atlas

[germanbmwfreak]

i was wondering what you guys have heard about atlas trucking. let me tell you what i would be doing there "so they say" . i wont be hauling househould goods but be in their fleet of o/o's that haul dry van coast to coast. they deliver to stores, small business etc. so no big wherehouses to deal with they say. they pay .91 loaded .74 empty, 14% for fuel surcharge works out currently to be .23 mile. they also pay .01 a mile for all loaded miles for tolls and expenses along the way. if i go over 60,000 in a year my first year they will pay .04 cents a mile extra and .06 after my first year. they pay for truck washes at blue beacon, scale ticket, permits, libailty, pre pass and the instalation of quallcomm. they told me that i have to pay is the base plate, bobtail, and $55 month for qualcomm. there loads average between 15,000 and 20,000 pounds which equals better fuel mileage, less wear and tear correct? their drivers average 2300-2600 miles a week. their hometome is at least 20 days out then i can come home for as long as i want. what do you guys think about this? after being there for 90 days if i do good and they are happy i can possibly go to their trade show fleet. i am not sure if i asked them all the right questions so please give me some info on what i should have asked. oh yeah about the previous posts, i am not going to go back as a company driver and i am going to be a o/o so lets stick to the topic here please , and please refraid from the comment "be a company driver"

thanks, nick

[The_Governor]

Well alrighty then...that sounds like a pretty good go to me.

If I was'nt happy where I am I'd be all over that like white on rice.

What kind of tractors though?

Myself I prefer a K-whopper W-9 with one of those bedbugger chalets on the back :cheers:

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Delivering to stores means you will be fingerprinting, the pay package in a word sucks any performance bonuses are controlled by them, trade show? I hear of O/O's making big money on trade show circuits with the right company, is Atlas going to increase your pay, pay detention, parking and any other fees that are incurred on trade show runs? I would be real careful and thoroughly read the contract before I would sign on with them.

[germanbmwfreak]

i am not sure what you mean by what kind of trucks they have i will be a owner operator and i hopefully will buy a pete.



yeah i havent dicussed much on the trade show run as for pay or extra costs. what i have listed was what they are offering for the run i will be leased onto. what do you mean by fingerprinting? when i used to deliver to stores i didnt have to do that or is one of those new laws now? it is also 100% no touch freight.

[Uturn2001]

Have you actually sat down and done the math on this? A 15% deadhead on a 2600 mile week and you are down to making a whopping 88 cpm.

And something tells me that you are going to come back with "but that does not include the FSC".....

my reply is so what. You should not count on the FSC to make a living.

and the one big thing that would worry me is: if i go over 60,000 in a year my first year they will pay........

That tells me that they consider a driver running more than 60,000 miles a year as a hard runner. :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes:

[Rev.Vassago]

I am not gonna start going into all the stuff I mentioned before, so hear me out:

1. Ask them what their average driver ran for miles last year (not by the month, but by the year). Figure that the answer is the most miles you could ever get.

2. Ask them what their average driver grossed last year(again - if they tell you a monthly figure, ask for a yearly figure). Compare to what they say the average miles were - if they aren't even close, run.

3. What exactly are you gonna be hauling? It sounds to me like this is O&I - basically hauling office furniture. Graebel Van Lines has a similar offering such as this - they pay you by the mile, and in return, they cover the expenses of loading and unloading.

4. If this is in fact O&I, you are gonna be doing a lot of sitting (what you called being lazy). The household industry (and this includes O&I) doesn't have a steady operating stream - some times are better than others. You may end up sitting for a week or two, just waiting for a load - and they will have no problem telling you the nearest load is a thousand miles away. You will run into this even more with trade show. Sure, they pay waiting time, but it isn't enough to cover your costs.

5. $0.91 per mile is lousy, by any standards. You would be better off heading down to Schneider for that rate.

