What Questions should you ask an O/O before hiring on

The same questions you should ask any company.

Well some will some won't when it comes to revealing information. I have worked for 2 and both would. I just took a job with one again starting yesterday. When I went to talk to him that's one of my main concerns because of being paid percentage. Will you allow me acces to rate confirmations and billing etc...? He stood up walked over to the file cabinet and pulled out last weeks files and handed it to me and said sure, see for yourself what the truck did last week. That speaks volumes in my book, because that tells me he isn't trying to hide anything.

There are lots of good things about working for a small outfit or O/O and there are disadvantages.

Pros:
1. Family atmosphere instead of what truck # are you
2. Usually more honest people
3. Usually more family oriented and actually care about there employees
and plenty more
4. Most will allow you to be more involved in calling some shots

Cons:
1. not as many or good of benefits ( Ins, 401k, etc...)
2. sometimes not as consistent of freight base

I've worked for big carriers and for as small as a 2 truck outfit. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but, for me the good outweighs the bad with a small operation and beats a big carrier anyday IMO. But we are all different and need different things to be happy.

 

Check the post office bulletin board !!!!!

 

How about how will you be paid and how often? Mileage pay or percentage? if mileage pay then what program is being used? Pc Miler short 53? Practical route? Household Movers guide (aka Rand McNally miles).

How about will the boss be paying you as an independent contractor (thus screwing you and the government over on workers comp, and tax withholding) or as an employee?

Are there any benefits being offered? Vacation, sick days, personal days, 401k/profit sharing?

What about Medical, dental, disability insurances? Family coverage offered and for how much?

Will direct deposit be available or do you get a "check in the mail?"

What about fueling the truck? Are you limited in how much fuel you can purchase daily? How about cash advances?

Who pays for tires or repairs on the road and how?


There are so many questions to ask BEFORE you agree to drive for an owner op it boggles the mind.

At best its a crap shoot and at worst you will be used and not paid for your work.

 

Be very cautious !!!!

 

I'm not an O/O but am looking for a company to retire with. A lot of the questions I'm asking aren't pertinent here but.....

1) length of haul
2) QC or elogs
3) what do they require to be shown on logs
4) How much of the freight is their own customer base and how much brokered
5) What's their lanes
6) detention and layover

JMHO from a fairly new drvr