Any fleet owners in here?

I have read about several lawsuits lately where people are being sued for paying drivers on a 1099.

 

Why wouldn't you pay your driver on percentage? Then his chief concern would be revenue and would likely not mind doing the shorter loads that pay more. If he was paid percentage and allowed to book his own loads then legally he could be 1099. Otherwise to find and keep a decent driver you would have to offer benefits and other incentives to compete for a driver, and frankly with the rates that are talked about I don't think there's much wiggle room when you figure in pay, health insurance, work comp insurance, etc.

 

I totally agree. If you pick the driver's loads and then pay him/her a percentage you may get away with it. I worked in the car hauling business for a number of years, and saw a lady lose 3 trucks due to back Social Security payments and fines. If you type 1099 truck driver lawsuits into Google you can find ongoing current lawsuits. Making them an employee is the safest thing to do. It is also by far the most expensive. Good luck with your endeavor. I wish you nothing but good results.

 

Now I'm more confused...lol

 

Are you running under your own authority?

 

I like what you're doing & will be following your progress. This is something I might be interested in doing sometime in the future. My goal would not be to make a bunch off one truck but to end up with a small fleet. Then maybe venture out with my own authority. Just thinking out loud.