Courted by a Panther Expedited Small Fleet Owner

Seriously? The owner wants you, the driver , to buy the fuel for his truck and hopefully be reimbursed at the end of the trip? Why would you even consider putting yourself into this situation ?

 

Normally drivers are paid percentage. It might be you get 60% of what the load pays and you buy the fuel and he gets the other 40%. I'd have to see his ad on EO or know the specifics in order to determine whose getting robbed. I almost got into expediting with a local carrier and the deal was I get 60% and buy fuel and he gets 40%. He also agreed to pay for repairs on the truck etc..

KH

 

It sounds like a pretty standard deal for expediting.

A 60/40 split is standard in that industry with the one getting 60% paying for fuel. You are correct that Panther has no “safety net” for drivers, why would they? You are not working for them you are working for the fleet owner.

I would do some research over at http://www.expeditersonline.com/forum/forum.php and see if anyone there has worked for this fleet owner. I would personally not team drive unless I knew the person I was reaming with already as your income is depended on their performance as much as your own.

I think expediting is a good option to look at for husband/wife teams but otherwise I would not do it.

 

Like challenger said if you pay fuel it is usually 60/40 split. Otherwise is 40/60. If you aren't comfortable check with mayfield express in Seville, oh. I used to run for them and they cover fuel. Dave is a super nice guy too.

 

Well i drive for mayfield as we speak and im looking for a co driver who lives in or near south florida or south carolina Irmo area I am really a easy going guy easy to get along with I was in a situation with a co driver but we did not get along. Im here to drive and make money and would like to find a co driver that wants the same. I know three weeks is a long time for some to be otr but that's the nature of the business my former co driver really didn't understand what over the road ment so he turned down loads and complained about every load that was not going south so this did not work out now i need a co driver that want to drive in any weather  north or out west ..Inbox me if interested ..

 

I'd be extremely careful, bud. You need to get ALL your questions answered before taking the plunge.
FWIW, I remember a husband/wife team who worked for Panther II years ago and almost lost their shirts. There were a lot of "Panther parties" because of no freight. No freight; no checks coming in and life was incredibly difficult and frustrating for them. They decided this was NOT what they wanted to do!

Post in one of the other sections of this forum and I'm sure that someone who has background in this will be more than helpful. But the pessimist/skeptical/realist side of me says that this might not be what you think it is and you'll end up hurting yourself financially. This is just my perspective, but something doesn't smell quite right here.

And when it comes to paying fuel? Ummm...NO! He'll make his money but what about you? Diesel in my neck of the woods (SC/GA) is going for $3.50+ per gallon. Other areas are doubtless even more than here. That's a MAJOR factor to consider.

It's your call to make, but methinks you might be better off looking elsewhere. Just my 2 cents' worth, but all the best with whatever you decide to do. Please keep us posted! Thanks...