Question Regarding Panther Expedited

Hello everyone,

I have an opportunity to drive for a small fleet owner that runs for Panther expedited. My question is after a month of training I would be getting 26 % of ever 1.36 the truck makes and out of this I would be responsible for half of the fuel cost, workmans comp, insurance on vehicle and one other 17.00 charge I can't remember at the moment. I would be a 1099 independent contractor.

This is a team driving position in a straight truck tractor class B and I was wondering if this sounds even close to a good idea. I know I would be considered new but 26% does not sound very good considering the costs I would be responsible to pay.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Harold, this is just my opinion, and realize that I don't know very much about expedited freight and the rates it goes for, but I can tell you that there is plenty of regular freight being moved for less than 1.36/mile in other types of freight.

It sounds disastrous to me. I've been offered flat-bed jobs that paid 26% to the company driver with no other expenses involved. Personally I think you are going to have to run illegally to make this work out right, and that usually just ends up giving you more expenses. You mentioned that it was team driving, and I assume that means you would be splitting up some of those expenses with your co-driver, but it still sounds a little tricky to me.

In general, if you are just getting started in this you will serve yourself better by taking a company driver job until you learn the ropes a little better before adding a whole bunch of other stuff on top of the already steep learning curve. If this person has some other drivers working for them that you could talk to and get a feel for what they think about their pay it would help you know how it works out for them.

After reading your post again, I may have misunderstood how the pay works. I was thinking in terms of 1.36/mile, and I think the way it works is the percentage is based on each 1.36 that the truck clears on a job. That changes things somewhat, but not necessarily in your favor. It's quite easy to reduce what that truck is making with maintenance charges, tires, repairs, taxes... the list is endless. I don't like it, but that's just my opinion.

Its an underhanded lease....one of the worst I've seen...don't do it. Expedited freight is a chicken or feathers kinda deal. And the deadhead miles are very high....and those are the miles that will come out of your pocket. I would not do it...period.

Harold,

You should go to Expeditersonline.com and post your question to the forum at that location. I have been researching the Expediting Industry and most of the usual contract driver jobs pay 60/40% percent of the line haul. The sixty going to the one buying the fuel. Also if your wanting to team drive it should be someone you are very close too such as wife or brother/sister. Most contract drivers, get 40% and the owner pays fuel and upkeep on truck. The one buying the fuel also gets the Fuel Service Charge or FSC. I have read a lot of questions on the forum but have never heard of a pay situation like you described by anyone. Also check out Expediter Services

Thank you Old School, Starcar and Charlie H.. I have been studying this all weekend and you guys are correct that this is not the opportunity I am looking for and I really appreciate your honest and helpful responses..

Be safe, Harold