GTS Transport Willowbrook IL - BEWARE!!!

Discussion in 'Report A BAD Trucking Company Here' started by timothycoon1982, Jan 22, 2014.

  1. timothycoon1982

    timothycoon1982 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 22, 2014
    Midland, MI
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    So….. I turned in my keys last Friday to start at GTS out of Willobrook Illinois…. I thought it was somewhat shady because they were hell bent to get me in ASAP…. But getting a pay bump with the possibility of being home every weekend was appealing enough to me to take the chance.

    They asked me to forward a copy of my MVR, which was not a possibility given the fact that I was unable to make it to the DMV prior to coming down. So they did me a “favor” and pulled it for me to make sure I would be able to be covered under their insurance.

    My fiancé took a couple of days off from work so she could ride down and bring the car back to Michigan as I would be allowed to bring my truck home when I’d make it back to the house…

    We made the five hour drive, checked into the red roof inn, and I went to their office to begin the next chapter in my life..

    I was greeted by Paul, a dispatcher. He was friendly and excited to see me. We spoke for a couple of minutes until Tom, the owner, took over for Paul. Tom and I spoke for a few minutes, and he then took me to Olga, his Safety manager.

    Once with Olga, things took a turn for the worse.

    This company requires you to establish your own corporation, purchase (thru them) a workers comp type self-insurance, and pays your corporation directly vs a 1099 for a “subcontractor”.

    They take $2,500 of your pay to place in an escrow account in the event you have an accident…. They charge you if you have anything come up negative on a DOT inspection (ranging from $250-$2,500). They keep any unpaid settlements should you choose to leave prior to six months.. They force you to sign a hold-harmless agreement, and an arbitration agreement…..AND they try to put you into a crappy truck with hopes that you’ll purchase it OVER market value with 10% down…

    In my case, it was a 2007 volvo with 880k miles…. An abs and traction control light on the dash….. jake brake that didn’t work…..physical damage….and a broken driver’s seat..

    Soooooooooooo…… using their logic…. Let’s say that I DID stay, and I got pulled into a scale for a level 1… I would have had at least two infractions that would have put me out of service……but who knows how many issues they would have found on this turd of a truck….. but either way, they would have ended up nailing me for thousands per their agreements…

    I asked if there was ANY way to be a w-2 employee, and the owner tried his hardest to convince me how GREAT it was to form your own corporation….and how it sets up barriers so if there is an accident, they (and you) will be covered from any lawsuits….

    They force you to operation as a corporation so they can dodge employment taxes, unemployment taxes, and other fees associated with actually having w-2 employees.. they pass ALL liability onto the driver……..and you know they won’t do what’s right at the end of the day..

    IF you’re looking into these guys, take it from me………RUN!!!!!
     
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  3. "Hang - Man"

    "Hang - Man" Heavy Load Member

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    Good for you Timothycoon 1982, How is this crap hole company growing (according to the internet info). unfortunately it doesn't sound like you drug this guy across his desk and made him pay you your out of pocket expenses.
    I guess also beware of a company that doesn't list any info on their website for potential drivers -like "GTS Transport Willowbrook IL" --it's a sign that they are a little shady.
    I am guessing this company also blew all kind of smoke about what you would be getting paid and such --but all via the phone and not e-mail. I am glad you ran away from that.
     
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  4. timothycoon1982

    timothycoon1982 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 22, 2014
    Midland, MI
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    It was an expensive lesson, that's for sure! Between what I put up out of pocket (including paying for my own drug screen) on my trip down, I'm also going to be out a week of pay.......

    I truly believe that they make their money, mainly, by screwing the driver with their fees.... but who knows...
     
  5. "Hang - Man"

    "Hang - Man" Heavy Load Member

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    I have "NO Doubt" -- I smell a rat from 1000 mi's away.
    I dont know if you looked at their web site, but it looks like when you hit the employment button it talks about being an O/O --nothing about company driver --i have to assume you applied to be a company driver ?
     
  6. timothycoon1982

    timothycoon1982 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 22, 2014
    Midland, MI
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    Yessir... I found an ad of theirs on craigslist, and they asked me initially if I was interested in purchasing a truck. I told them that it was my ultimate goal to become an o/o, BUT if it was by means of a lease purchase I would have to work as a company driver first for a year or better to get a feel for them.

    They were more than willing to bring me on as a company driver..............they just didn't tell me that I would be an independent contractor hired on by my own corporation....

    I did review their website, and did question them about their o/o position......... their explanation- "Up until recently, we only leased owners... but we have twenty of our own trucks on the road now for company drivers"..

    I get the feeling that they're trying to be the next landstar..... which is fine for o/o's, but there's no room for a company driver to make any sort of money with them.
     
  7. HalpinUout

    HalpinUout Road Train Member

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    Was the owner American or European? There's a ton of BS companies in the Chicago area.... Next time before you drive 5 hours a few simple questions should be asked on the phone before driving... #1 Do you pay on a W-2 or 1099?
     
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  8. timothycoon1982

    timothycoon1982 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 22, 2014
    Midland, MI
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    they were Russian.... which was not an issue in my eyes due to previously working with a Russian in my former field of work..

    The 1099 isn't the issue, and that's why I didn't ask about it. You can still be paid directly under a 1099 without the need for filing a corporation with your state of residence.

    I know how to keep track of receipts for tax purposes.... so a 1099 status doesn't scare me..... but everything else about them sent me running.
     
  9. "Hang - Man"

    "Hang - Man" Heavy Load Member

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    1099 is fine if you are being extremely compensated for your work, but again that is just the owners way of dodging some responsibility on their end. With 7 years driving i would assume it would be fairly easy for you to find a legit trucking employer that compensates you well.
     
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  10. timothycoon1982

    timothycoon1982 Bobtail Member

    16
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    Jan 22, 2014
    Midland, MI
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    I was taking a slight pay cut by getting home each weekend.. but I've already got something lined up for a dedicated account where I'll be home more, and make about the same..

    i'm just trying to save others the trouble with those guys...
     
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  11. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    Oct 21, 2012
    Chicago, IL
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    Thanks for the heads up.

    Chicago is the capital of shady trucking companies.
     
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