Swift and Experienced Drivers

I went into the terminal to scan a couple of missing logs which I had put 10 instead of 11 for the year date. Anyway saw my team partner there but he would not say one word to me.

I think I will be looking more in depth into the lease deal when I get my company truck this week. I'm rolling 80,677 miles solo so far (since June 2010) and 102,150 solo and team miles since April 2010.So yeah, I was complaining about low miles recently but in the scheme of things averaged out I'm right there with plenty of miles.

 

See what happens? You "miffed" your old "Mentor"....now don't you feel guilty about not supporting his bad habits....how is he supposed to find another schmuck to pay his bills for him?

You are a mean person Scotty old boy....your miles put you in the ball park range for L/O for sure. Just do some research on DM's....you really need a good DM as a L/O! "SO SO" won't cut the mustard!

 

Well I'll take any referrals of DM's # Sft. if all works out in a few months I'll be driving out of Lathrop,CA. company solo to start.. then L/O

 

i've been asked in recent days at Lancaster and Memphis, from co. drivers saying, "how do you do it (being a L/O)?" My first response back is, "let me ask you this. How many miles do you get a week as a co. driver?" Then i'll stop them, and just say that if you're getting 1800-2000 mi/wk, you'll never make it. You've got to be SURE your DM can run you, AS A COMPANY DRIVER, and get 2500 on a regular basis. I've seen lease ops miles go up slightly on average per week. So if you're getting 2500+, you should do just fine. If you seem to "struggle" to find 2000, you'll never make it. And your DM wont chance their ways just because you're a L/O. You're DM needs to run you like a L/O and not a company driver.

remember, if you keep with your DM, you've GOT to let them know that you MUST get 2600+ in order to make it worth your while. And 'breaking even' week in and out just wont cut it. Also, dont forget, they work for YOU now. They may not think so, but they do. if you feel they arent doing the job to keep you rollin', you need to 'put them on probation'. this gives them a few weeks to get you rollin'. If not.....its time to get a new DM within your terminal. And if all else fails, switch terminals.......

DO NOT, i repeat DO NOT lease a truck just because you want to look cool, stand out or impress anybody, cause honestly, they dont care. Do it because you want to have your own business, you want to have slightly more control. I see so many drivers 'brag' about "yeah yeah, thats my truck over d-air....."....but why are they sitting there showing off their truck, when they should be hauling tail down the road?

 

Yep! I lease that shiney POS! I am a glorified company driver with no benefits!

 

Must be one of those who tried it, and failed. Too bad, too. The ones who make it work, are drivers who are targets for those who need to bash someone else to make themselves feel better.

so i hope you feel better.....

and if you've never tried it, who are you to throw stones?? why do you think your opinion counts on here when you have no common frame of referance?

 

Well, Kev 16 years self employed. When the money wasn't there? I had the capability to pack up and go to the greener pastures. All my equipment was owned by me. Nope, haven't done the lease. Know why? The deck is stacked against you. Too little control. Like I said before company gets the fuel discount and doesn't pass it on to you.

I also was in management in the construction industry. I can take a high rise condo apart and put it back together. Start with the pilings and take it to the red blinking light on the roof. I had to account for more than six different subs, schedule and coordinate. Safety etc.

You get a check from one source, check the IRS guidelines on that. They set the wage. They prey on your ego, and ignorance of business.

What makes you an expert on this matter?

I know the difference between ****, and shinola.

 

Hey Dick, welcome back buddy.