A Walk On The ‘Darkside’ - Working For A Small Company

I'm a one truck, one trailer o/o, so the downturn hasn't hit me quite as hard. I just have to find one decent trip here and there.

I talked to a driver at the shipper and he runs for a fleet of 10 and they bought all new trucks last year but they're all sitting and still running the old trucks because they don't think it's worth it putting the miles on the new trucks with the current rates.

Anyways, I think you're in a great position because you're more exposed to being an o/o than a company driver without incurring risk. I wish I had that opportunity but i went out there full throttle . Stay safe out there.

I'm so new to trucking it hurts, but I have to ask in all respect and sincerity - is this Satire? You paint a very bleak picture, any upsides?

Definitely not sa tire. More like: "Can I afford a tire?"

LDRSHIP is giving us a reality check here into the hard world of trucking.

So, Patrick, do you have an exit plan if your new gig doesn't work?

The owner “da boss” books our loads. He is our dispatcher , load coordinator, fueling department, pretty much most departments

Yeah, that's tough when it's like that. We had one dispatcher at my small company and he did everything himself.

Whenever you need repairs, tires, or (Heaven forbid) road assistance it's tough because the small companies don't have any national accounts, nor do they have anyone specializing in that sort of thing. So it's very time consuming and clumsy trying to find somewhere to take the truck or to find a tow truck. Then if you need a hotel it's yet another hassle.

At the major companies they have national accounts for tires, fuel, repairs, and hotels. They usually have accounts with lumper services, also. It's pretty much push button service. You hit a button, they send out the cavalry, and before you know it you're eating pizza in the hotel room. No muss, no fuss. I didn't realize how nice that was until I didn't have it.

The little companies also don't have any clout with anyone. I lost count of how many times with a major carrier I went straight to the front of the line for repairs, lumpers, tires, towing, etc. With the little companies it's like, "You drive for who? We'll get to you as soon as we can." - which means about 10 hours.

How do you do creative logging with elogs? Just wondering. Also, I don't envy your position. When I nailed that deer last month, the company shop made my truck look better than it did before. 😂

Bruce, of course I have an exit plan if things goes south. It is called going back to Wolding. I left on great terms with an open invitation back, any time.

Btw, the afford a tire is not funny, kinda stings, lol

Anyways, I think you're in a great position because you're more exposed to being an o/o than a company driver without incurring risk. I wish I had that opportunity but i went out there full throttle . Stay safe out there.

I am in a position to peak inside. Boss man doesn’t hide anything. From how much his insurance costs to seeing the brokers note with rate confirmation. I actually look at receipts now and how much something costs.

What I learn here will be the basis if I decide to scratch an itch or not.

Ldrship, my apologies if my comment was offensive, wasn't directed at you.

I see frequent topics here on O/O. The thrust of the advice given here is that many drivers who go L/O or O/O, may end up with financial difficulties. I understand your reasons for doing what you are doing and I sincerely hope you and your boss are successful. But you are unique in that you are experienced and know what you are doing. Others may not be able to see the entire picture and could end up in a very ruinous situation.

I'm so new to trucking it hurts, but I have to ask in all respect and sincerity - is this Satire? You paint a very bleak picture, any upsides?

No TX, I am being very serious. I want to show the truth, no sugar coating, no mincing words, no holding back. It is how it is!

Upsides, the upside is unadulterated education. I do get paid more working for a small company, but that comes with additional risks.

To answer the question about creative logbooking. Well, um.... I guess I kinda explained that in the other thread. I will be blunt. I can edit EVERY single line on my log. I can edited any way I want as often I want. I guess that is about as blunt as I need to get. I don’t think you need examples. Well, ‘Nuff said.

Drive Safe and God Speed

I’m not offended Bruce, hence the LoL after. I was just saying it was hitting a little close is all.

LOL c'mon you sure you don't want to share any hypothetical circumstances?

LOL c'mon you sure you don't want to share any hypothetical circumstances?

Since we are talking purely hypothetically here.

Hypothetically speaking, let’s say I have a day where I don’t get much done, do to whatever circumstances. If I have the time on the preceding or following day, I shift everything done that day to another and give myself a 34hr reset. All hypothetical and all. Purely speculative.