6. Ask them who is responsible for claims. If you are, this is an even worse deal.

7. The FSC is standard for HHG - mine is 14% right now, but it is 14% of the linehaul, since I get paid by the linehaul.

8. Washes are for the trailer only - this is standard amongst the entire HHG industry.

It seems to me that they are trying to get you on the cheap by offering to cover labor and pay by the mile. I am sure they offer this same package being paid on percentage, but then you are responsible for labor.

[germanbmwfreak]

thanks rev. they did tell me fcs is 14% right now and ill be sure to call them again on monday and get some more answers for what you said. they did tell me that the truck wash is for trucks and they ask that i wash their trailer as well.. (so they said, i know recuriters they will say anything). they said their drivers are averaging 2300-2600 miles a week. i was hoping you would post revv since i know you are in the hhg industry and would give good advice on atlas if they are bad or not or waht to ask. i will call though on monday for sure and get those anwers and i will post them so everyone can see and i can get input.

[germanbmwfreak]

here is what the site said..

Commercial Truckload Division (CTD)
This is not your typical bump the dock operation! If you are looking for a fast paced environment, CTD is for YOU! This 100% No Touch Freight Division delivers new products ranging from office furniture to store fixtures and everything in between. Our CTD Professional Van Operators earnings are in the top 10% of the industry, with potentials exceeding $166,000 per year.

Special Products Division (SPD)
Ever wonder who brought the Trade Show? If you have at least 6 months of prior electronics / specialized experience, SPD is for YOU! From art exhibits to tradeshow products, you will never look at your dispatch as just another load. Our SPD Professional Van Operators set the pace on income ability with earnings going over $218,000 per year.

Relocation Services Group (RSG)
We move the world! If you have 2 years of prior household van line experience, then you are ready to wear your stripes at RSG. Ready to go anyplace anywhere at anytime, our relocation specialists really do move the world. It is no wonder why our RSG fleet averaged $248,000 in earnings last year.

Sound too good to be true.. then ask an ATLAS Professional Van Operator, or better yet fill out your online application today… and see WHY we have Owner Operators that have been leased to us for over 20 years.

[Big_Dave]

Before actually signing any papers like a lease, ask to see facts and figures on paper. They can and will tell you anything that they think you wanna hear to get you onboard with them (actually, almost any company will do this).

Insist on seeing several monthly averages (miles & revenue) of several drivers. Maybe even say, the first and third quarter of 2005. They can cover up the names and SSN's if they wish, but you're concerned with facts and figures.

I did this at the last company I leased to and found it to be most helpful in making the decision whether to lease on or not.

[Rev.Vassago]

here is what the site said..

Commercial Truckload Division (CTD)
This is not your typical bump the dock operation! If you are looking for a fast paced environment, CTD is for YOU! This 100% No Touch Freight Division delivers new products ranging from office furniture to store fixtures and everything in between. Our CTD Professional Van Operators earnings are in the top 10% of the industry, with potentials exceeding $166,000 per year.

Special Products Division (SPD)
Ever wonder who brought the Trade Show? If you have at least 6 months of prior electronics / specialized experience, SPD is for YOU! From art exhibits to tradeshow products, you will never look at your dispatch as just another load. Our SPD Professional Van Operators set the pace on income ability with earnings going over $218,000 per year.

Relocation Services Group (RSG)
We move the world! If you have 2 years of prior household van line experience, then you are ready to wear your stripes at RSG. Ready to go anyplace anywhere at anytime, our relocation specialists really do move the world. It is no wonder why our RSG fleet averaged $248,000 in earnings last year.

Sound too good to be true.. then ask an ATLAS Professional Van Operator, or better yet fill out your online application today… and see WHY we have Owner Operators that have been leased to us for over 20 years.

Their numbers are high - their yearly linehauls for the Special Products and HHG divisions are about $30,000 - $50,000 higher than the industry average. These numbers are probably their top driver (possibly even a team). Don't believe them.

