Alliance, Alliance, Alliance...QUESTION

There are certain increased freedoms, but also increased responsibilities.
As for freedoms? Yes, taking your truck 'home' is one of them. However, if you live in suburban America, there is a likely chance a local ordinance prevents you from bringing a tractor into a subdivision.
Yes, you can take home time when you want it, but remember, you still accumulate your weekly payment due.
No miles, no income.
But if you decide to stay home a week, you are able. You just need to be financially responsible, realizing you've incurred about $800 debt with no corresponding income.
I do it, but I put more money aside just for such reasons.
As for running regions?
Well, maybe. You tend to get known by the load planners and if you're good, they want to keep you running in their area as much as possible. So you can find yourself in an area quite a while. You can request an area for a load. For instance, if I get tired of the Cali to Tx runs, I can ask for something in the upper midwest, or an east coast load or whatever. If it's available, you can usually get it. But the same is probably true for the company side.
If you're talking about a dedicated region or account, you may be eligible as a contractor, but some (SoCal inter modal for instance) is company side only.
I have been told, but I don't know for sure that Alliance gets priority for loads when freight is slow.
The biggest reason to go over to the Alliance side is primarily income. You can earn more money for doing the same job.
It requires discipline.
Discipline to keep your speed down so your MPGs are better.
Discipline to stay out on the road and not take too much home time, especially the first year.
Discipline to work the business plan Alliance gives you so you can be the most efficient operator.
Before making the decision, attend Major Logan's business class. It's held every tuesday and thursday and you don't have to have signed up to attend. Just turn up.
It will give you some insight into the program.
I will tell you that the first six months can be the most difficult as you learn the system, get use to your new DM, train yourself to shift carefully, keep your out of route miles to a minimum, but fuel wisely and keep your foot off the accelerator.

In direct answer to your question, I do feel a 'freedom' as a contractor, but I've been self employed most of my life and the responsibility is second nature to me. I think I might work harder than a company person, but maybe not.
It's what I enjoy and I do make significantly more money on the Alliance side.

 

Emulsified spoken like a vet.

There is some freedom, but more responsibility. Taking the truck home. Is such a small one.

For me it is the mindset. As for staying in a region, does not happen unless you request it and they need you in that area. Aliance works for the business minded individual or one who enjoys growth and challenge.

 

I have been in business as well and lost my shirt and a number of other items. So, after listening to others and the experts I think I'll pass until I k
now what I'm doing. After a year of learning what the hell I'm doing, I will consider the program. Just finding my way to shipppers is challenging enough.

 

Smart choice. You'll know when or if you're ready to do Alliance. You need to feel comfortable first and like you said, learn the business. When you're ready, go for it! Lot's of us here to help you out.

 

Get to know the business first, then decide if you want to go Alliance. It can be good, but you need to know the basics first.

 

I like Alliance because I can take any route I want, fuel wherever I want (although OptiStops are best for fuel discounts), and since I run team we're able to stay running with constant repowers. Our DM works well with us to keep us running. Obviously we sometimes have to sit and splitting the mileage we earn sometimes sucks on low mileage weeks, but I like it.

I like the business end of it also. It's good practical knowledge for when I become an owner/op or get my own authority. I see it as a stepping stone, especially with the Alliance team willing and able to answer all my questions. They're very helpful.

I also pay more attention to everything about my truck for keeping it running smoothly. I'm still learning about the engine and what makes it run best and get the best MPG.

*I would like to add that it's to your benefit to complete your 3 months on grad fleet as a company driver before moving on to Alliance. It will help you see how you run solo and if you are disciplined enough to manage a business.

 

Pagan22: Since your info block shows that you're in Michigan, would you answer a question for me?

What "presence" does Stevens have here? I'm on the West side, south of Grand Rapids - my office actually looks out on I-196 near Exit 43 - and I've only seen 3 Stevens trucks in the past 5 months or so.