Owner Operator What is Ward Truckload Express, LLC? Ward Truckload Express, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ward Transport & Logistics Corp., whose other subsidiaries include Ward Trucking, LLC (LTL Trucking) and Ward Logistics, LLC (warehousing and logistics). Ward has been in the trucking business since 1931, and started its truckload operations in 1981, to better serve the needs of full truckload shippers. Now in its third generation, Ward is still family owned and operated, and has remained financially strong and profitable throughout its history. What areas does Ward Truckload Express, LLC serve? We cover an area from southern Maine as far south as North Carolina, across the northern tier of Kentucky and no farther west than Illinois. We have an all points interstate PA Authority and ICC Authority that permits us to haul general commodities freight. What type of shipments do we handle? We are a general commodity carrier serving various industries. Most shipments are full truckloads, palletized and require no handling. Do I need my own trailer? Owner/Operators working within our van operation must use our 48’ or 53’ trailers. Am I responsible for any loss or damage to company trailers? Our lease agreement states that you are responsible for the first $2000 in damage or loss to our equipment if it is the result of your negligence or intentional act. Example: Trying to take a 13’6” trailer thru a clearly marled 13’ underpass. How does Ward Truckload Express, LLC pay? We pay on a weekly basis. All correctly completed paperwork that reaches our Altoona office by Tuesday of any week will be paid on Friday of that week. Depending on the U.S. Mail service, you should receive your check no later than the following Monday. How often will I get home? This of course depends on where you live. Most of our owner/operators have the opportunity to be at home at least once from Monday thru Friday and always on weekends. Do I need a PA registration plate on my tractor? We recommend that your tractor be base-plated in PA, registered for 80,000 lbs. and that you purchase the IRP (Apportioned) registration. Enclosed is a listing of the states we regularly operate in and the number of miles you could expect to run. If you do not purchase the PA IRP plate you will be responsible for all IRP permits or any fines resulting from noncompliance with IRP registration procedures. Who pays for the motor fuel permit If you remain under the lease with us for a minimum of 6 months there will be no charge for the permits. They will be renewed each year at our expense. If the lease is broken before the end of the six month period the cost of the permits will be deducted from your escrow money. Who pays the road taxes? We pay all road taxes. We provide an E-ZPass transponder to all leased Owner/Operators. Ward Truckload Express, LLC pays for all “Authorized” tolls. A list of authorized toll roads will be supplied at orientations. Can I buy “Bobtail and Deadhead” insurance through Ward Truckload Express, LLC? Our policy on this insurance is that you MUST purchase the Bobtail Insurance through our group plan. The cost is $45.00 per month and the deposit payment must be made at the time the lease is signed. This wll provide you with $1,000,000 of coverage. After the first month the premium will be deducted from your settlements. Can I buy collision/comprehensive insurance coverage through Ward Truckload Express, LLC? Yes. The premium us based on the value of your equipment and there us a $1,000 deductible. An example of how the premium is determined is as follows: Value of tractor $25,000 x 3.0% = $750 $750 ÷ 12 = $62.50 Monthly premium $62.50 A deposit equal to the first month premium plus the first month premium is required to start this insurance coverage. Will Ward Truckload Express, LLC maintain an escrow account? An escrow account will begin with the first load you handle for us. We will deduct $150.00 per week from your settlement until we accumulate the $2500 amount specified is our lease agreement. After this amount is reached you can continue to have money put into your escrow account up to the limit that you set with any amount deducted per settlement, You will be paid interest on this money at the end of each quarter. The rate is based on the current 90-day treasury rate. What equipment requirements do you have? You equipment must be in sound mechanical condition and have a good general appearance. You must have a current state inspection sticker and your tractor must pass a DOT compliance inspection at one of our terminals. This inspection will be done each quarter to insure compliance. Tractor requirements: Wheelbase: 280” maximum, weight: 18,200 lbs. Empty off of the assembly line, 5th wheel height: 48” maximum, age: no age restriction providing it passes DOT inspection. What are your requirements? You must be at least 23 years old, have two years of verifiable over-the-road or regional experience, and have an acceptable driving record. You must also pass a drug test. Click here for a complete list of requirements.