swift and the lease purchase

I question loads all the time. I recently refused four in a row. Of course, I had my DM on the phone each and every time I did, even though he has told me I didn't have to. I just do that to cover my own arse.

I'm kind of waiting to see how your lawsuit goes, Mrs. TW.

It's not blind loyalty. I did leave Swift once before and wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I find it necessary. I know where the shortcomings are and I'm not afraid to say something about them. I don't doubt y'all did everything you believed to be right. And I understand your frustration...I went through it with Prime. But I will say this is a much more fair deal than Prime gave me.

 

My former mentor is training only because he has to make his payments. Told me he would wup my arse if I did it.

They sqeezed him until he had to train to get the miles. (also at a lower rate!)

Talked to a guy that was done with his lease and was paying off the balloon note. He had $6500 to go on the truck. Surprize! Hi miles dropped off! I told him get an outside loan and pay it off. Then see how the miles are. He can walk if he isn't happy.

You lease, then if you want to buy the truck you may or may not get approved to get financing for the balloon note. So you are paying for the truck twice. Smart business?

They are taking outside trucks now. Last I heard 2005 or newer.

They will sell you an over priced 2005-07 Freightliner that is "refurbished" with a 30 day warranty.

1 year in the biz? Chances are you don't know enough.

Lots of chest beaters in the termianls think they have a great deal going. They usually don't know squat about business.

If you do L/O you can't become an employee again after the lease is up.

 

I don't agree, Injun. Some companies do what you say, I'm sure, but even for the ones who don't, the company holds too many of the cards. They don't have to sell the truck, they can lease it again to some other poor schmuck, like happens at CRE. Many (not all) LP/trucks are old company trucks that the company determined, for whatever reason, that they weren't good enough for their drivers. Too old, too many miles, whatever reason.
The time may arise when you decide the company you're leasing from doesn't fit your style anymore. Then what? Can't take the truck, unless you have a payout for them. Most won't have that cash available.

Personally, I feel someone with credit problems needs to get those problems solved before they ever think of leasing a truck. And no, I've never lease purchased, but I have owned my own. Purchased used at a dealer.

 

I would have to echo some of what injun said. I don't do this for the money (oh believe me not doing it for free!) but it is really about the freedom and not having the constraints of being a company driver.

I was a company driver for 18 mo. I kept wanting to do the l/o but swift kept saying no,which was allright because it was to my benefit to learn the biz first.What did i learn? well I know I like what I'm doing,but needed the freedom of a l/o.To be able to say no sometimes is a very powerful position to be in sometimes.

As a l/o the money is there,if YOU manage it right.It is very up and down.I have had weeks between 1700 miles( which just covers my expenses) to 3900 miles,just depends on when you can scan your trip pak.If you need to make 1000.00 each week then it probably won't work for you.I have averaged in 5 weeks about 2700 miles,as a company driver was 2300 miles.

I read all the leasehaters posts and decided to find out for myself.It wasn't at all what I feared(don't get me wrong,the contract is skewed pretty heavily in swifts favor) but "you know what?" in my position I can live with that.My eyes were wide open.

I think that your relationship with your dm is pretty important.I have had mine now for 8 months (had 3 b4 that) she is a former driver and oo,so i don't have to tell her anything,she allready knows! I haven't pushed for miles,like I said "it's not really about the money".but if i need to to make this work,I will.

If you have any specific questions then please feel free to pm me,ok?

 

Its more than "pretty important" - its critical. Getting on with a DM (or FM or whatever) who knows what's going on, and will get you the loads or miles is what makes one of these deals really work.

You really have to scope out a company before you sign the lease - from the inside, and find a DM who is going to be your partner in this.

 

IP: +100. Perfectly said.

 

what do you mean "perfectly said"? I listened for a good 10 minutes couldn't hear a thing....but I read the subtitles and figured out why the lips weren't moving! ROFLMAO!!!!

 

Until the order comes down to starve you into being a mentor, or time to "flease" your truck to someone else.



I wonder why in the contract you are an "at will employee" yet you pay your own worker comp, SS, insurance, and taxes.

 

Can't say how that works at Swift - however, early termination of a contract does not yield any advantage to a carrier. As for "starving a contractor into training" - that doesn't make sense.

As to your query... one cannot be a 1099 contractor and then be defined as an "at will employee." That's illegal under the IRS code - however, in contract law there can certainly be conditions written into a contract that will void it.

 

I asked a L/O a couple of weeks ago where his student was. His reply to me was " I am beginning to wonder that myself!" He lives in his truck. He has been a mentor as a company guy. Been with Swift 10-12 years in one form or the other.

If you think they can't starve you out for whatever reason they want to?

I having lunch with the Easter bunny, and the tooth fairy.


If you want to live in your truck it is a fine way to go. You need to make sure you have your own retirement account set up, health care, and a savings account to make your payments when you want to take a week off to visit your mom or dad on their death bed.

Break you leg, need surgery and the recovery time before you can be cleared to drive? Better have some good insurance.

A friend of mine who is an O/O and has had his truck paid for several years has a policy that Landstar requires him to carry. Broke his foot falling off a ladder at home. Maybe Swift requires it too?

Are you off the financial hook if you become permanently disabled?

I was self employed for 16 years guys. Same stuff different biz. Just not as many rule benders and sleaze artists like the trucking industry. I got most of my work at a higher rate and didn't have to kiss butts to do it.

Just keep in touch guys. We'll see how it works out for you.