To earn $166,000 in a year in their commercial products division, you would have to run 145,614 miles (2800 per week for 52 weeks, including the FSC, not including any deadhead) - not likely.

Something isn't right with their numbers - ask them if they will guarantee you 2300-2600 miles per week in writing, and you'll find that they will change their tune.

As far as Atlas Van Lines as a company - they are about the same as the rest.

[germanbmwfreak]

thanks for all the help i will be sure to ask them all that on monday. ill repost later and let you guys now what they had to say.

[Rev.Vassago]

See? I ain't such a bad guy!

[germanbmwfreak]

well atlas is acting real shady so i dont think i am gonna go there. i called them on monday and there numbers change every other day for teh average pay. i asked about sitting a waiting and they said sometimes i might sit for 2-3 days and sometimes i might get a load real quick. i asked about dention pay and layover pay and i couldnt get a straight answer out of them. i asked for pervious drivers paystubs they didnt give me a straight answer. i asked the recruiter to send me all this info on email and she said she would today is tuesday talked to her yesterday no email. so for .91 a mile it isnt worth it in my eyes .. what do you guys think?

[tommy]

How can you run for .91cpm, even with a fsc your talking about??

you wont make it Bud..

[Rev.Vassago]

Like I said, if $0.91 per mile is all you want, head down to Schneider. At least the miles will be more consistent.

[tommy]

Like I said, if $0.91 per mile is all you want, head down to Schneider. At least the miles will be more consistent.


yea, he can loose his butt faster then also and be over with it..

[germanbmwfreak]

if schneider could keep me busy and my bills paid i would work for them. i would love to work for more but i cant find a company that pays more than a .95 a mile. i would love to work for more but i am just having a hard time finding one. .91 is better than some that pay .81 and my question is if they pay for insurnace's, permits and base plate plus give me a fuel discount and all of the fuel surcharge wouldnt that be a good deal? i know there is more potetional i am planning on driving under someone else authority for a year or so until i fid a good gig and get some money saved up and get my own authority and pull the big loads. i can go to my buddy's company in utah but i have to have my own authority and trailer and i think that is too much to start out with. so if you guys know a company that pays more than .95 shoot their name to me so i can look them up or even give me a place where i can find companies. i basicly and looking thru truck job finders and genaric searches on the internet for them. see i aint so bad im listening i asked atlas what you guys reccommend to ask and they told me the answers and i am scratching them off the list.

[Rev.Vassago]

and my question is if they pay for insurnace's, permits and base plate plus give me a fuel discount and all of the fuel surcharge wouldnt that be a good deal?

Not really - first of all, they don't pay your physical damage, which is the expensive part of your insurance. Liability is cheap, as is base plate and permits (which you probably would never have). As far as the fuel discount on top of the FSC, the fuel discount amounts to a few cents per gallon, and the FSC is sub par.

i know there is more potetional i am planning on driving under someone else authority for a year or so until i fid a good gig and get some money saved up and get my own authority and pull the big loads.

What exactly are the "big loads"?

i can go to my buddy's company in utah but i have to have my own authority and trailer and i think that is too much to start out with. so if you guys know a company that pays more than .95 shoot their name to me so i can look them up or even give me a place where i can find companies.

Reliable Carriers
Horseless Carriage
Mayflower
Allied Van Lines
United Van Lines
Graebel Van Lines
Landstar
Mercer

All of these companies pay on percentage rather than mileage, and to lease to any of these companies, you are going to need a lot more experience, but let's not go there.............again.

[Jack5]

Landstar takes away 35% of the revenue. Not a very a good deal in my opinion. I was leased to them back in 02. Most of their loads did not pay very well. Correct me if Im wrong,but isn't liability the most expensive part of the insurance which the carrier usually pays for? Depending on what state you get your plates from they can be from 1500 to 2500 a year. Revv,are there any other carriers paying percentage that aren't household goods beside Landstar? I was just wondering because I haven't been able to find any either.

