[engineer5316]

Hi Everyone, Does anyone have any info on Rapid Service – Greer, SC. I’m thinking of signing on with them and can’t find any independent info their relationships with their O/O. I do know they have about 40 Company owned trucks and would like to know if this has been a problem for the O/O signed on with them. Thanks in advance.

[terryandrene]

I Imagine you already know the following but for the benefit of others.

Rapid Service, Inc.
Telephone:: 1-866-254-6756
Specialty Services: Air Charter
Service Area: 48 States & Canada
Exclusive use truck service to any area of the country. That's dedicated to only you and your cargo via cargo van, straight truck, tractor trailer, non stop Door to Door.
Date: 2004-11-19 | http://www.rapidserviceinc.com


Terry

[targuard86]

I operate a small expediting company in the same area as Rapid Service. In......I think the fall of 2004 (busy time) they booked one of my trucks for a run from SC to VA early on a friday for a p/u later in the day. After turning down several loads for that truck Rapid Service called and cancelled the run after my driver had left his home enroute to the p/u. They refused to pay me anything for not only loosing a good run from one of my other customers but even refused to pay for the miles the truck had already ran before they cancelled us.

The o/o's that I have talked to that are leased to them tell me they are basically a one way company with about 45% deadhead but I can't confirm that with first hand knowledge.

[Broompilot]

I was accepted with them in my search last year for a new carrier.

The reason I did not go to meet them was how new they were into O/O vs how many company trucks they have. As reading the post regarding pay I am glad I did not follow up any further. Even though they were close to my house does not mean I am gona get return freight or get stuck with the only option of going back home. It will break you in this business. Talk with O/O that have been with them now for a year and see if they are happy call the company direct and ask for names and #s.

[engineer5316]

I've already met with them. They are close to house as well and they also pay 72% / 100% FC. Just can't find any of their O/O's to talk with.

[targuard86]

Don't focus on 72%. Focus on real $$. What is their average charge per mile? what is their FSC? what is their average length of run? what is their average deadhead %. Do they have a policy on dispatching company trucks vs. owner operators?

Ask them for phone #'s of current o/o's. If they refuse....RUN!

[jrcarroll]

worked there for 2 months. drove van. They pay 30%. you will dead head home after each load, but only after sitting empty at least until after 4-5pm the next day. at that time I got 1 run a week and told them, $100.00 a week did not pay the household bills......

[jwgmover]

May be too late, but I didn't see any new O/O on the board when I was in their office today. So if your still considering this company, here's the nitty gritty.

First I'll tell you my contract was terminated today, for causing the dispatchers to much stress. No negotiation or notice of any kind. Just got a call that I did a great job, always available, never late for a Pickup or Delivery, and never asking to come home, but not worth the stress to their dispatchers, (by asking what was going on after leaving me no freight areas for 2 - 5 days.) I know, it's my truck, but they also would not tell me where freight was moving or the location of any of their trucks.

They have 40 Company trucks, all are Non CDL with bunks in the Box

6 or so Cargo Vans.

2 - O/O (was 3 until this morning)

They will get you freight out of the upstate, but the O/O's go last. The reason I believe is the higher value of the freight with their local customers. Most loads are going at 1.85 to 2.00 (which you would get 72%) and 10 to 15% FSC (which you get 100%) They only pay their Company Drivers .40 cpm (Loaded - new deal this year, they used to pay Company drivers 30%)

All freight loads outside of the Carolinas come from posting trucks, load boards, etc.. They quote these at 1.10 to 1.55 and 1 to 10% FSC. (my last load from National Logistics, only paid .96 cpm with 1% FSC)

They slip a lot of freight. Truck to Truck, no cross docks.

Dead head averaged me 530 miles per week or 161 a trip.

Average length of trip was 741 mile (Dead Head / Paid)

Average number of trips per week 3.12. (Last years numbers)

You cannot refuse a load, and you will be forced dispatched. (I know that was my downfall, bullied into slipping a load in Mt. Vernon, IL and didn't want to do it. Did it anyways and was there for 2 days before DH-ing to Chicago land.)

They do not use Satellite, only Nextel. (But don't call them, you'll have to wait for them to call you.)

Good luck, and remember It's only my one sided opinion. So do your homework.

I got to go and find a new Carrier.

[MSinger]

No sleepers??? Bunks in the box??? Sounds like a DOT violation to me!!!

[targuard86]

They are legal. Its called a coffin sleeper. As long as it can be accessed from the interior and has the proper wall its ok. I know these trucks and they are professional made and legal.