Something is fishy here in MI...

Chrisj9880 · Apr 2, 2015

I am new to the industry, and have an "offer" from Commitment Plus Expediting Inc in Niles, MI
Talked to the "President" on the phone, sent him copies of my DL and Driving record...and SNAP! He is ready to have me drive a 25ft straight truck (as he put it). Oops, he forgot to mention I need a chauffeur license, so I went and got one. This guy pays.32 a loaded mile, insurance and maintenance, and claims he will cover gas if a deadhead is over 40 miles. Claims an average of 1500 miles a week modestly. Having no experience at all, I figure the pay will be very low anyhow. He is ready to send me out Monday for 3-4 weeks and being new to all this I honestly don't know what to think. Also claims that I do not need to use logs or have a DOT medical card. Am I missing something or should I run fast?

paullud · Apr 2, 2015

Being over 10k pounds puts you under the same regs as a tractor trailer and yes you definitely have to log in that case. You mentioned sending you out for weeks so I'm assuming this is an OTR position.

Add on: I just looked them up on the FMCSA website and they have one inspection that was passed so they appear to run legal.

Chrisj9880 · Apr 2, 2015

Yes it it a OTR position. What about DOT medical? I'm sure I have read that I need to have one, but he has told me twice, no. Not that I look forward to paying $$ to have a physical and piss in a cup... Did I miss an exemption to the rules?

paullud · Apr 2, 2015

Yes you need a medical card if over 10k lbs.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical

paullud · Apr 2, 2015

I'm not sure how they passed the inspection if their driver didn't have logs and a medical card. Maybe something is getting confused?

Chrisj9880 · Apr 2, 2015

I think so too. Seems like a nice guy on the phone but I'm thinking some clarification on his part is in order before I drive 150 miles to pickup a truck I can't drive legally yet.

FlyingVan · Apr 2, 2015

Probably he will have you drive a <26k lbs straight. You dont need a CDL for that, so no physical either. But you still have to log.

Chrisj9880 · Apr 2, 2015

I just sent him a email with these questions... I'll see what he has to say - hope he doesn't retract the offer - that would be a big red flag in my book!

Chrisj9880 · Apr 2, 2015

Thanks for your advice... Just nervous want to do things the right way!

Ragman · Apr 3, 2015

FlyingVan said:
Probably he will have you drive a <26k lbs straight. You dont need a CDL for that, so no physical either. But you still have to log.

You need a medical card when operating any commercial vehicle, me thinks.

str8trk · Apr 3, 2015

If the vehicle is under 26,000 Lbs. gross you do not need a CDL, however, to legally operate the vehicle described in interstate commerce you absolutely need a medical card and must log as it is definitely over 10,000 Lbs gross. Beyond that, the pay structure makes no sense at all. At 32 cents a loaded mile, the company should cover all operating expenses. BTW .... Trucks burn fuel

paullud · Apr 3, 2015

Chrisj9880 said:
This guy pays.32 a loaded mile, insurance and maintenance, and claims he will cover gas if a deadhead is over 40 miles.

After the comment about you using the term gas I reread this and I am wondering what you mean by "he will cover gas(aka fuel) if a DH is over 40 miles". Are you paying for fuel?

paullud · Apr 3, 2015

Chrisj9880 said:
Thanks for your advice... Just nervous want to do things the right way!

It's really smart to check and get info. There is a notorious company that uses a few different names and they don't pay their drivers.

Chrisj9880 · Apr 3, 2015

Today he writes that the trucks are rated 10,000 pounds so no log or DOT. Anyone know anything about Commitment Plus Expediting Inc in Niles, MI or Chuck Moyer - please let me know!

str8trk · Apr 3, 2015

If that's the case, then it's not a straight truck ... It may be a cube van, more likely a sprinter. In any case, you don't have the whole picture ... Certainly not enough info to make a sound decision.

Chrisj9880 · Apr 3, 2015

Yes I am still waiting on my request to see all the paperwork and pay structure in writing. Thinking that if he can't give me any more information, I'll be better off with Square One Transport (here in Lansing). Being new to all this, is having all this info up front and in writing common?

str8trk · Apr 3, 2015

ANY legitimate entity will provide a comprehensive written agreement up front that will clearly spell out terms, conditions, responsibilities and expectations of both parties.... In the absence of same, don't walk away .... RUN

paulnstef39 · Apr 3, 2015

A 25' truck that has a GVW of less than 10K? Must be made out of balsa wood if it is going to carry any cargo.

paullud · Apr 3, 2015

OK, so it must not be a straight truck but some form of high capacity van. If the vehicle is under 10k lbs then you are not subject to logging and medical card requirements. The pay sounds decent for that and if I were you I would consider it if you want to try the industry out. As str8trk said there should be some form of written agreement that spells out the deal.

Chrisj9880 · Apr 3, 2015

Thanks! I haven't totally counted them out, however I have requested that he email me any agreement docs before I drive 50 miles from Lansing. Pending he sends me something that looks legit- I'll go and inspect the "truck" Monday.