Is this a good deal?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by EV87, Apr 24, 2014.

  1. EV87

    EV87 Light Load Member

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    Apr 29, 2013
    Salt Lake City, UT
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    Hello,

    I got my CDL last year (2013) but have been out of a truck for the majority of the time since, as I returned home after my OTR training to find a local job so I can finish my degree. That didn't pan out as expected so I've been looking at getting back in a truck. I've been looking at two companies. I've looked at KLLM/FFE which would be an LTL position out of my city and get home weekly. .35/mi, plus $30 a stop. 6 month contract. The only drawback is I'm really not too keen on taking another greyhound or flying to Texas to do the refresher there and stay in a dorm with a roommate again and spend 10 days not getting paid. I've heard mixed things about this company, as one would expect with any company I suppose.

    Anyways, a driver on another forum referred me to their carrier which is based right out of my city. James H. Clark. It's a small company (less than 100 trucks) all Kenworths and they all have a 1500w inverter and a fridge, they have a pet policy and from what I hear he's very happy and they treat him well. I met with them and they seem great. All very nice people. The only drawback to that is that there is a year commitment, and in addition to my 2-4 weeks OTR training, there's 4 weeks of team driving. So, the deal here is: 2-4 weeks training @ $350/week. Then the team driving is .14/mile. Once you go solo it's .24/mile + .06/mile for meals & incidentals. So, .30/mile (which seems to be the standard for new drivers, and even better than what some carriers offer) plus a .01 bonus after 10,500 miles, .02 after 11,000, .03 after 11,500. The MPH bonus. .05 for 63-64mph, .04 for 65-66mph, .03 for 67-68 mph. Aside from the team driving for a month and the year contract (with $3,000 of training I'd have to pay if I don't stay the year) it sounds pretty good. I just wanted to get opinions on here. I know we all gotta start somewhere and it could be much, much worse for a starter company. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2014
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  3. Lux Prometheus

    Lux Prometheus Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 28, 2013
    San Venganza, Tx
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    I think deal #2 is the best one, who's the company? They can't answer without the name, it could have some great benefits, but n exchange require you to "donate" a kidney...
     
  4. EV87

    EV87 Light Load Member

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    Apr 29, 2013
    Salt Lake City, UT
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    James H. Clark out of Salt Lake City.
     
  5. Voltrucker

    Voltrucker Medium Load Member

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    Sep 24, 2012
    West TN
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  6. teqntexas

    teqntexas Medium Load Member

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    Jan 25, 2012
    Ft. Worth Tx.
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  7. Lux Prometheus

    Lux Prometheus Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 28, 2013
    San Venganza, Tx
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    Oh, them.. They only want an eyeball... :-D

    JUST KIDDING!!

    The deal does sound good, tho... Too bad they aren't in Texas...
     
  8. EV87

    EV87 Light Load Member

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    Apr 29, 2013
    Salt Lake City, UT
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    May I ask why that is exactly? I'm inclined to agree with you already, I'm just wondering why specifically? As far as I knew, LTL was very highly coveted in truck driving. Is it the company?
     
  9. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    Apr 2, 2014
    Tennessee
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    Id say the .14 cpm team is for all miles paid to the truck, whether you drive them or the co-driver drives them. If you drive 1500 and the co-driver drives 1500 that's 3000 miles you actually drive the truck. If the pay miles on the 3000 is 2800, youd get paid for 2800 X .14= $392.00 (which, as a team, the truck mileage should be much higher than that). You would just need to decide if you are willing to commit to a year or not before you accept the job. The rest sounds ok, of course Im not familiar with the carrier so that would be a factor as well. If the other driver has been with them awhile, then hes probably shooting straight with you. Looks like you have the potential there to make more than what youd make with FFE/KLLM. Me, personally, I prefer smaller companies.
     
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2014
  10. Lux Prometheus

    Lux Prometheus Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 28, 2013
    San Venganza, Tx
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    Well, besides the eyeball and kidney thing, it seems like the long-term pay is better. Plus, your friend recommends it hightly; and if he's trustworthy and accurate (we all know people who would drag us into the mire with them just to share their misery, don't we? ), then I'd say that's the route to go.
     
  11. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    Apr 2, 2014
    Tennessee
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    A lot of companies haul LTL though they are not registered as an LTL company. If you want good paying LTL, look to companies such as ABF, Yellow/Roadway, UPS, etc.
     
    Tonythetruckerdude Thanks this.
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