RE: lease needed? 1 truck owner adding driver to m
Straightcruisin, well I agree with some of the posts and some not....Getting a co-driver will be good for your bottom line and good for a co-driver. Personally I paid a straight 20% of what the loads paid minus the fuel surcharges. I paid for everything. She made an avg of 1000 per wk most weeks. Then I would treat her to dinner sometimes, her own motel room, etc etc. Bonus on holidays. If you are going to team with someone be sure you screen them first. TRY and make sure you are somewhat compatable. If you smoke, look for a smoker, if you are neat and clean be sure you meet the person in advance and get a feel for what they are like...Still once you "live" together, things can go awry. But try and get to know the person a little first. Also a plus for the co driver was I paid her 20 percent after each or every few loads, that is a good policy for myself. Keep very good records of what you pay them. I would have her sign my settlement sheet showing how much I paid each week that way there were no problems in how I paid. Now if you are going to have a team and you out of the truck, whole different story...I paid both ways, 40/60 and 60/40. I vowed never to pay the fuel again as SOME people take full advantage of that and deadhead all over the place. My fault, I did not specify beyond verbally not to deadhead and had no recourse but to chalk it up to experience. I find if the drivers pay the fuel, they are very careful how much deadheading they do, and as someone posted, they may be reluctant to deadhead to a better area for loads, however you can build in bonuses or up the percentage when they deadhead to a better place. But key is get a good contract written up, something that protects you and your drivers, and also for a co driver for you if you choose that route. It won't make any difference for bad or irresponsible drivers, but is a deterent. Good Luck.