Companies that only have Owner Operators

Do you happen to know if they allow you to keep the leased truck once it's paid off? And I find that surprising since I used to see a LGT driver with a beautiful 379 peterbilt at linde. Perhaps they changed to lease only years later..

 

No, once you pay off the lease the 389 is yours.

I saved a payment schedule that they were offering last year. Schneider beat it hauling chemicals when you ran the numbers.

 

Mercer is an owner operator only carrier. They have no company drivers at all. You must have your own equipment unless dry van which they rent out at $675 a month. To start with them you will need about $2,000 for dry van ( this includes ominitrac, camera, straps, fuel to get to your first load, and other fees), $8,000 for flatbed ( if you don’t have your own equipment, they will provide equipment but it gets expensive and may have a wait list). Be aware, if you quit on them, they will charge you and can as much as $10,000 or more depending on situation and any loans outstanding with them. Also you will pay for everything except IFTA.

They have some really good customers but you have to build your relationship with them and their agents to have access to the good paying/dedicated lanes. Those that have been there a while tend to monopolize the good paying lanes and you will just have to wait for a spot to open up. In the meantime, you run what you can and continue to build your reputation with the agents. They don’t like limitations to much so if you’re picky over loads this can hurt you in the long run. Expect to sit and wait due to their first in first out policy and most customers closed on the weekends. Very competitive on load choices because they have taken on a lot of IC’s with weekly truck payments some as high as $1,500 a week. This creates desperation and they will take whatever just to make that truck payment and meet Mercer’s daily rate. Oh yes, Mercer has a day rate which they break down monthly costs in the number as days in a month. This costs varies from truck to truck and month to month. No 2 IC’s will have the same day rate. At the beginning of each month, whatever wasn’t paid in full on the previous monthly rate, they add to the next settlement which could increase the deductible they take out of the load rate. So you will have to be on top of your numbers to not end up short. Expect unpaid deadheads to get loaded. This can be as much as 400 miles or more. They will advance you for a small nominal fee 50% of load rate. Keep in mind your numbers. You also have to take into consideration your next load DH and factor that into the 50% or you could end up short on the fuel to run your next load. They will not help you in this situation and they will criticize you for improper money management. Lastly, go over your equipment with a fine tooth comb because they go above and beyond just DOT regulations. They will find something and will put you out of service until you get it fixed. The cost is on you and they may or may not loan you the money to fix what they want you to fix.

Can you make money at Mercer, yes. But don’t rush in thinking you will right out the gate. It will take time and you will have to pay your dues first. I’m no longer with them because I simply went broke not because of Mercer but because of lack of funding on my part. One break down after another and maxed out my loans with Mercer. Destroyed my relationship with them and the agents there was no recovery. Got a new truck, passed DOT inspection but failed Mercer inspection. They wouldn’t help me fix what they found $250 cost (just a brake light less than 50% but still worked and a very slow barely audible QRV leak), I had to resign. Dealership said they hear no leaks and they checked over my truck only thing they found wrong is the brake light needs to be replaced. But once I get back on my feet, I’ll get what Mercer said is wrong fixed. Sadly I will not be able to return to Mercer.

Sorry for the long post but I just wanted to give you some real advice concerning my experience with Mercer and just shout out names of carriers. I could shout names of carriers like Landstar, but I’ve never been with Landstar and they won’t hire me as an IC and choose not to disclose why.