Expert: Charles W. Field - 6/15/2004

Question
Hello Mr. Field,
I am asking for some quick help on a matter. An OWNER OPERATOR company named "Refrigerated Transport Express" called here, expressing they would set me up as an owner operator hauling refrigerated goods to retail grocery stores within 350 mi. radius of Nashville, TN...said they had NEW contracts with 28 more stores. Dedicated run with around 3 drops per night; all palletized. Leave 9:00 p.m./home by 7 to 9A next morning, plus weekends off...Just what I've been looking for..IF it's LEGIT! Said I could leave the tractor at their terminal every day...also, fuel card provided and stickers starting out.
They said run should GROSS around $2800.00 per week and I'd have no down payment. I'm supposed to go to their office between 1 and 2 tomorrow afternoon and talk.
If he is LEGIT, it sounds like some hot contracts they're trying to fill fast or they might lose them. Maybe they can't get enough regular OWNER OPS to run at night.
Can you tell me from your own experience, 1st hand or otherwise, anything I should be aware of before lease purchasing a truck through these people? How will I know if they are honest, and how do I keep from getting skinned? Is there any thing they might offer or say where I'd KNOW for sure to scat out of there?
I'd appreciate a reply A.S.A.P., as this may save me from getting really burnt or passing up a good opportunity tomorrow.
Their website I am told is "Internet Transport Industries". I'm going to try and go there now and do some research.
Shouldn't these people allow me to show this contract to an attorney to check for any "Escape Clause(s)" in the contract, in case their contracts with their customers falls through?
Thank you so much for any advise!

Sincerely,

Michael D. Eidson  

Answer
I think you are right to be very cautious. Yes, they should allow you to have the contract reviewed by an attorney and, yes, there should be an escape clause. Further, I wouldn't sign anything without thoroughly investigating the company. I don't know how you do that in TN, but if you were in GA, I would advise that you pay a reputable private investigator to check them out.