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Should I drive for this lease op?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ifanyonecan, Jun 24, 2014.

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  1. Jun 24, 2014 #1
    ifanyonecan

    ifanyonecan Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2014
    Central Texas
    0
    I'm with Swift. I just got off my mentor's truck yesterday. A lease op that usually mentors who I'd been chatting with in the lounge is interested in teaming. He is offering me $.30/mi or $1,000/wk if we're making more than 6,000 miles.

    I got his number and have told him I'd think about it. He says I won't make half of that as a company driver to start, which is probably about right at the starting rate. The downside is having to team, which I didn't really like when I was a trainee, and worrying about employment record (will it count as verifiable experience?) or this random dude's checks bouncing or something. It just seems more risky.

    I'm not particularly in this for the money. I was making more at my last job than I'll start out at. I just wanted to do something different, and this has so far been what I hoped. So I'm overall leaning toward not taking this offer, but I want to see whether y'all think it's a fair deal and what risks or benefits there are that I don't realize.

    Thank you.
     
    ifanyonecan, Jun 24, 2014
    ifanyonecan, Jun 24, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jun 24, 2014 #2
    crxdc

    crxdc Road Train Member

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    Jun 24, 2013
    Las vegas NV
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    If you dont like teaming then its a bad deal. Also is he going to do you as a 1099 or regular employee? If it is 1099 you are responsible for all your own taxes etc. I was makeing about 600 a week at Swift but they never get you home on time or anywhere near time.
     
    crxdc, Jun 24, 2014
    crxdc, Jun 24, 2014
    #2
  4. Jun 24, 2014 #3
    ifanyonecan

    ifanyonecan Bobtail Member

    16
    8
    Apr 3, 2014
    Central Texas
    0
    He told me my taxes would be up to me. I'm not sure if he'd be better about hometime. I live in Texas, he lives in Florida.
     
    ifanyonecan, Jun 24, 2014
    ifanyonecan, Jun 24, 2014
    #3
  5. Jun 24, 2014 #4
    Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

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    Jul 6, 2008
    Liberty, Missouri
    0
    I wouldn't worry about a $1000 check bouncing. He is making a lot of money off you. It is really hard to tell you just how many red flags I see here. First, you are working for Swift and wanting to leave for someone lease to Swift. So what about your benefits?

    This is a deal you need to think over. And if you think over it more then 10 seconds without saying no, then seek medical advice.
     
    Wooly Rhino, Jun 24, 2014
    Wooly Rhino, Jun 24, 2014
    #4
    jeepnut_nh, Tonythetruckerdude and HotH2o Thank this.
  7. Jun 24, 2014 #5
    Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    You answered your own question in your 1st post
     
    Tonythetruckerdude, Jun 24, 2014
    Tonythetruckerdude, Jun 24, 2014
    #5
  8. Jun 24, 2014 #6
    ifanyonecan

    ifanyonecan Bobtail Member

    16
    8
    Apr 3, 2014
    Central Texas
    0
    Haha my gut reaction was "no", so I suppose I should trust that.
     
    ifanyonecan, Jun 24, 2014
    ifanyonecan, Jun 24, 2014
    #6
    blairandgretchen, Tonythetruckerdude and Wooly Rhino Thank this.
  9. Jun 24, 2014 #7
    jungledrums

    jungledrums Heavy Load Member

    776
    828
    Oct 28, 2013
    Tennessee
    0
    From everything I can read about doing lease... it is playing games with the devil. :smt074

    :evil3:Be very careful!
     
    jungledrums, Jun 24, 2014
    jungledrums, Jun 24, 2014
    #7
  10. Jun 24, 2014 #8
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    I'd pass. A guy sitting around the lounge willing to grab anyone for a team mate doesn't impress me.
     
    Allow Me., Jun 24, 2014
    Allow Me., Jun 24, 2014
    #8
    TexTrucker and Tonythetruckerdude Thank this.
  11. Jun 24, 2014 #9
    8thnote

    8thnote Road Train Member

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    Aug 12, 2013
    Chattanooga, TN
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    I would agree. Seems like he's desperate to get a co-driver. Desperation is not a sign of a well-run and profitable business. This guy is in over his head, so don't sink with him.
     
    8thnote, Jun 24, 2014
    8thnote, Jun 24, 2014
    #9
  12. Jun 24, 2014 #10
    Broccelli

    Broccelli Medium Load Member

    373
    198
    Jan 2, 2014
    Virginia
    0
    To pile onto all the negativity here, home time would be a feat of wonderment since you live in tx and he lives in fl. It would be a logistical nightmare.

    After taxes $1000 is more like $850 give or take depending on your tax situation. As a solo OTR driver you will make around $600 after taxes so it is more money but you will have no benefits.

    I highly recommend you do not team with someone you barely know. I drive team and I like it but a team mate is not someone you pick up on a whim. It is a serious personal and business relationship that would be impossible to manage with someone you don't know.

    I do recommend teaming though if you want to make real money, but find someone you can trust and stand to be around for long periods of time. And if you are still wanting to make more money contact me and I can put you in a truck with the co-driver of your choice and pay you as a w-2 employee and get you home often depending on where you live in Texas.

    But I'm just some guy you barely know so go with your gut feeling and do what makes you happy and the most money.
     
    Broccelli, Jun 24, 2014
    Broccelli, Jun 24, 2014
    #10
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