Question:
Just wondering if anyone is familiar with Midwest Coast Transport? I know they are out of Sioux Falls, SD, that they have their own company-paid training (4 weeks or so) and that all drivers are either ICs or Fleet Drivers. I don't see any of their trucks here in San Diego, but they say they run all 48. Any info on them would be helfpul. Thanks.
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.

Answer:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BDGFN:
Just wondering if anyone is familiar with Midwest Coast Transport? I know they are out of Sioux Falls, SD, that they have their own company-paid training (4 weeks or so) and that all drivers are either ICs or Fleet Drivers. I don't see any of their trucks here in San Diego, but they say they run all 48. Any info on them would be helfpul. Thanks.QUOTE
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Answer:
Actually, after I posted this I did a search (duhh...should have thought of that first!) and came up with quite a few hits. I do like the sound of this company for the most part, just not sure if I'd go with them first. Time will tell.
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.

Answer:
They appear to be a good company so far. The company is made up of all o/o, so you can pick and choose who you drive for. I suggest contacting several and talking with them as each O/O sets their own pay/bennies, etc. There is enough of a difference between each that it could make a big difference for you.
Good luck,
Kermit

Answer:
Which fleet owner are you with? And where are you from? Thanks.
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.

Answer:
If it's an all O/O company what does that mean for benefits? Sounds a little scarry to me.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"
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Answer:
MCT does go to San Diego. When I used to run west, I've seen them down there. I've talked to a few of their drivers before and they've seemed happy with them.
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"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)


Answer:
As a Newbie the last thing you want to be is an IDEPENDANT Contractor. The reason YOU get to pick the O/O,Fleet owner is because they can't afford to be choosy because of the pay rate. A 1099 job is nothing but them having YOU responsable for for their Taxes.
Mike
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Mike

Answer:
Yup,MCT one of the great carriers today.
Interesting artical concerning one of their well paid O/O contractors.
http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=39050
Averages 100k miles per year delivering plants
and takes home 20k. That's an example of todays
mentality in "Trucking".
Mike
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Mike

Answer:
BDGFN,
I just started with RCO Trucking out of Sioux Falls, SD, but it was a hard choice. All three O/Os that I talked with were great folks.
Benefits vary with each O/O. MCT has a standard package it offers, but it reportedly sucks (and is expensive). Some O/Os offer a highter cpm to offset the lack of coverage.
The good thing about MCT is there are a variety of people to work for. Each O/O company has its own personality. The freight seems to be good, so far, from my experience, mostly no touch, its non-forced dispatch.
It seems like a good place to get experience, that's why I hired on. There are people who've been with MCT for 20+ years that I've talked to. A lot of them leave for a while, but them come back. So far I haven't talked to anyone who was unhappy with the company, which to me, said a lot.
Kermit

Answer:
I have feeling Etrucker doesn't have the facts straight on some things or maybe they do?
etrucker stated "Gillispie, 64, bought his first truck — a 1949 GMC — in 1954. " Then they stated "Today trucking is much easier for Gillispie, who became an owner-operator in 1972. " Ok was it 1954 or 1972?
What ever it may be, $20k is not very good, unless he has it figured out. I'll bet he has alot of write offs to keep his taxes down. I'll bet he's also got his income reporting down pretty well by now.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"
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Answer:
I have done the O/O thing and there's no way I would do it again. To many variables, different pay rates and a mixed bag of benefits. You can bet you'll be pushed beyond legal means to get loads delivered on time and be productive. O/O's leased on with a company have a very big nut they have to make and you will be the one required to make it. I know I've done that and it isn't fun.
How are they going to pay you anyway. Is it mileage pay or a percentage. If it is percentage you need to stay far away from them. I ran that way for almost 1.5 years and use to defend it. No more, you will do far to much free work, drive to many free miles and be worn to a frazzle meeting crazy appointments. If mileage, who's mileage is your pay based on. The companies or what the owners figures are. To many variables to make for a good job. It's very easy to get screwed by a mom and pop outfit.
No matter what else may be, a company is the best place to get training and learn the trade. Regular pay although not the best and some benes you can rely on will make the job just a bit better in the long run.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"
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Answer:
You don't have to be an Owner Operator to drive for MCT... you can be hired on by a Fleet Operator (the O/O that lease to MCT). The Fleet Operator I hired on with, RCO Trucking, has a bunch of trucks and they are leased on with MCT. I get the benefits of driving for a small company with the advantages of the good freight that a bigger carrier has.
I agree though... I don't think I'd want to be an O/O these days. I *was* a small business owner... don't thin I ever want to do that again. I like to know someone else will handle all the headaches of payroll, workman's comp, SSN, etc...
Kermit

Answer:
Kermit I,m curious as to the range of pay and benifits between the Contractors that employ the
Drivers. MCTs web site gives the impression of being secretive about their actual pay rates to those Fleet owners.
Mike
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Mike

Answer:
I was never an O/O but drove for a very small company. Referred to by many as driving for an O/O.
Great Stuff
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"
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