Worker's comp?

Feb 08, 2016 at 06:38 PM CST - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. So I am out for over a month due to a back injury and I was looking into adding a part time driver to keep the truck from being parked. I called insurance and they said I will have to add worker's comp to my packet. They quoted me $10 per $100 of pay so basically 10% of what I am projected to pay them. Anybody know of anything cheaper than this or if there is another way to add a part time driver? Driver would have 10+ years of accident free driving and no tickets on his cdl. We haven't had to have worker's comp as the only drivers for the company are owners of the company.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 06:56 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. There's no way around workmans comp you have to have it if you have employees. Local small branches are usually better than going through the major corps but WC isn't cheap $10/100 is a lot cheaper than what I was quoted. Annual payroll for our partners is 36k/yr and I was quoted I believe 1200/month. for that price I'll let the truck sit with no income coming in the extra 12k+/year isn't worth

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 06:56 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

There's no way around workmans comp you have to have it if you have employees. Local small branches are usually better than going through the major corps but WC isn't cheap $10/100 is a lot cheaper than what I was quoted. Annual payroll for our partners is 36k/yr and I was quoted I believe 1200/month. for that price I'll let the truck sit with no income coming in the extra 12k+/year isn't worth

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 07:10 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. That is what I figured too Jason. Especially at these rates. Truck is paid for so that helps. Insurance lady said it would be a minimum 10%. It is closer to 20% if you haul livestock which we do once in a while but told them we wouldn't have a hired driver haul livestock and stuff but didn't matter anyways because I won't pay that much for a part time driver. I didn't know if there was a way around workers comp if the driver only worked a day or two a week or if he made less than so many dollars if they would be exempt from workers comp. Only thing they would do is take care of some local customers while my other truck was covering my long distance stuff.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 07:10 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

That is what I figured too Jason. Especially at these rates. Truck is paid for so that helps. Insurance lady said it would be a minimum 10%. It is closer to 20% if you haul livestock which we do once in a while but told them we wouldn't have a hired driver haul livestock and stuff but didn't matter anyways because I won't pay that much for a part time driver. I didn't know if there was a way around workers comp if the driver only worked a day or two a week or if he made less than so many dollars if they would be exempt from workers comp. Only thing they would do is take care of some local customers while my other truck was covering my long distance stuff.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 08:44 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. The ONLY way around it to my knowledge in nebraska is to 1099 you're hired hand for the month he's with you. Something like that if you're paying him $800/wk or so (none of my business just using an example) he won't have much to worry about when it comes to taxes and should have enough withholding with his other jobs etc to cover what he made with you. That will be one of the only ways to get around workers comp. I understand you're frustrations with it, I've been frustrated with it as well. I know you're pain as well with an injury. I fell out of my tractor in july up in osmond tore my MCL partially I was down for 4 weeks with that I wasn't making much at that time anyway as I was hauling cement so it didn't hurt at the time to not be in my truck. But I also had my gallbladder taken out the day before thanksgiving I was supposed to be off 4-6 weeks and was back in the truck a week later couldn't afford the time off espically at that tie of the year because the rates were still decent, and we still had a decent amount of loads to move plus my box freight in the winter started to pick up. I completely understand and insurance companies don't get it, I'm also having a hard time figuring out why they would charge more because somebody hauled cattle. I'm sorry I pulled cows for 2 years, still consider going back to it at times but the rates aren't any better in livestock from what I've heard lately, but I never had much problem if you know what you're doing it's no more dangerous than any other line of work when it comes to driving a truck. Back to the subject at hand though from what I understand the only way around workmans comp is to 1099 the hired hand at which point he's an independent contractor so he doesn't fall under an employee bieng on your payroll. It's a tough situations I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do, I also wish you the best on the surgery and the recovery hope everything goes well and you can hop back in your tractor soon. Hopefully the rates will come back up by then

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 08:44 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

The ONLY way around it to my knowledge in nebraska is to 1099 you're hired hand for the month he's with you. Something like that if you're paying him $800/wk or so (none of my business just using an example) he won't have much to worry about when it comes to taxes and should have enough withholding with his other jobs etc to cover what he made with you. That will be one of the only ways to get around workers comp. I understand you're frustrations with it, I've been frustrated with it as well. I know you're pain as well with an injury. I fell out of my tractor in july up in osmond tore my MCL partially I was down for 4 weeks with that I wasn't making much at that time anyway as I was hauling cement so it didn't hurt at the time to not be in my truck. But I also had my gallbladder taken out the day before thanksgiving I was supposed to be off 4-6 weeks and was back in the truck a week later couldn't afford the time off espically at that tie of the year because the rates were still decent, and we still had a decent amount of loads to move plus my box freight in the winter started to pick up.

I completely understand and insurance companies don't get it, I'm also having a hard time figuring out why they would charge more because somebody hauled cattle. I'm sorry I pulled cows for 2 years, still consider going back to it at times but the rates aren't any better in livestock from what I've heard lately, but I never had much problem if you know what you're doing it's no more dangerous than any other line of work when it comes to driving a truck.

