Being an O/O under a Carrier's Authority

So you get to spend the weekend in new mexico. After the Florida load and now this? Someone would be sitting me a pretty big check or I'd be done with this company. Things happen in trucking, but when it's back to back like this....that's a sign of a very disorganized bunch who don't have their stuff together.

 

Man i hate to beat a dead horse here but this needs said. If not getting a 34 reset in is the difference between a good week and a bad, you are pulling to cheap of freight. For 70 years there was no reset and we did just fine. I was around for the last ten or so of those and i did just fine and quite possibly just as good financially, as i have some the reset came about. Or maybe you mean you don't know how to recap?

 

The carrier I'm leased to, I do mostly terminal to terminal for flat mileage contract rates. Going into Florida pays great but coming back out the contract rate is like yours-- $0.65 plus fsc. When I go down there, I just deadhead back out. They might have a load needs shuttled north to another terminal but it is honestly a waste of my time and energy to take that rate.

As far as recaps-- If you are running big hours, that is no reason to take a 34 unless you are tired because big hours will be coming back to you in 8 days. So all any of us really needs is 24 hours off or so to slow the recap down and pick up hours. I never take a 34 on the road unless they don't have enough freight. If I had a day where I only had 3.5 hours available against the 70, just sit that day out til about 2100 and run through midnight picking up the next day's hours.

 

In your position I would not rashly make any decisions about jumping ship. I would be looking at my bottom line weekly and monthly though. If you are not making money monthly I would be concerned about moving quickly away from these guys. If your making money it gives you time to plan your next step.

Finding a more profitable Carrier or going IOO. Have you thought about owning your own trailer much? (and what type). Keep yourself completely legal and be very watchful of your truck and their trailer for equipment issues. You want to maintain a spotless record. The time with this Carrier is not wasted if you have a excellent record when you leave. You will leave at some point imo. Just don't go into debt for them. Based on the numbers you have posted, you look like your making a modest amount. Just watch it closely on a monthly basis and quarterly as you go forward. If your loosing money you will need to get out faster.

Many of the better Carriers are going to want you to have a proven record, I doubt they would take on someone with no or very little experience.

I wish you well, it is interesting watching what your doing. Your trying your best to make it in a industry that looks so easy from the outside (or on paper), but in realty has many difficult issues that are not easy to overcome. I am guessing many of the top 10% guys had to do things they did not like to get there. Especially when they started.

PS. I like your low cost operating principals, good skills to hone now and keep for your career. It will pay dividends later. Like a cash overhaul, cash equipment, or retirement.....Just don't forget to push the revenue side also..... don't get too comfortable with this Carrier..... Spyder has made some good points.....

 

To be clear. When i said I'd be out of there, by no means did i mean I'd just quit on the spot. I meant I'd be getting another carrier lined up to switch to. The only time i would leave a carrier before having my next one lined up is if i was going in the red. Do not go broke or in debt for anyone.

Also i define acceptable taxable income as 20 to 25k a year more than what a good job as a company driver pays, so 85k to 95k. Obviously more is better but that's the hard bottom in my opinion. Anything less than that and i would just go drive for ups, yellow, walmart, publix, etc.