Fly ash?

So I've had a hell of a time finding a legit company the last few weeks, but that's a story for another time. But last week I came across a smaller sized company hiring to run fly ash to concrete plants or something of that nature. They pay w-2, assigned trucks, and offer a 1,000 dollar minimum per week. Trucks are in decent shape all things considered, all 379's and w9's. The catch is, you're gone Monday through Friday, and home on the weekends only.

I'm not familiar with running fly ash or running a pneumatic, as I'm a flatbed guy, but the offer SEEMS decent. But as we all know, that means squat in trucking. The run they would put me on, would be running from Nacogdoches Tx, to Crawford Tx, which is about 35 minutes from my house, although I'd never be able to drive "out of route" to stop by the house, or they will take money out of your check to cover the miles, as well as taking money out of your check if something happens to the truck at a truck stop, or while you're parked at home, as well as ANY ticket you get while driving, regardless of it being something your fault or not. That's the first I've heard of that but anyway. I had a hell of a time getting them to even LET me park at home on the weekend. After telling them I'm not going to make my wife drive 4 hours round trip 2 times a weekend just to pick me up on Friday, and drop me off on Sunday, they finally agreed. Although I don't see the issue, as my house is only 35 minutes from where I unload. That makes more sense to me, than having to drive the 2 hours back to yard every Friday, but anyway.

The run, according to google maps would take me just over 3 hours one way, so you can obviously add time to that, being your in a truck and not in a 4 wheeler. Now with load and unload time, about the best I can see happening once I get out there, is grabbing a load, delivering, and then making it back with enough time to grab a 2nd load, then I'd probably make it halfway, if that or so back. I could be wrong, but with what I've been reading about loading and unloading, especially for someone "new" to pnuematics, that's how I'm thinking it will go for a while, but honestly, the commute alone MINUS loading and unloading would take at least 12 hours to do twice. The trucks are governed at 78, and they're running "geotab" elds, which from what I gathered are a pain in the ###. The owner also has an account with blue beacon for truck wash's, although that does nothing for me, as there is not a single blue beacon within an hour of my assigned route, or my home.

Just looking to see if the offer is decent, as I'm not sure. I know I've seen ads locally for about the same pay, but they're 1099 so I'm not sure what a decent wage would be for basically a regional gig running fly ash.

Thanks in advance for any, and all input.

Dave

 

That's what I was thinking, I was just curious what others thought. They're actually w-2, not like that changes any of the other things I mentioned.

 

Yea that's what I figured unfortunately. I'll just give this step deck outfit a try that I had as a plan B. 1099 or W2, but I'm going to choose 1099, and run for at least 6 months to get a feel for his operation (his last 3 drivers have all worked for him at least 6 months and have since, bought their own truck, and are now leased to him) and then buy a truck like I've always planned, then lease on with the owner. He'll take care of insurance etc, and he's already put me in contact with his accountant to help with my taxes. He pays for all tickets etc, unless it's something that's blatant, like doing 75 in a 55. I can take whatever route I want, park wherever I want, as well as having access to the load board etc, to pick and choose my loads. He's getting 3 and 4 bucks a mile running industrial equipment and things like that. (I saw the rates) Speaking of rates, he provides you with both the rate HE gets from the customer, as well as your rate so that there is positive tranparancey. He does brokerage as well, so most of his loads are direct from the customer. Also, a plus it there is little to no tarping.

I start at 30%, with a 1500 minimum guarantee. I saw the pay stubs of his other 4 drivers who are currently company drivers, not O/O's, and all 4 cleared 2000 a couple were north of 2500 last week. He also gave me the numbers for his other 4 drivers, so I can call and question them about the company. I did that before writing this message, and everything I was told, sounded promising. I can choose to stay in Texas and be home every other night, or run Texas/Oklahoma/NM and make around the 2k mark or more and be home on the weekend. I'd be in a well maintained (I've seen it and driven it) 2005 International 9400, it's not a long nose like I'm used to, but it's got some decent power and it's in good shape. Rebuild only has 50k on it, new turbo, all brand new tires, as well as brand new tires on my step deck. He also went as far as showing me all maintenance receipts for the truck to prove said work has been done.

All brand new chains, binders, as well as straps. He also offered to throw in a fridge, xm satellite radio, and things like a sun visor or whatever I want on the truck, to make it more comfortable. I offered to pay for a few things myself, (my last boss let you accessorize the truck but you had to pay for it) but he insisted that he pay for them. All in all, sounds like it's a bit more "in line" with my long term goals, and seems like a solid outfit so far. Regarding the fly ash gig, I figured my instincts were accurate. I don't care how "cool" a truck is, I'm not getting bent over just to drive it lol.

 

Being that we'e TTR, I'm not sure if you'e sserious or trolling. Haha

 

Yea it's a no brainer for me at this point, I was just curious of everyone's opinion on the fly ash gig which was sketchy to me.