[Rev.Vassago]

Correct me if Im wrong,but isn't liability the most expensive part of the insurance which the carrier usually pays for?

Cargo insurance is the most expensive. Liability is cheap. I carry a million dollars in coverage, and it runs around 200 per month.

Revv,are there any other carriers paying percentage that aren't household goods beside Landstar? I was just wondering because I haven't been able to find any either.

Mercer (flatbed)
Horseless Carriage & Reliable (auto)
Prime (refrigerated, tanker, and flatbed)

I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones that come to the top of my head.

You think that them taking 35% is bad? Why? They are paying for the trailer, the insurance on the trailer, the cargo insurance, the operating authority, the brokers who get the loads, the accountants who get you paid, the safety department who makes sure the DOT stays off your back, etc. etc.

Graebel takes 48% of my linehaul. I only keep 52%.

[Jack5]

The problem is most of their loads were cheap. They seem to make up for their expenses by offering cheaper loads. This was back in 02. Im not sure how their rates are now. Most percentage carriers typically take 30% and have the same program as Landstar. Im not sure why Landstar takes 35%. I wouldn't advise anybody new to go with Landstar unless they have somebody to monitor the load boards. A lot of their loads on their load board was not paying very well before.

[Rev.Vassago]

The problem is most of their loads were cheap. They seem to make up for their expenses by offering cheaper loads. This was back in 02. Im not sure how their rates are now. Most percentage carriers typically take 30% and have the same program as Landstar. Im not sure why Landstar takes 35%. I wouldn't advise anybody new to go with Landstar unless they have somebody to monitor the load boards. A lot of their loads on their load board was not paying very well before.

From what I have heard, the way to make it at Landstar is to get in good with some of the brokers, so you can get at the loads before they hit the load boards.

[germanbmwfreak]

what i meant by big loads was better paying loads by going thru a good broker or getting a good contract. yeah the rest of you if you could please list some companies that you know off that are good.

[concerned]

I don't believe that liabilty ins is the cheapest. It's the highest ins you'll pay. Cargo is expensive depending on the value/deductible. If you are leased to someone why would you pay either one? That is the carriers responsibilty.Physical damage is only a couple percent of the value of the equipment. There are a lot of companies that pay a percentage. In this town alone there are five companies with 50 to 300 trucks that pay percentage.

[Rev.Vassago]

I don't believe that liabilty ins is the cheapest. It's the highest ins you'll pay. Cargo is expensive depending on the value/deductible. If you are leased to someone why would you pay either one? That is the carriers responsibilty.Physical damage is only a couple percent of the value of the equipment. There are a lot of companies that pay a percentage. In this town alone there are five companies with 50 to 300 trucks that pay percentage.

The liability I am referring to is NON TRUCKING LIABILITY (BOBTAIL). It is the insurance that is used if you get in an accident while not under a load. It is very cheap.

The liability that germanBMWfreak was referring to is the liablity that the company provides when the trailer is loaded, or you are under dispatch. Different insurance. My truck has 6 different insurance policies covering it, 4 of them provided by me. The are:

Non Trucking Liability (Bobtail)
Physical Damage
Occupational Accident
Work Comp

and the ones provided by the company:

Cargo
Primary Liability

Yes, the ones that the company provides are the most expensive, but mine are still running me about 10 grand a year.

[SUNSHINE]

91cpm :yikes: and fuel is over $2 a gallon never make it i have a dry van and if i aint doing anywhere from2500 to 3500 miles a week im not working and i get by on 2500 3500 lets me put money in the bank and 14% fsc is not very much fingerprinting is you unloading the truck. say no to cheap freight

[germanbmwfreak]

well i have scratched them off the list they have too many unanswered questions and when i asked them about detention pay or layover pay they didnt really give me a direct answer and the recuriter talked like waiting 2-3 days for a load wasnt a big deal.

[slowpoke98908]

I was with them for 6 years. Left in May.

I am now leased on with Interstate. Will condense my comments as not to write book.

