Small Fleet with Mercer

Discussion in 'Mercer' started by fivestar, Jun 9, 2017.

  1. JL of Indiana

    JL of Indiana Light Load Member

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    I feel you brother. I went through the same bs for a long time before figuring things out a little better.

    HIRE SLOW, FIRE QUICKLY!

    Also, it'll be harder running under someone else, but try and get your pay as close to industry leading as possible. Money talks, and bs walks!
     
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  3. fivestar

    fivestar Light Load Member

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    Eventually, we want our own authority; but, at this time, we are enjoying the amenities provided by Mercer.

    Our pay scale is pretty solid, IMO. Currently, we are paying 25% of the total gross to the truck which includes FSC. We have also implemented a bonus pay program which pays out on a monthly basis. Thought our bonus program would entice drivers but it doesn't seem to have done so just yet.

    Are you running under your own authority now?
     
  4. J.S.

    J.S. Medium Load Member

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    I'm on the ledge here, but sometimes you can catch drivers doing refreshers; you call a lot of schools and the chances increase. While I was training for my cdl at a cash only school priced a little less than say roadmaster, or a cc, there were experienced drivers taking refreshers coming and going. While most of them had jobs lined up, it's still worth staying in contact with a school that will do some free advertising for you. Have you checked into insurances, 401ks, bonuses, for your op.
     
  5. JL of Indiana

    JL of Indiana Light Load Member

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    Yes, we have our trucking authority as well as broker authority. Have own assets plus owner ops signed on, etc.

    Just try and think about things as a driver. What is the worst thing about driver pay other then just being too low? Uncertainty is the answer. Try offering a minimum guarantee per week. This only works for good solid drivers, but if they are anything less then that, you will want to quickly part ways anyway.
     
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  6. crb

    crb Road Train Member

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    I strongly disagree. There are honest people in this world. They may be few and far between but they are out there. I can guarantee you I don't do any of the three. Never done drugs except coffee, only woken I Chase is married to me, and haven't had a drink in 5 plus years (probably a couple more than that. )
     
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  7. JL of Indiana

    JL of Indiana Light Load Member

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    I think you are taking my comment the wrong way. If I interviewed you, I doubt you would tell me literally 3 or 4 times that you do not do any of those things. For you, that would be a given and may never even be brought up. In fact you would prob talk about how great your family is.

    Just saying sometimes people will show their cards by trying not to show their cards.
     
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  8. crb

    crb Road Train Member

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    Got you. I'm honest in interviews and even blunt. When I interviewed at this job I explained I simply wanted to be treated as a person, do my job and go home to my family. I don't want to play games
     
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  9. fivestar

    fivestar Light Load Member

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    That's awesome. Were you ever leased on with someone else or went straight for your own authority?

    It's definitely vital to see things from the drivers perspective. We like to consider ourselves driver oriented and sincerely consider the needs/desires of our drivers.
     
  10. fivestar

    fivestar Light Load Member

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    Agreed that some drivers may not reveal all their skeletons until something shows up on their background check. Nothing against these people - sometimes it may not be worth mentioning if it happened way back when.
     
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  11. JL of Indiana

    JL of Indiana Light Load Member

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    That is ideal IMO! I try and just put everything out there even if it could be portrayed as a negative. Longevity is what we are all looking for so blowing smoke doesn't help anyone. Either it works for both parties or it doesn't, best to figure that out now then have issues in a matter of weeks.

    If only everyone approached it like you and I do right?!?
     
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