Driver Inc – The Epitome of Evil

Driver Inc. The epitome of evil? A scourge on the trucking industry? Or, is this the new way in the gig economy, the future of trucking employment.

Driver Inc. is a label that describes a tax-avoidance scheme in which truck drivers are treated as independent corporations rather than employees - even though they function as employee drivers. Instead of being paid wages with source deductions such as income tax, CPP, and EI, the driver is paid as a corporation. No payroll deductions are withheld by the carrier.

Carriers avoid paying employer portions of CPP and EI, workers' compensation premiums, vacation pay, and other statutory benefits. Drivers receive higher gross pay because no deductions are taken at source. It also offers an opportunity to defer or reduce taxes.

It's becoming alarmingly popular. Recent data from government and other independent agencies suggest almost 65% of carriers in the province are now using the Driver Inc. model. Should you be too? This week's guest, Rick Morgan of Links Consulting has few words of caution for any driver considering this alternative.

Be sure you stay right to end. We'll show you what happens to your lifetime earning potential under this pay scheme. Here's a hint. Four Hundred Thousand dollars.

Thanks Howes Products, makers of Diesel Defender - a diesel fuel lubricator and injector cleaner with advanced IDX four detergent.

The Red Seal in the Hot Seat

Over the past couple of months there have been any number of questions being raised about the feasibility of a Red Seal certifications for truck drivers. We know that many truck driver schools are supportive, but I know of a few that question the probability that such a project will ever happen. Many have other questions about how such a high-minded project will solve the problem of the quickie schools, and what are we going to do about governance and enforcement of current laws? One thing we can agree on is that something needs to be done to raise the bar for graduated truck drivers to make our road safe again.

We have questions for the guy who leading the Red Seal camapain, the chairman of the Professiona Truck Training Association of Canada, Don MacDonald. You might say that Jim Park and I are putting him in the hot seat. Jim Park is both a truck driver and journalist and former broadcaster. I'm and outsider looking for the past 20 years. I have a vested interest to ensure that my kids and may grandkids and my wife and family can feel safe on the highway. Right now they don't. We expect better of the trucking industry.

Thanks to Thanks to Howes Products, makers of Diesel Defender, a diesel Fuel Lubricator & Injector cleaner with advanced IDX4 Detergent.

Driver Inc -The Transformation

Driver Inc…a phrase that sends chills through the hearts of legacy fleet carrier owners everywhere. But…come on, is the Driver Inc way of doing business really that bad? Could there be such a thing as Driver Inc Lite? However, I'm sure that anything other than the rules and the long-held traditions of legacy carriers is unacceptable. But not so fast. There are new kids on the block, and they are getting noticed, and even, praised by the Truckload Carriers Association.

This week, on the TNT podcast, I talk to a lady who I view as somewhat of a magician, performing a transformation in company considered by some to follow the evil Driver Inc model. She came out of retirement to work for them. Her name is Lisa Arseneau. Listen to her story. Thanks to Howes Products, makers of Diesel Defender, a diesel Fuel Lubricator & Injector cleaner with advanced IDX4 Detergent.