Atlas - CTD -

Living in Washington my deadhead was 25%.

They have a forced dispatch even though they don't want to call it that. You will go into NYC some. Just about all freight is no touch. But you must fold pads and put away decking when needed. Lots of trailers are preload so you loose your handling pay. Trailers are in bad shape since they went to 9 month service interval.


Fuel surcharge depends on account, some pay very little. You don't get paid the fuel surcharge until they bill the customer. Takes 2 to 3 statements to get it. On shows you don't get dettention unless you layover. Shows plan to spend all day there. Except shows you must give anywhere from 2 to 9 hours free. Depends on account and the tarrif.

If you want to go into Specail Products you need a white truck and they will bust your but. Must like long late hours. They earn every penny they get there. SPD is mainly LTL. CTD is mainly truckload

Interstate - Pays 90 cpm ldd and empty and fuel surcharge is loaded and empty. Loads range from 3,000 pound to 47,000.

While loads are heavier, there is a lot of drop and hook. Get in early and many times you can drop load at one of there yards. Big hooker here is fuel discounts which range from 4 CPG to 35 CPG. Fuel tax figured on practical route miles. Atlas uses actual miles with a 5 mpg cap.

Interstate has lower prices on qualcom and insurance.

You actual can make more money with Interstate since your expences are lower and you rarely have to sit on a load waiting to deliver for a couple days.

If you would like more details on Atlas or Interstate email me.

[mover man]

Slow Poke if they suck so bad then why did you stay there 6 years??

[SUNSHINE]

well i have scratched them off the list they have too many unanswered questions and when i asked them about detention pay or layover pay they didnt really give me a direct answer and the recuriter talked like waiting 2-3 days for a load wasnt a big deal.
Waiting 2 or 3 days for a load is a big deal.Dont let them BS ya ;) You still have to eat shower and idle to stay warm or cool.
Once that time is lost it cannot be made up and the revenue has been lost.
I looked at getting my own authority and decided against right now with the price of fuel and its more BS than what I want to deal with.
Chances are if they dont answer your questions is that they dont pay layover and detention.Im doing ok as a leased o/o. Im happy where Im at.And remember everytime you switch carriers you lose money.
The pasture isnt always greener on the other side

[slowpoke98908]

Slow Poke if they suck so bad then why did you stay there 6 years??

Biggest reason for leaving was running too much North East and having to go into NYC.

Interstate is the first company I have been with that had their own trucks as well as Owner-operator. Not to mention a general freight company.

To really make money with the Van Lines you need to do LTL Electronics. Here you earn your pay. Run hard and work hard.

Found you can make more money with freight company as you can generally drop loads if you get in early and get good fuel discounts. Van lines you sit and wait. So for the real hard runner the freight comapny is clearly the way to go.

[Rev.Vassago]

To really make money with the Van Lines you need to do LTL Electronics. Here you earn your pay. Run hard and work hard.

Van lines you sit and wait. So for the real hard runner the freight comapny is clearly the way to go.

Ummmmm, okay.......Sure. :wtf:


Rev.Vassago; Has never hauled an LTL load in his moving trailer, and doubts he ever will.

[mover man]

[/quote

To really make money with the Van Lines you need to do LTL Electronics. Here you earn your pay. Run hard and work hard.

Found you can make more money with freight company. Van lines you sit and wait. So for the real hard runner the freight comapny is clearly the way to go.[/quote]

Dont no about that. Couple years ago I tried out what we called flex fleet. During the winter we did blanket wrap or trade shows. Both are truckload. During a typical week i would get a 800 mile run on monday del on wed. Recieve a 800 mile run on wednesday del friday. Recieve a 1200 mile run on friday del monday. Gross around $3000-3500 depending on how many extra's. This was before the big fuel price increase so we were not getting a fuel surcharge.
I left that fleet and came back to bedbugging full time because thats to much work and not enough doe for me. I dont like to work that hard.