Swift Owner Operators

No problem,,,, if I wasn't so shy and bashful I would tell you that I am a walking encyclopedia, but I am too modest for that....

 

The wife called the law office that is handling the class action suit...according to them...the IRS is getting involved, heavily.

When she told me that, my first thought was that if the IRS (and the suit) gets the win side to the action...the national debt could get reduced significantly just from all the companies that have similar lease contracts to Swift's and the way that these companies have drivers classified as "independent contractors". The unpaid, company tax per employee, would be huge. Plus the penalties for late and/or non payment of the tax due.

However, on the down side, the attorney also told us that Jerry had put in for a change of venue, and it was granted...now the case will have to be put before an AZ court...and we all know there is no corruption in AZ legal or political issues, now don't we!

As for the DOT...do you have a link to the part about not assesing fees for required equipment? I had never heard that before.

 

Thats cool. I'm sick of seeing these abusive lease deals, and people falling for them. (but im not sorry for the people who fall for them 3+ times...cough..)

As for the DOT, I'm sorry, I assumed that was common knowledge. I cant find that rule at the moment but i'll be looking for it...

Link for not allowed to charge for required equipment such as qualcomm:

There's also this one, look for the "what is an employee" section: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/w-blower.htm

 

With all the headace that surrounds being a L/O think I'll stay in a company trk...I have run the numbers over and over, spoke with several different L/O some like it some regret it.. Besides if I have a breakdown I notify On-Road that "there" trk is broken. I'm told where to take it along with a reference number..EZ peezy lemon squeezy..

 

if swift's road breakdown dept is as retarded as werner's, and i was an l/o, i would never even think about dealing with them.

at werner, road breakdown is severely and intentionally understaffed. it usually takes hours to get a response. By the time i get a response, its a stupid one, and its been long enough to have fixed it already. I feel like i can either deal with the problems (8 check engine codes right now), or not get money. I'm going home this weekend with the intentions of dropping the truck off at a dealership to be fixed while im home..that should work out in my favor. (dealerships actually are willing to move the truck and therefore i can be free to leave the facility....)

 

Swifts breakdown dept. use to come with it's share of challenges..but is getting better..
Yes they are a bit understaffed..for the number of trks they have...
But in thier defense..drivers calling in because they won't or don't know how to fix a light on the trl..or can't get the handle on the tandems to stay out..boggles my mind.
Swift has gone as far as to implement a voluntary training program for thier drivers on how to do minor repair...complete with issuing a small tool kit as well as extra lights and such..which a driver gets to keep after 6 months. Any driver not willing to take this course or do a few minor repairs,,then shouldn't have the right to complain...
Another thing I will do is,,if I can legally do so, limp to a major trk stop, and send a msg to breakdown as to where I'm headed. More times than not by the time I get there, breakdown has already notified them and sent me a reference number...It's just that easy..
I have come across so many L/O who after only driving for a year or less,, take on the lease option..with no prior expeirence in the industry...Reason I hear most often is "I can make more per mile".. then after a few months reality hits...now it's the companies fault...Worse part is some of these same drivers become trainers in order to make the payments...and thats wrong no matter who the company is.
So I'll stay in my company issued trk..do what I can to keep me rollin' . Help who I can along the way..and maybe make it to the finish line.

 

Well this is from there Website....

Required Driving Record

• Must possess a valid Class "A" CDL.
• No DWI or DUI convictions within the past five years.
• No major preventable accidents within the past twelve months.
• No reckless driving convictions in the last three years and NEVER in a commercial vehicle.
• Able to pass a DOT physical and drug test.

Tractor Requirements

• We require a 2002, or newer, 3-axle with sleeper and sliding fifth wheel, and prefer low-profile tires. Maximum wheelbase - 261"; maximum weight - 22,000 lbs. with fuel. Your tractor must pass a DOT Level I inspection.
• You are responsible for your single state registration # $250.95 ($10 per week for 25 weeks).

Other Requirements

• QUALCOMM IS MANDATORY: your cost is $20.00 per week (rental fee).
• Owner Operators are responsible for special permits when needed.

Maximum Speed Limit

• 68 mph for owner operators.
• 65 mph for owner operator trainers.

Truck Insurance

• Physical damage insurance - available at 2.5% per $1,000.00 of truck value.
• Non-trucking liability insurance - available through Swift at $5.77 per week.
• Occupational Accident per Hazard insurance - available at $32.31 or $45.00 per week.
• Insurance is available through the Company or you do have the option of using your own insurance. Your insurance policy must comply with our Company requirements.
• Insurance subject to a deductible.

Other Important Information
Weekly settlements are processed on Mondays. Most trip envelopes received in Phoenix by noon on Monday will be paid the following Monday. We utilize Trip-Pak Express at truck stops and our terminal network to expedite receipt of trip envelopes. This service is FREE.

 

why the hel would an owner operator put up with having a speed limiter on their truck?