Kenny Smay whom is a fleet owner leased with Panther, has refused to pay my fiance and I the money that we are owed. He claims that we owe him for numerous deductions that he cannot provide us with documentation of, nor dollar amounts. At first he seems to be a stand up gentlemen and I will admit he was not bad while we were driving. My fiance got pregnant and she needed to quit driving. I read over the contract and was very careful not to violate it in any way. We gave him one weeks notice and delivered the truck to the specified location of his wish. When payday rolled around he would not answer his phone nor would he return phone calls. After attempting to get ahold of him for a few days he finally answered and told us that all $2,000 dollars that he owed us were eaten up by deductions. When I asked him the nature of the deductions he replied and when I was able to disprove to him that we owed him the money he got very disgruntled and started questioning my integrity and honesty. He claims that we owed for occupational insurance for 4 months which i explained that we only worked for 3 months and that the insurance was paid every week and I was able to verify that through Panther. He then claimed that we owed for having the truck cleaned out and I agreed but stated that it doesn't cost $2,000 to clean a truck out. I believe the industry standard is $75. He then claimed we owed him for the bus tickets he bought to get us to the truck I then reminded him of his statement that " since yall are a team I will profit more so don't worry about paying me back for the greyhound tickets". At that point he got furious started swearing and I ended the conversation on the note that we would be filing against him. He then laughed the most contemptuous laugh i have ever heard then hung up. This is the fourth fleet owner that has done this to me. If you do not own a truck do not get into expediting. It is a horribly cut-throat and dishonest business. Of course there are honest owners out there I would however save yourself the trouble and go work for a reputable general frieght company. Please take my advice I do not complain about much of anything I am just at my wits end. I know expediting sounds like a great deal and it may be that you find that one owner that does you right, but that one fleet owner is a statistical anomoly. Please think about it thoroughly before you jump into a business like expediting it may save your wallet, house, car, and potential marriage. If you have been messed over pursue it please don't let them get away with it they will only continue to do it. I am doing all I can to learn more about what I can do and when I find out I will post it. Thank you for your time and ears.
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