Hard running owner operator?

i had a guy leased onto me. My motto has always been drive less and make more. Paper logs, but I expect no log book violations and clean logs. I don't care what you do but as far as I go I want to be legal when I check everything. I can't baby sit a guy if he is running 18 hours or 14. But when I check what was turned in with his signature it better be legal and make sense. I don't want to jeopardize my self or other guys leased to me because of an idiot. One guy was good, market was good, he was happy, and his log books checked out perfect with timing etc. Then I see he ran 3,800 miles in 3 days. I couldn't believe this! I talked to him and he really did it! No sleep, no violations, running 80 mph+ an hour.

I threw a fit. He explained his situation, begged me to forgive, it won't happen again blah blah. I let it go. Then he did the unthinkable. Ran IL to CA to OR to NE to WI back home in 5 days.

He dispatches himself, so until I see papers I can't call daily and crap to check on him. I completely cursed him out etc. He went to telling me he needs money and if he can't have it he will commit suicide.

His paychecks after my deductions averaged 5-7k a week. I offered to help him start his own company, etc. No. But I couldn't have that type of driving in my little company.

I had to let him go. Now come tax time I did his 1099. He grossed $386k and some change.

After my expenses on him I was left with 32k clean after taxes. Other guys profited me about 10-15k each after taxes. This guy doubled it.

Here is the issue:
He is panicing now because he has to pay a lot of taxes and the company he works for isn't giving him what he is used to.

He is a great driver but laws are laws and I can't take a risk of high fines and imprisonment for extra 15k a year if he does something that I can't imagine.

On another hand I do want him back but under my conditions. However I can't risk the same song being played again. Worst thing is, he is a friend.

Maybe this is a vent for me, but at the same time what does one do? Give another chance or decline and possibly lose a friendship?

 

That's why I offered him to start his own company. Idk why he doesn't do it. Anybody that's leased to me my expectations are 2500-3000 miles max a week and a min 6,000 gross. This guy went over board.

 

I'm glad the responses are what my intentions are. Sometimes we need to hear what we think, and I salute you guys.

 

Yeah my instinct tells me no, but sometimes you need others to be your drunk buddies and side with you. Even tho you guys are not my drunk buddies but the agreement with my instinct coming from experienced people makes my decision much more easier!