A truck driver’s account sheds light on potential challenges at Riverside Transport Inc (RTI), particularly concerning truck leasing and payment structures. This review, based on firsthand experience, aims to provide valuable insights for those considering employment or lease agreements with Riverside Transport Inc.
The driver recounts an initial promise of “10 weeks free” payment if the desired truck wasn’t available, or a $2,000 sign-on bonus if it was. Despite the appeal, the driver was assigned a 2012 Peterbilt 587 and granted the “10 weeks free” period. However, this initial benefit was short-lived. A sudden dispatch notification instructed the driver to swap the Peterbilt for a 2015 ProStar upon returning to Owensboro. While the ProStar, equipped with a Cummins engine, was acceptable, the concerning aspect was the immediate demand for truck payments, effectively cutting short the promised “10 weeks free” period after only one month of employment at Riverside Transport Inc.
Financial viability became a significant concern for the driver at Riverside Transport Inc. Expressing concerns to the operations manager about insufficient mileage to achieve a reasonable income exceeding $500 weekly, the driver initially received two consecutive loads of 733 miles each. This brief period of improved mileage was followed by a return to short-haul loads of 112, 212, and 333 miles. Compounding the issue, the driver noted that a significant portion, approximately 95%, of Riverside Transport Inc’s loads originated from or were destined for Ragu, located directly across from their Owensboro terminal. The operations manager reportedly acknowledged limited freight availability. Faced with a $553 weekly truck payment and a net income averaging around $500 per week, the driver voiced concerns about financial sustainability under Riverside Transport Inc’s lease terms.
Further exacerbating the financial strain were substantial deductions from gross pay. One paycheck, despite a gross amount of $2,663, yielded a net pay of only $514 after deductions. This experience led the driver to conclude that employees were essentially “paying to work for them” at Riverside Transport Inc, highlighting concerns about transparency and fairness in their payment structure. Fortunately, the driver had not signed a lease agreement, averting potentially more severe financial repercussions. Based on this experience, the driver strongly advises caution and recommends staying away from Riverside Transport Inc, particularly concerning their lease purchase program and payment practices.
In conclusion, this account raises critical questions about Riverside Transport Inc’s truck lease program, payment consistency, and deduction practices. Potential drivers and owner-operators are advised to thoroughly investigate and carefully consider these factors before engaging with Riverside Transport Inc.
