mercer transportation

They are basically taking the independent out of independent contractor. Charging us to deadhead over 100 miles to get another load(not that I do that all the time, but sometimes even with the deadhead, it pays better than one say 50miles away). That part there I think is trying to force us to take the cheap loads we wouldn't normally take or face the fine. Taking a trailer to a specified location on the way home or to next pickup or be subject to the fine. The fine is $250...I guess they want to treat us more like an employee rather than a contractor. Now they say nothing has changed, but I believe what is in writing in front of me rather than a company head saying nothing has changed. I just don't feel comfortable signing the new agreement and there are quite a few others there that feel the same way. I'm just trying to get something lined up when things go south. I've done well here, but I believe that it all about to change IMHO.

 

I love running out west. They only reason I don't now, is that the rates stink at SNI going in and coming out. Last year it was alot better going out there.

 

Does Mercer get discounts on PM? Truck is about to hit 25,000 on oil.

 

Oh by the time I pay the early termination fee if I don't take this truck with me, I won't have a whole lot left to put down on a truck. Maybe 3k or so max.

 

Nope

 

That's sad smh. My buddy put down $4k on a used truck a couple weeks ago from a place in Texas. But after that you'll still need round $10k minimum to have a shot at survival.

 

Yes they do

 

I ran a load to Nevada a few months back. When I delivered there was a 4 digit there. He pulled step for like 12 years he said. He had open heart surgery & just couldn't do it anymore. He has been pulling a van for a few years and said he does better than he ever expected to do. That right there made me realize everyone that hasn't had the real experience here pulling van, hasn't seen what some of us have.

I guess my thought process is simple. Every job is what you make of it. Yes I have bad weeks. But you will never see me sitting in Tucson either. Ha, just remembered I did get a good ld out of there once. Anyways, you have to know the lanes. Just like a lot of you pulling flat. Yall know what states are absolutely horrible. So ya just don't do it unless you have something else lined up.

There aren't many of us van drivers that actually love their jobs here at Mercer. I'm not about that kool-aid, just enjoy a great company that takes care of its drivers. Any van driver that says that they are broke because of cheap freight.....well, I would have to disagree. Like I have many times before!

The first van driver I met here told me "take time to enjoy life at Mercer, this is the only company you can do that with & still make a good living" I took that in and haven't looked back.

 

do we need to call mpat about that?

 

If you can make it at SNI with that payment you can make it here also. You said you can move the truck here. If you can and are happy with the truck bring it. That payment isn't so far off what the new trucks from quality runs so I see no reason to lose the equity and pay some early termination fee. Remember this, what one guy calls a good load another guy will think it sucks. Everybody's idea and situation is different. Only you know what your expenses are so only you can determine what load is acceptable and what load isnt. But that's just my two cents worth. Others may disagree.