Expedite Trucking Forums - View Single Post

lanier1 · 02-12-2007, 11:53 AM

I agree with what you said. I would go a little farther to say the Carrier has an even bigger responsibility to inform prospective contractors of the importance of having reserve money and the pitfalls of the business. I think it would be in thier best interest to do so. Turnover, as we know, is rampant and not good for anyone. It was not my experience that this was stressed at time of signing on. If you qualify as a driver and have a qualified truck you are hired. I think that is fine but thier should also be better information shared from the carrier about the business. They know that most who are getting into it have very little or no experience.

I also agree that expecting more than what was contractually agreed to is out of line. Asking for it is one thing. I have never had a problem asking for something and don't feel there is anything wrong with it. But, to ask and be denied and then whine about it is quite another thing. When I needed a new laptop I called and asked if I could borrow from my escrow account. The answer was no. That was fine, I don't think anyone heard me whining about it because I didn't. I do feel the more benefits a Carrier will offer can only help with retention and success of contractors. My uncle drove as an O/O for Schneider for years and loved them. They paid for tires and maintenance and took it out of his pay a little at a time. They also provided showers and a cafeteria at most of thier hubs. How nice would it be if we could enjoy that type of thing at the FedEx Ground facilities? Their are companies in other industries who are offering, for a price, a true group health care plan to independent contractors that are contracted to them. Between all the O/O's in the FedEx organization there are more than enough to warrant the validity of such a plan. Should we "expect" these types of benefits? No, only if they were promised when we signed on. Lets face it, this is a tough business right now. I have been hearing since I signed on the busy season never matierialized this past year. I don't know about the rest of you but these type benenfits would go a long way with me.

02-12-2007, 11:53 AM	#9 (permalink)
lanier1 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Roopville, Ga. Rating: Not Rated Posts: 319	RE: Expediting is a Business I agree with what you said. I would go a little farther to say the Carrier has an even bigger responsibility to inform prospective contractors of the importance of having reserve money and the pitfalls of the business. I think it would be in thier best interest to do so. Turnover, as we know, is rampant and not good for anyone. It was not my experience that this was stressed at time of signing on. If you qualify as a driver and have a qualified truck you are hired. I think that is fine but thier should also be better information shared from the carrier about the business. They know that most who are getting into it have very little or no experience. I also agree that expecting more than what was contractually agreed to is out of line. Asking for it is one thing. I have never had a problem asking for something and don't feel there is anything wrong with it. But, to ask and be denied and then whine about it is quite another thing. When I needed a new laptop I called and asked if I could borrow from my escrow account. The answer was no. That was fine, I don't think anyone heard me whining about it because I didn't. I do feel the more benefits a Carrier will offer can only help with retention and success of contractors. My uncle drove as an O/O for Schneider for years and loved them. They paid for tires and maintenance and took it out of his pay a little at a time. They also provided showers and a cafeteria at most of thier hubs. How nice would it be if we could enjoy that type of thing at the FedEx Ground facilities? Their are companies in other industries who are offering, for a price, a true group health care plan to independent contractors that are contracted to them. Between all the O/O's in the FedEx organization there are more than enough to warrant the validity of such a plan. Should we "expect" these types of benefits? No, only if they were promised when we signed on. Lets face it, this is a tough business right now. I have been hearing since I signed on the busy season never matierialized this past year. I don't know about the rest of you but these type benenfits would go a long way with me.