Own Authority VS lease...

It sounds like you are in a tough situation. You might check with CRST Malone and see if there is an owner operator who may need a driver. There are some who have small fleets leased on to them. They are always in need of drivers. If you get together with an owner then it won't cost you anything to get started. The owner pays for your travel and motel while you are in orientation. Drivers go through the same orientation and securement training as the owner operators. You could drive for an owner and save your money until you can get your truck up to spec's and have enough to buy fuel. Every now and then an owner operator has tarps that they will sell at a discount because of leaving the company. Running for an owner operator would also give you an opportunity to see if you like flats before you spend your money.

I see you are from Texas. At one time they were supposed to put an office near Dallas. There was an agent in Spring that had a number of owner operators who ran out of their office. It may be possible to go through orientation at that office rather than traveling to Birmingham, AL.

 

When CHR pulls up my T number most will tell me that I won't haul for what they are offering. Do get a few call backs seeing if I'm available and offering more money. I do get a little sick of the right out of college grinders that answer the phones.

 

I have just spend that last two weeks talking to O/O's about leasing onto me. I can't tell you how many times I have heard similar stories. Guys leased to a carrier, making less than $1.50/mile and living settlement to settlement.

Anyone looking at buying a truck and leasing at these rates should take all this into consideration. Sure, you may be able to save a few pennies per mile with the carrier but it still cost big money to run and maintain these big boys.

You want to look at a percent program that will allow you to average out better than $1.70/mile and if at all possible, get away from dry van.

If you can pony up the money for the down on insurance you can get your authority and start pulling for JB Hunt.

 

I get the same thing from the them.

 

There is nothing wrong with taking a step back to regroup. You need to do what you think is best.

 

The one time I had to deal with them was easy. It must have been a young guy cause he did all the work and bid himself up.

 

Must of got 6 calls today from the same CHR shop on the same load. Can't they figure out that some companies send lists of available loads to approved carriers and brokers? After the 2nd call when I heard the city I knew who it was. Checked my email and that $1800 CHR load was being offered at $5500 from the customer. Had some fun with the other callers.

 

I would say I couldn't do it for less than $5500. And of course the typical response was that they don't have that much in it. So I would ask what the best they could do. $2200. Nope.

Then one guy went all used car salesman on me and I ended up getting a little pissy with him. First he said if I would be reasonable maybe he could get me a better rate. Reasonable, Huh? So before I can tell him to go f himself he puts me on hold.

When he comes back he is all happy and chipper and says "Good News, we got the rate. We can do $2800." I said my rate was $5500. But we don't have that much.

And then I let him have it. Plenty of BS, liar, get your head out of your a ss. Then the manager called me back and it is someone I worked with in the past. He got a good chuckle and appoligized. Told me if I wanted the load I could have it for $5200.

Then I laughed and said no, if I wanted the load I could have it for $5500 direct from the customer.