New Trucking Company I have questions of all the truckers here

45% after fuel is a pretty decent pay. And yes, it makes sense for owners to pay after fuel so the driver will be more mindful of his fuel usage. When I pulled containers out of Harrisburg, PA, the owner of the truck did this too, though I was paid 50% of the loads and got 100% of any accessorials (driver unload, detention, etc.) I thought that was a bit much, tbh, since if his truck was sitting he wasn't making any money either, but he was happy and so was I (for a while anyway heh, but that's another story.) As long as you are committed to getting the best fuel mileage the truck can I can't see why any driver worth his salt wouldn't be the same way. Of course, if you really want to get some great fuel mileage you'll have to drop some more money on the trucks too. Things like APUs, low-rolling resistance tires, AirTabs (not sure how much they help, but alot of drivers swear by em.) The problem I had with the owner where we split the fuel costs was his truck was an automatic, the loads were all containers except for the occasional reefer trailer, and with a container you had to keep the 5th wheel all the way back or the chassis would hit the frame. Not to mention they were all loaded heavy and almost all of the loads going to Baltimore or Scranton, up and down hills. Even driving at 58-60 most of the time, I got an average fuel mileage of 4.7-5.2. The owner, however, wouldn't hear about doing anything to try to improve it. So I said to hell with that. If I'm splitting fuel costs I want either some input on ways to lower it, or at least some assurance the owner will be seriously looking at it.

As for the quality of the truck itself, it'll vary from driver to driver. Me, personally, I do like a clean truck with some decent room in it. Chrome and such isn't a big deal, nor do I prefer long hoods. I also prefer 13 speeds, especially in the Northeast or the Rockies. But again, that will all vary according to driver. There are some drivers out there who will drive ANYTHING and don't care for the truck at all. They usually also don't take care of the truck at all. I'm sure that all those crappy, beat-down looking Werner and CRST trucks didn't start out that way. But then, they aren't picky about the drivers they hire either.

Anyway, the best way to get good drivers is to pre-screen heavily, compensate well (including hometime, benefits, bonuses for performance/fuel/safety, etc.) purchase trucks that do well for performance, safety and driver comfort, and listen to drivers when they have a serious gripe. That last can be pretty hard to tell when a gripe is serious or not. If in doubt, try talking to some of the other drivers you have as well to see if it's just one driver blowing off some steam or a bigger problem.

I'm not sure about the handing out flyers thing. If you already have some good drivers, I would rather work through them to help find some more. You can never be sure if the driver you are handing a flyer to is one you want to keep or not, but at least if you best driver tells you, "This guy can handle a rig better then me, and he knows more about trucks then most mechanics!" you can feel pretty good about hiring that guy. Wide-band advertising is something the BFI do to get as many recruits as they need to cover the masses fleeing from them every day. It shouldn't be necessary if you are running your company right. Once you get a little bigger, advertising locally could be an option. Craigslist for your area too. Again though, you will have to deal with more undesireables that way.

Anyway, I wish you luck with your company. Just remember, the hardest part is over. You made it through the first year intact, and in a time when the economy isn't all that favorable to new companies, so congrats!

 

I think you are going about it the right way, you obviously have pride in your company and if the drivers have that same pride its a win/win for you. Even though you say that you are not trying to get rich, if you keep going about it the way you are and grow slowly with some good drivers it will work out for you in the end. I'm in the Houston area and just quit driving back in July to become a freight agent, if I ever have to go back to driving I'll definitely give you a shout. Keep up the good work!!