The Good, The Bad, The Honest Truth of a New Roehl Lease Operator

There are 3 O/O boards in van. Sometimes if there are not enough O/O for a full board they will split it with some hometime drivers (7/7, 7/4-7/3, etc). Not sure if there are 2,3 or 4 boards on the flatbed side and I have no idea on the refer side.

 

The relationship between a dispatcher and a company driver is completely different than between a lease driver and dispatcher. I know Roehl wants to call themselves my customer, but in truth they are my freight broker. They want to make their loads the priority, but I need to make operating my business at a profit a priority. When I was a company driver operating their truck they could do with it whatever they wanted. If I got home a week late that was no big deal and if I didn't like it I knew where the door was. As a lease driver I can turn down loads that don't go the direction I need to go in. The problem for a dispatcher like Marj is that if all her experience was as a company driver she won't be able to fathom the concept of drivers telling a dispatcher "NO."

Keep in mind the IRS is very stringent about what constitutes an Independent Contractor. Do you know you do not have to pull Roehl freight exclusively? It is illegal. Do you know why we don't have forced dispatch? If we did, we would be employee drivers. You might want to read what the IRS considers an independent contractor to be. This not only affects our driving career, but could cause problems at home. Is the babysitter you hired exclusive, or does she sit for other families as well? If she is exclusive you could be considered an employer and be responsible for withholding and workman's comp. These are just some business issues you should be aware of. Keep in mind also that if you are getting your truck through Roehl you signed two separate contracts and they are independent leases.

You do realize you can add additional trucks at any point if you so choose? You do realize you can hire a driver for your truck if you want? If you haven't already take the time and read your contracts all the way through. If you haven't already done so, if Roehl still offers the CABS business course take the course and make sure to finish it. Learn all you can about running a small business. At the end of the day we own a package delivery service, it's just that our equipment and packages are on steroids. If you've never done so check out the Small Business Administration, they have lots to help you run a successful business. You might also call SCORE about possibly getting a sit down with someone that can help you with advice on running your business. I'm not saying Roehl is evil, just that their priority is different than yours.

You are a small business owner, take charge of your business. Let me ask each of you one of the most basic questions a business owner needs to know, what is your 5 year plan? Where do you want to be 5 years from now? The purpose of this rant is just to get all the newer contractors who are first time business owners to understand what you have gotten yourself into and to develop a vision for the opportunity you gain by owning your own business.

 

It may help to develop a proper business plan in advance. Use a two year goal, a five year, and ten. Then set out to write how your going to meet those goals. Build spread sheets to develop a cost and expense report. Find your break even point. Research the fees, regestrations/licensing costs, permits you'll need.

This is where I plan to start. Just in the planning stages ATM.

 

Dark Squall-just sent you a PM that should help you with your business plan.

 

Does anyone have a number to contact somebody inside Roehl that can give me some numbers?
im considering leasing and I'm currently in marshfeild so I know that's where the boss is.

 

Go into the driver window and ask for Jeff Eibergen. He is the O/O program guy.

 

Tell Jeff, Tom says Hi. I always liked Jeff

 

My name is tom too, lol.
I will call him tomorrow I had a load to pick up and I doubt he was even there with it being a Sunday.
i think I'm gonna go for it I don't have anything to lose and I'm very confident I can make it work.
and if I'm making better money than I am now, it's a win win.

 

I'll be asking Jeff this question, but what are the down payments like? I don't want anything old but not brand new either.

 

Keep in mind that this thread was started 12/28/2010. Of those who originally participated I am the only one that I know of that is still with Roehl and I'm looking at leaving in the fall. If money is your motivation to go down the road of small business ownership you need to rethink your decision. As a company driver you make money from the first mile you drive. As a business owner you don't make a dime until after all of your expenses are covered. In my case the first 1000 miles goes just to make the truck payment, insurance, taxes and fees that Roehl charges for the use of their equipment.

You have a lot to lose by going down this path. You are taking a 100% risk. If you get into this and decide small business ownership isn't for you at a minimum you will lose your security deposit, plus you will be responsible for the wear and tear on the truck. For instance you will have to pay $50 per tire for each 32nd under a specified amount. Any body damage will have to be repaired, both interior and exterior.

The entire economy depends on people taking a chance and starting small businesses. I don't regret my decision even through all the dark times and the dark days to come. I have opportunities that I would never have if I continued to work as an employee for any company. Not only am I less than 4 months from watching my income increase by over 30%, I am also moving into a position where I can think about expanding and literally working myself out of a job. Most of the large trucking companies started as one man driving his own truck. Even now Roehl isn't a public company, they are a closely held LLC. This company was started by Everett Roehl, Rick's daddy. This is why I'm not jealous of people like the Roehl's. I realize I have the same opportunity and can grow my business as large as I want it to be. I just need to continue making sound business decisions.