I started driving with JCT in 2011 and it's been a profitable, fun, and frustrating experience! I left a company driver position after 3 1/2 years making a whole $.34/mile. And that is, I think, the perfect demographic for a potential lease/purchase driver: someone with a couple of years of experience looking to make a move up in their driving career. I wasn't sure that I wanted to become an owner-operator, but I wanted to get some experience with little or no risk. Some people have said that l/p drivers are "glorified company drivers". . . like that's a bad thing! This blog will explore the advantages of leasing versus owning.

 When I decided to take a few months off last year to explore the local job market (Las Vegas, home of the $13/hr job pulling doubles and hazmat) I terminated my lease and turned in my truck. . . Just like a company driver. No credit ding, no hassles. After a few weeks, JCT deposited the balance of my maintenance account, about $4,000, into my bank. The only charges were for an oil change and a detail job. They treated me fair on the job AND after I gave notice, so when I decided to go back OTR, they were an easy choice.

So everything's all hunky-dory, right? Well, no! There is no perfect company. For instance, I was very critical of JCT's lease when I first saw it. They were charging what I thought was an exorbitant interest rate. That's the deal with these "no credit check" companies, everyone pays the same high rate. Since then they have dropped the interest rate to 10% and offer a lease with a mileage plan. My lease on a 2012 Cascadia is $120/week plus $.18/mile. On a 3000 mile week that's $660 - about what I was paying before but with much more going to the principal. At the end of the lease, I have the option of purchasing the truck. . .for a dollar!