American Freight Express Inc ?

Do American trucking companies regularly charge a $2,000 security deposit for the privilege of driving a company truck?

 

Just the ones that take advantage of their drivers. I would say the practice is common in certain areas of the country and certain cities.

It's just a way for a company to say "I hire drivers that I know I shouldn't and I behave in ways that I know the driver will view as unfair. And because of this, I'm quite certain the person I've hired will either 1) abruptly quit and abandon my equipment, for which I will have to pay to retrieve it; 2) intentionally or unintentionally damage the equipment for which I will have to pay a deductible; or 3) arrive late to pickup/deliver loads resulting in service failures for which I will have to accept dirt cheap freight from shady brokers."

Even if you're a 1 in 1,000,000 driver who is a professional, honest, careful driver with a pristine driving record and PSP score that just happened to have the misfortune and lack of gumption to actually accept employment under the condition of paying a "security deposit"- such a company is most likely going to nickel and dime you throughout your employment and then refuse to return your deposit at the end of your employment with them.

 

I didn't even know that was a thing! I don't think such a 'security deposit' scheme exists up here, unless you're renting a house/apartment. I wouldn't pay a dime to drive someone else's junk!

 

Thank you for these responses guys, really appreciate it. Makes my decision a whole lot easier!