Here's one for my fellow tanker yankers....whatcha think???

If I am not mistaking... Fuel Sur-Charge

 

Is it possible that they are just throwing the company drivers a few extra bucks so they'll be more willing to do the load?

 

BINGO! Chalupa...that may be the key to your suspicions. I just left a company that does just that. Drivers work 5 days and always seem to be out of hours, or close to it. The office manager calls them and throws them a bone for doing more work (despite the safety dept.'s strict instructions NOT to,) and some of it was pretty tough to pass up.

Like today for instance, 4th of July. Every single holiday the day before, a bulk email would go out stating "I know you work hard and may have plans...but we don't consider the 4th of July a national holiday" (I guess he's from Iraq or something.) "Anyone willing to work Friday will receive an additional $50.00 + regular day's pay, + holiday pay for working. All adds up, so they bite. We heard that every single holiday regardless whether it is Christmas, New Years, etc. The office mgr. is the former owner's son, now just an employee of the major corporate machine that bought them out. He still thinks it's dad's company and that you should work 24/7 365 and be glad you have a job.

Then the o/o does the same exact work on the weekends to cover it, and he sees the same thing you do...why don't the numbers jive...?

I'll bet that's what's going on rather than a skimming situation.

And yes, it would be financial suicide to mention it, LOL. That's the tough part. The thing I hated most about this company I just left was they skimmed a percentage of the o/o FSC off their settlements. That to me is a crime that should be punishable by firing squad. That fuel is burned to generate revenue from the owner of that truck's tanks. A good company passes 100% of the FSC to the owner-operator. The not-so-good ones keep a percentage and have all kind of excuses to justify their actions.

 

Here is what could be happening... Company owner has researched the 'average' time it takes to do the 20 mile flip. This is then given to the company driver as pay keeping the guys that don't screw off, on the upside. This info, could also be used for workman's Comp and other potential bonding discounts.

The owner op: Will get the percent pay and FSC... However, any such bonding and workman's comp, which could be required by the shipper/receiver will come off the top of the load reducing what the actual bottom line for the Owner Op. (as they are seen as a contractor for insurance purposes)...

I don't see any funny business here... just what one would expect. I'd bring it up to whomever leased you on... however, to let them know you are aware

 

fuel surcharge

 

FSC is fuel surcharge... and the original poster said he got it. He's merely adding up what company drivers get (25%) and taking that times 4 thinking this should be really close to what he gets adding FSC...

As I stated, there are probably costs coming off the top that he doesn't see, and he is a contractor... many places require bonding and of course proof of workman's Comp. or added insurance besides what a typical O/O would carry.

 

Adding to this, there are some red flags I've seen over the years, that would lead one to believe that they are skimming revenue from the O/O. How do the company trucks look? Tires, brakes, and trucks serviced often... or are the left until absolute measures HAVE to be taken? Does he keep his equipment clean? Or pinch pennies? One quickly can see the ones that are ripping you off, then take measures to prevent this, and leave.

 

It's fuel surcharge.

Chalupa, sounds like we pull for the same company..

 

Sounds like they are beating you to me.
According to the drivers pay @ 25% that load grosses $304 (easy math there). Assuming a .45 cpm FSC your only looking at $9 in fuel surcharge per round but it adds up.
So, hard not to see a $59 skim here per round.
Just out of curiosity what is your percentage, trailer rental etc....?

It always amazes me that all trucking companies think that they are the only ones in the world that own a spreadsheet.