Owner Operators Closing Operations Next Year?

Last month, I was “forced” to sign a new contract with the company that I’ve been contracted to for the past 9 1/2 years, and are under new management. I REALLY didn’t want to sign it due to a few new (and strange) clauses in the “pact”. One clause stated that I have to “defend the company” ??????? Another clause states that if I were to breach the contract in certain ways, they could impose a $5000 fine against me, due immediately! Another clause states that I have to perform “all assigned duties”.
Finally, I did not get to bid my rate this time; they specified the amount that they would pay me, and I could take it or leave it! I accepted the slight pay cut, but the new contracts are only 30-day contracts!!!! I, and the other four OO’s had to sign, or leave.
It probably goes without saying, that I am looking into other possible opportunities, far away from this group. The money is still fine, but a contract like that is scary!
It doesn’t look like a good time to go back to spot freight. I’ve been out of that game for nearly 10 years.

 

I forgot to mention in my previous post, that the transportation manager pretty much begged me to BACKDATE the contract to July of this year! This was last month (November). That is VERY ILLEGAL! I asked him why he would want me to do that; he said that they were being audited.
Yep, I am looking around, for sure!

 

you know what, they wouldn’t give me the time of day either at our local terminal, despite being more than qualified even with prior LTL freight experience. And it’s wasn’t like they weren’t looking for people at the time…they had a #### ad up on Craigslist for crying out loud “whah whah we need drivers!” Had no choice but to take that one personally. I think they’ve got a really picky HR/recruiting gal you have to pass muster with first before the terminal will even talk to you, and if she sees anything on your application she don’t like or what color shirt you happened to be wearing that day, you’ll never get a callback. I had a video conference with her and that was where the trail ended for me. I even stopped by the terminal in person a little after to inquire further and even that didn’t work. It’s probably why it seems like they’re always advertising.

 

I remember when I was hauling coils. A driver came in and didn't know anything at all. I'm like how do come to pick up something that weighs more than your whole set up. I did help him secure it. I told the shipper (was my main customer at the time) why are you loading them and he has no idea what he is doing.

 

I am, and I do care about profits. But not that much.

 

As promised, happy pictures of big chrome stacks for the yard ornament.

 

And one without all the fancy filters.

 

And a drom box on the back!

 

You need tanks and wheels polished now to match those shiny stacks!!! Looking good though!!!