Running with JCT, Part Deux

Well everyone the truck is turned in, it was very uneventful, I spoke to the Safety Manager and turned in the Permit Book, Fuel Card, etc., then the Safety Manager went through the truck to make sure nothing was left inside, and I went to the shop they had someone do a quick walk around, checked the tread depth etc. and gave me a copy of the check sheet that was useless in telling me what I would be paying from my maintenance fund, they said a more extensive check would be done in a couple of weeks once they brought it into the shop and went over it. I then went and spoke to my dispatcher who let me know the door was open and I'm welcome back anytime. And that was it. I am now in Green Bay awaiting orientation this Monday.
I would like to say THANKS to all the JCT drivers that participated on the various threads giving knowledge about their experience and answering questions about JCT, it was the information on these threads that ultimately helped me make my decision to come to JCT. I had a really good experience at JCT, the miles were good 99% of my loads were 1k miles or more, I averaged 11,800 miles a month and brought in around $900 a week after expenses including taxes and my safety bonus were both approximately $740.
What I liked about JCT was the lengthy loads, and going out to Cali and Florida, sometimes I'd do a reset in Cali so I had maximum hours available to run with leaving Cali, I could do a reset and still get 3k miles in a week, my motto is you can never have too many hours but you can definitely have too few which could cost you a nice long load. It was rare to wait for a pre-plan, and very rare to have issues with the load info, like pick up/delivery times, pick up numbers, etc.,
I learned very early that JBS and Tyson loads you call and check to see if they are ready BEFORE you go check in, alot of times I would find me a truck stop and park if the load wasn't ready and get my 10 in and call when I woke up, but I would NEVER show up without calling first and I would NEVER show up if the load wasn't ready unless I wanted to drop the trailer to make parking at a nearby truck stop easier.
Another thing I liked and appreciated about JCT was the willingness of the Planners and Dispatchers to work with you as for your needs with running area, drops, swaps, miles, time off etc., Only had one problem where I was going to have to have to hold onto a load because I was 30+ hours early and didn't want a reset because I was going home in a few days, and after venting (on here) and arm twisting a solution came up and that load was dropped and I got another and kept going. That was the ONE and ONLY time that occurred in my 7 months at JCT. But the staff are really nice people. Very helpful. It's a walk away lease, no penalty to leave AT ALL.
What I didn't like about JCT I couldn't grow my company and expand at JCT. AND, I couldn't pick my own loads which would ultimately give me control of my revenue, all loads are assigned, and you have input, but it's ultimately up to the planners.
That being said it's been a great experience, and I would recommend JCT to anyone looking to learn about operating a truck as a profitable business, it's very difficult to mess up the lease program at JCT and not be profitable, sometimes it's the truck and maintenance issues that will do you in, I was fortunate to have L2929D (I was operator #5) a 2014 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution that I had absolutely ZERO problems with I just paid for PM's, fuel averaged 7.1 mpg running mostly 67mph any time I could, they will work with you if you get into that situation.
Everyone stay safe out there.

 

So how much kickback is jct getting from pilot? They really don't seem to want me fueling at Loves.

After fueling at Loves I got an obviously canned auto message telling me I could have saved $14 had I gone to the pilot. Only thing is I got $28 back (yes, in points but I do use them) from Loves so I actually would have overpaid $14 had I used pilot.

Must have been quiet the falling out. One can only wonder.

TA

 

I was wondering the same thing. I saved 18 bucks a couple days ago and still got that message LOL.

 

Ok. I don't like the revamped trucker report page. I like it better the other way. Also, my signature is now gone also. They saved the profile pic, but couldn't save peoples signatures.

 

Over all I think its much better

 

I just don't like change. I thought it was just fine the way it was. I'm sure they had their reasons, but it seemed to work fine. Sometimes I think people change things just for the sake of changing. Or even worse, trying to fix something that isn't broke and end up breaking it.

I don't understand (or just don't get it) the purpose of the trophy point thing. If I wanted to earn trophies or points, I would play video games. The help, knowledge, and comradery should be reward enough for using forums. After all, isn't at least two of those the reason for joining a forum. Not, oh let's join this forum because I can earn trophies and points. Seem pointless to have such a thing for a forum.

 

I decided to stay with Navajo Express for now and not make any moves. They saw that I had given notice and gave me a retention offer that I gladly accepted. I felt such relief after making that decision. JCT might promise a lot, but I have a dog, and that $2000 pet deposit demanded up front in cash says a lot about the company and the clear intent to discourage drivers from having pets. I feel like I'm welcome at JCT, but Lars is not.

My second objection is about leasing in general, and in particular the taxes. It's a big wild card and I'm not convinced that with the pay raise I'm getting driving company with Navajo Express that I'll fare any better with any lease. The fact that nobody leasing can give me a definite answer on the tax question is concerning.

Fortunately I'll never find out. That pet deposit was a red flag and I'm too old to ignore red flags like I did when I was younger.

 

If Navyjoe treats you well and gave a boost, all the more reason to stay.

JCT doesn't know your pet or your training habits. I've seen drivers
that let their pets urinate and defecate in the truck. They need to cover their assets so I can understand their position, though I do take affront to it.

What's the tax question?

Some of the diehard fleecers here won't like this statement but it is true. As a fleecer you won't make much more than a high paid company driver and may, in fact, make less. The payout begins when the truck is paid for. A few years of toil and payments then the really decent money begins.

As a fleecer I am a glorified company driver. I won't sugar coat it. The glorified part is I can refuse loads ( I have) and dictate my time off (took all of Jan '14 off) with no repercussions.

I have no intentions of voluntarily leaving here as I am very happy with my choice to come here.

TA

 

Do they ever cap the maintenance?
After truck is paid off do they require maintenance account funding? I know I asked at jct but I forgot the answer. I do wish I could bring my pup but 2k is a little steep.

 

I got a feeling you're right. In regard to the pet deposit, I've never heard of a company charging that much. In a lease situation, a pet deposit of up to $500 is reasonable and if there's damage beyond that it can be taken out of the maintenance escrow. It's my belief that JCT just doesn't want pets, hence the high deposit, hence the insistence it be paid upfront in cash. Ridiculous! If my dog isn't welcome, then neither am I.

At a starting rate of 48 cpm, I bet Crete drivers do much better than most lease drivers.