Life at American Central Transport (ACT)

well just got off the phone with marsha I'm set up for orentation on the 30th can't wait to get on thank's for all the info bk hope to meet you also

 

if you can a pic of it would be great

 

now that's what im talking about most l/p programs would've screwed the driver on the bill that's great they took care of you

 

Right so, um yea, i took a week off from Christmas day until New Years day and i have not gotten a check since, and from what i am told i am still over 300 bucks in the negative. Only reason i am still there is because it would take me longer to get another job than it will to make up this payment. Before any stupid comments are made. I left out on Jan. 3rd and it is now the 19th and i am just now getting home for my 34 hr break because i wanted to stay out and make up that payment. Aparently that aint working and not only going a month almost without a check they have also cut off my pay advances. So when you go a month without a check and they cut your advances off, how are you supposed to eat? I have NEVER turned down a load but im not getting the miles to make up that payment. Moral of the story is. DO NOT TAKE ANY TIME OFF. IF SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY DIES OR SOMETHING KEEP YOUR ### ON THE ROAD AND SEND FLOWERS BECAUSE IF YOU TAKE ANY TIME OFF AT ALL WHAT SO EVER YOU WILL STARVE TO DEATH OR LOSE EVERYTHING!!!! Learn from my mistakes people. As a company ACT is good. Great trucks, nice people, so on so on....Just dont take time off and you will be fine.

 

Sorry to hear your having a rough time right now. Typically the Winter is slow for most carriers and could be truly dangerous if you try to "push" thru to catch up with your negative paychecks.

Its a sad truth that this is what happens to many aspiring lease operators. They run their butt off for several months and then decide they deserve to take some time off. If the driver failed to set aside money during the good times then he will find himself with no money and trying to live off of advances (which continues to dig that hole deeper).

I applaud you for having the courage to explain your situation and do hope you are able to turn things around soon (for your sake as well as your families).

 

I will be honest the loads that they give me i cant run under about 65mph. Now even with 44,000 in the box i am getting 7.3 or 7.5 mpg and thats at 65. So usually i run at that speed. Operations said my fuel mileage and stuff is perfect its that lack of miles that every company has this time of year that is making it difficult. My wife is going to ride with me for the next couple of weeks to keep me sane lol. This check should be the last one that is negative according to the higher ups. We shall see. I ran just over 3,000 miles last week and got average 7.5 on every load, still no check. All i can do is take the loads i am given, bring my groceries from home to avoid advances and eating out, (im a health nut, you know that guy everyone laughs at because its 10 degrees outside and im running laps around the pilot.....lol) I really do like the company, i love my truck and get compliments on it all the time from shippers and what not. All and all im happy, its my bill collectors that are starting to get a little pissed. Dont let my story scare yall tho, i had a son last year that was only 3 months old at christmas and i didnt want to miss it, and in the 5 years i been trucking i always bring in the new year alone in a truck, i thought this year i would do it with my wife and 2 kids. I am paying for it now, but to be honest, i still think it was worth it. Good luck to all of you that are starting ACT soon. I am reloading the truck and leaving out tomorrow. Those i told i would send pics you should have them tonight.

 

Man, Easymoney, makin me a little worried. I start this Monday and dont need to be reading this, haha. I am realistic about this world and know things like this do happen. Hope, it sounds like it, things start to turn around. On the weeks u took off how are the payments made? From personal accounts or had u saved up for them in advanced. There are alot of things I still need to learn about this process, but I have a goal and am hopeful right now, Haha! ----- Also from anyone-- The truck they are having me sign on has an electric APU on it. I have researched it and have found mixed reviews on it. Does anybody have one or have an opinion on them? Thanks and be safe on the road!