doing the crst lease purchase, not because i can't buy a truck. my reason is with the economy and unknown election as well as uncertain tax rates there is no way i will go sign a 5 yr contract for a truck and then be tied to it if the economy tanks worse than already is. With a lease that is a walkaway then you as the business owner have the ability to get out with out ruining your life, now having said that i would never suggest someone do a lease and not have any money or other options. but there are owner operators who fail also. I would hope that a successful O/O could also be a successful lease purchase operator if needed. I understand the warnings that posters give but i don't understand the continued degrading of the op. i wish him and all others success, heck thats why were here to begin with is be successful not to degrade each other. Good Luck to all

 

Ok I have been studying L/P vs O/O for about two years. If I buy a newer truck I will pay more than the L/P if I buy an older truck I may pay less but breakdowns and maintenance will be on me. So the CRST Malone L/P you pay the truck payment then .12 a mile maintenance with tires breakdowns and PM's all taken care of. You have a $5,000 ballon payment at the end of the lease. If you plug the numbers into the ooida L/P speadsheet your bottom line with everything runs about 1.10 -1.20 a mile. whatever is above that is profit. If you listen to the contractor conference calls that are held monthly you will get a indication that some of the L/P guys have no idea what is going on. The L/P also complain about minor maintenance issues I do understand they pay .12 cents a mile but a marker light out and you want to get routed to a terminal to get it fixed? I spoke to a recuiter last week and got approved so I will be in Rockport, In for orientation on the 20th of Aug. I live about 20 miles away and this area is great freight lane for flatbed. I hope they have some of the older trucks I would like the cheaper payment. I am kinda in the same situation as gravdigr I have a retirement check and my house is paid off so what $$ I make is to buy stuff. gravdigr I need you to Pm me your name and truck number I will turn it in for the referral.

Thanks