Hiring a driver

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by dztruck, Oct 9, 2020.

  1. dztruck

    dztruck Light Load Member

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    Hi guys, so i finally decided to expand my fleet. By 1 truck. Been a 1 truck owner op for bout 4 years now, think i got the hang of it. Im lookin to buy another truck and hire a driver. What are some tips you guys can give? I want to pay him well. As i truly believe in taking care of drivers as i was one myself.

    how are some ways you guys pay your drivers? By load? By mile? Hourly? We run regional west southwest and some mountain.

    whats the best way to track his miles? Whats your detention policy?

    And i have no idea how to calculate his taxes. I can get a tax guy for that but was wondering if u prefer to just not do their taxes and pay them straight up.

    im just trying to gather all the info i can. Any info helps. Thanks!
     
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  3. Stacylynn99

    Stacylynn99 Bobtail Member

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  4. Stacylynn99

    Stacylynn99 Bobtail Member

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    Quickbooks is perfect for small business and will calculate everything from expenses to mileage as well as payroll & taxes.
    I’ve got a great driver looking for a position with an owner operator that wouldn’t make you regret hiring him.. if you are looking...
     
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  5. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    You would be best off to hire a driver to drive the truck you already have. After you confirm he’s up to your standards and is going to stick around, at that point then go buy another truck and put yourself in it. Buying a truck and magically finding a driver is not a good position to be in.
     
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  6. dztruck

    dztruck Light Load Member

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    Thank you, i am in the process shopping for a truck right now. Will keep your driver in mind once i am set up.
     
  7. dztruck

    dztruck Light Load Member

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    Thats not a bad idea. My thought was to let him drive my truck now, and buy the new truck and treat it as i was a new owner op. But your idea is good too.
     
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  8. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    Having a truck or trucks sitting in the driveway with no driver is no fun and a lot of pressure. Especially, if your not very well funded then it could turn into you trying to force a hire. Meaning, it’s not the right driver but you gotta get the truck moving so just go with it. When options start to narrow is when poor decisions are most made.

    I’m not familiar with the driver market in the south west, but here in the Midwest it’s nearly impossible to find good drivers.

    I don’t say these things to discourage you. Just to help manage your risk.
     
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  9. dztruck

    dztruck Light Load Member

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    Of course, ive thought of all the negatives as well. But i gotta take the dive, its either i do this or regret never doing it when im older.
     
  10. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    I would pay on percentage since that gives the driver a vested interest in hauling more profitable loads even if it involves more work or sends him somewhere tricky. Otherwise paying by the mile or hour he will always be incentivized to take the easy way out since it matters not to him how much the truck makes.
     
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