Good And Bad News

Hello everyone. I know I don't give many updates, my stories aren't very interesting. But here's one!

I've hit 5 months solo. All along I was told by the bosses in Kraft West Coast dedicated that as soon as I hit 4 months I would be on Kraft. Well I called them and they remembered me. But apparently I'm not going anywhere. My on times qualify for the position and there's nothing holding me back. Except one thing. I don't lease a truck. That's right! I was told that in order for me to get on the fleet I basically needed to lease a truck. The priority goes to owner operators and team drivers. I was told by my trainers dispatcher that its almost impossible to make it in as company even if you're perfect.

So at Central Ref. I will not be able to get on any dedicated like I was told several times I will be. My wife is turning 21 and will attend schooling to get her license in two months. We will either team drive at central or she will go to another company and ill join her after my one year. If she changes her mind about becoming a trucker then I will leave after my 1 year. The good news is that my wife is turning 21 soon!

I worked intensely for my entire time at Central to ensure I'd get on Kraft. I cannot describe how I felt when I was told by the guy who said he will take me on Kraft that I must lease to get in. Because somehow signing a paper qualifies you but being 99% on time does not. To be honest, I'm frustrated with this company and their habit of shoving the lease program on me.

Daniel, this business of leasing trucks to drivers is one of the best ways that trucking companies have of controlling their run away expenses. Some of them that have realized how well this works for them have really started pushing it on their drivers. Don't dwell on the disappointment (if you can) just hold your head up and keep doing a great job. If you're doing your job in a way that helps them make money then they are going to figure out a way to utilize your skills in a way that benefits both you and them. Congratulations on your excellent delivery time record, and believe me even though you didn't get on that Kraft account I'll guarantee you they've noticed you're getting the job done. You're young and they are probably thinking you don't understand the pitfalls of leasing a truck. Fortunately, you're smarter than they thought. Stick to your guns and keep doing an awesome job, You're gonna see that it will work out best for you in the long run.

And I'd be willing to bet almost anything that the reason they insist on lease drivers for that account is because it doesn't pay very well to the company and Central will have a heck of a time making money from it using their own trucks.

It's an opportunity for Central to use some leverage. They can offer a great dedicated account from a driver's perspective as far as loading times, routing, and home time goes if you're willing to lease a truck from them. That makes unsuspecting drivers think, "Hey, I'll be in a beautiful lease truck, I'll be calling my own shots, and I'll be on an awesome account. Sign me up!"

And then the pain begins. It's like luring prey into a trap.

Dedicated accounts like that usually don't pay well at all for the company itself. These large corporations offer tons of freight, but at what amounts to a volume discount. Big companies like Central pick up these accounts because they need enough freight to keep their drivers moving, but then they have a heck of a time turning a profit from the low freight rates.

Man, don't sweat it. That was only one in a million different opportunities that are out there. Like you said, you're putting in your year and then you'll be able to go anywhere you like.

If your wife doesn't decide to drive and you want to get home a lot, look into the dry van companies. They have a ton of dedicated and regional stuff that can make you good money and get you home quite often.

And I'd be willing to bet almost anything that the reason they insist on lease drivers for that account is because it doesn't pay very well to the company and Central will have a heck of a time making money from it using their own trucks.

It's an opportunity for Central to use some leverage. They can offer a great dedicated account from a driver's perspective as far as loading times, routing, and home time goes if you're willing to lease a truck from them. That makes unsuspecting drivers think, "Hey, I'll be in a beautiful lease truck, I'll be calling my own shots, and I'll be on an awesome account. Sign me up!"

And then the pain begins. It's like luring prey into a trap.

Dedicated accounts like that usually don't pay well at all for the company itself. These large corporations offer tons of freight, but at what amounts to a volume discount. Big companies like Central pick up these accounts because they need enough freight to keep their drivers moving, but then they have a heck of a time turning a profit from the low freight rates.

Man, don't sweat it. That was only one in a million different opportunities that are out there. Like you said, you're putting in your year and then you'll be able to go anywhere you like.

If your wife doesn't decide to drive and you want to get home a lot, look into the dry van companies. They have a ton of dedicated and regional stuff that can make you good money and get you home quite often.

Brett is right about that. Look into some of Werner's dedicated accounts. Just remember, with some dedicated accounts, you do ALL of the unloading...YOURSELF.

Dave