Driving for an o/o

DooWop · Jan 24, 2006

Still lurking in the shadows...shoulda bot a D unit...
Questions about driving for an o/o (1) Do these people hand you a 1099 at the end of the year or do they take out taxes?? (2) what might be a ball park figure for earnings for a solo, driving for an o/o? (3)What should the prospective driver look for in evaluating an owner operator or small fleet owner? (4) There seems like there are as many EO classifieds for drivers wanted as there are EO classifieds by drivers looking for work...I think I smell a rat...Why????
Thanks to all in advance...need some good advice.

Regards

Doowop

Tennesseahawk · Jan 24, 2006

"(1) Do these people hand you a 1099 at the end of the year or do they take out taxes??"
They almost always do the 1099 thing. If they took out taxes, they'd be an employer.

"(2) what might be a ball park figure for earnings for a solo, driving for an o/o?"
Current ballpark is 35% for a solo, and 40% for a team.

"(3)What should the prospective driver look for in evaluating an owner operator or small fleet owner?"
Honesty and communication. Talk to his other drivers (if he has any). Check on EO for some recent posts about the subject of owners and contracts.

"(4) There seems like there are as many EO classifieds for drivers wanted as there are EO classifieds by drivers looking for work...I think I smell a rat...Why????"
It goes both ways. There are a rash of bad owners, but there are probably more bad drivers. Most of the ones I see in the EO classifieds are repeat posters. Chances are, the drivers didn't put up numbers they promised. Or the companies didn't give the miles drivers expect. Could be a whole lot of different reasons. If you do your research on the owner, you should be ok.

tallcal101 · Jan 25, 2006

I agree that talking to the O/O's drivers is the best way to determine if the job opportunity is worhtwhile.
I believe there are probably equal numbers of dishonest drivers and owners.I just tried to get a driver qualified only to find out he is a covicted child molester who served time.I always go over the qualifications,in detail,with potential drivers.I ask about felonies.
Guess he forgot.
I think it's also a good idea to have the owner give you a reference with the carrier they contract with.You may not get all your ansewers from them,but at least the it shows the O/O is not afraid to have you speak to them(perhaps their contractor coordibator).
Good luck!

highway star · Jan 25, 2006

talcall101, I hope all conversations with that guy were on the phone and not face to face. The level of cleansing after being in the same room with someone like that would have to be intense. I can just hear him when you brought it up, "Oh yeah, that..."