Update On Panther

Wish I knew. I've been trying to get into expedite, but apparently it's a bit more tricky than I originally thought. I have a class B with hazmat and Tanker and should be recieving my passport card any day now. Spent four weeks with expediter services recruiters on the phone and they could not find me a co-driver. Going to call Panther directly and see if they can set me up with another fleet owner.

 

Yeah I tried to go with expediters services for four weeks but only got matched up with one driver and that was on the fourth week, but he lived almost 6 hours south of me and had zero endorsements. The recruiter I had was really upset that I chose not to drive with this guy and said I discouraged that driver because I chose not to partner up with him and that they don't put up with my type of behavior. Idk what they were talking about but as far as I know, I'm allowed to make my own decisions, so after she ultimatum me, I told her that our conversation was over. So now I'm looking for someone else because of a recruiter with a raw attitude. Expediters services seems to me to be an awesome company, just got a crappy recruiter.

 

Yeah, I thought they were a bit pushy.
Got a couple calls today but both were not up to par. One payed .48 per mile as team but wanted fuel payed by the team.
The next one offered 40% team based on their 1.35 per mile, so .27 per mile. Was told if I went DOD it would be 45% team. Problem is that I kinda want to get a % of the load and not of the negotiated rate per mile. Also, this company had no website nor were their reviews any good. Also said that the team member would be in Jacksonville Florida and I'm in Atlanta. No hope for DOD with this guy anyhow because this ten year veteran they want me to drive with has no endorsements anyhow. So, im not feeling it.

 

Yeah I haven't gotten one like offer from a fleet owner as of yet. I was contacted by a fleet owner today that pays 36% team but also said that his rate with Panther is 1.45 for a team without hazmat ect.. Also is a W2.

 

I don't have any straight trucks, but for my tractor teams I am doing 40/60 and I cover all fuel, DEF, tolls, pre-pass, tows, etc. At FedEx Custom Critical, we are running reefer trailers and our teams are getting 3,000 to 5,000 miles a week and taking home $1,100 to $2,000 a week gross each driver. At Panther, we are focusing on the Government vertical and dry van cargo. I give them 40% of gross line haul and accessorials and have never given requirements for their "home time". Once both team members have HAZMAT, TWIC, and Passport - we take them to 42.5%. DoD clearance goes to 45%. The only cost to the drivers per week is the OCC/ACC, which through OOIDA is $36.00 each driver.

We also run a driver referral program. $1,500 for the first Class A CDL team, $2,000 for second and $2,500 for each additional beyond that. We also do $500 for a solo and $500 for a Class B CDL team for one of our sister fleets under the same fleet management company. Then monthly revenue bonuses: $250 to the team for $30,000 in revenue, additional $500 for $35,000 in revenue, additional $500 for $40,000 in revenue and additional $1,000 for $45,000 in revenue. And yes, we had a truck gross $44,000 in the month of June so it is completely achievable.

I know Panther has helped us find drivers but pairing any 2 random people up is usually not a recipe for success. I always recommend that solo's find someone on their own they know or are comfortable with. We will do it but it is not our first choice or preference. Welcome back to the industry and if you are in the Wilmington, OH area this weekend - check out Expedite Expo .. lots of good information there.

V/r

Rob