Back to the subject at hand though from what I understand the only way around workmans comp is to 1099 the hired hand at which point he's an independent contractor so he doesn't fall under an employee bieng on your payroll. It's a tough situations I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do, I also wish you the best on the surgery and the recovery hope everything goes well and you can hop back in your tractor soon. Hopefully the rates will come back up by then

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 08:54 PM CST - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Depends on state some let you have so many employes before you need it. Or if you can get away with 1099 him. Mine is 25%

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:02 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Thanks Jason, I have already been out of the truck for 3 weeks now. Before I was on medication I was getting sharp pains down my left leg and it was unbearable to sit. Have good health insurance but with obamacare now with back surgeries everything has to be done in a process before they do surgery. Exrays and then so much physical therapy before they will let you do an MRI and then getting evaluated by a specialist which usually takes a while to get in to see and then they have to give the insurance company their opinion and then getting approval from insurance. I saw the specialist Thursday in Omaha and she wants to get me in right away because I have a nerve pinched and it could cause permanent disability in my left leg if it is pinched too long and is permanently damaged. Right now when I walk my left foot makes a flopping sound because the pinched nerve makes it so I can't hold the foot up when my heel hits the ground. They have me scheduled for Wednesday morning for surgery even though I haven't go official approval from insurance. Not supposed to drive anything with the meds I am on so it has been a rough few weeks only leaving to see doctors. I think I will leave the truck sit just because it looks like too much of a hassle. Been thinking of trading it off anyways maybe I will spend my time getting better looking for something else. Thanks for your input.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:02 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Thanks Jason,

I have already been out of the truck for 3 weeks now. Before I was on medication I was getting sharp pains down my left leg and it was unbearable to sit. Have good health insurance but with obamacare now with back surgeries everything has to be done in a process before they do surgery. Exrays and then so much physical therapy before they will let you do an MRI and then getting evaluated by a specialist which usually takes a while to get in to see and then they have to give the insurance company their opinion and then getting approval from insurance. I saw the specialist Thursday in Omaha and she wants to get me in right away because I have a nerve pinched and it could cause permanent disability in my left leg if it is pinched too long and is permanently damaged. Right now when I walk my left foot makes a flopping sound because the pinched nerve makes it so I can't hold the foot up when my heel hits the ground. They have me scheduled for Wednesday morning for surgery even though I haven't go official approval from insurance. Not supposed to drive anything with the meds I am on so it has been a rough few weeks only leaving to see doctors. I think I will leave the truck sit just because it looks like too much of a hassle. Been thinking of trading it off anyways maybe I will spend my time getting better looking for something else. Thanks for your input.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:06 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Depends on state some let you have so many employes before you need it. Or if you can get away with 1099 him. Mine is 25% " Dang 25%? Nothing here pays good enough to keep a driver on for that. I feel for you and wish you the best of luck.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:27 PM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Dang 25%? Nothing here pays good enough to keep a driver on for that. I feel for you and wish you the best of luck. " Three drivers, have been operating with out it so I guess I have to pay now or latter. Had to go through the state pool nobody else would do it. After a year I can shop around. Trying to get some bigger and better customers that required it. Hope you get back to work soon.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:27 PM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Dang 25%? Nothing here pays good enough to keep a driver on for that. I feel for you and wish you the best of luck. "

Three drivers, have been operating with out it so I guess I have to pay now or latter. Had to go through the state pool nobody else would do it. After a year I can shop around. Trying to get some bigger and better customers that required it. Hope you get back to work soon.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:38 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Thanks Daniel. I hope it is only 6 weeks. She told me 6-12 weeks I could be out. Depends how good I behave. Luckily we just got 18 inches of snow so my dry fertilizer hauling is on hold for a while since they can't spread so that will help. Good luck down there.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:39 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Jason, you are wrong with a 1099. That is illegal, the ONLY way to get around WC, is if the person as at least 10% ownership in a Corp. No 1099. FYI.Thx

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:45 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Jason, you are wrong with a 1099. That is illegal, the ONLY way to get around WC, is if the person as at least 10% ownership in a Corp. No 1099. FYI.Thx" Dave I just had an idea. What if my wife drives even though she technically doesn't own any bit of the company. It is in an L.L.C. She isn't a driver for us and has never driven our apportioned trucks but does have atleast two years driving experience with clean record. Would I still need worker's comp since she is a member of the family or would I have to make her part owner?

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:45 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Jason, you are wrong with a 1099. That is illegal, the ONLY way to get around WC, is if the person as at least 10% ownership in a Corp. No 1099. FYI.Thx"

Dave I just had an idea. What if my wife drives even though she technically doesn't own any bit of the company. It is in an L.L.C. She isn't a driver for us and has never driven our apportioned trucks but does have atleast two years driving experience with clean record. Would I still need worker's comp since she is a member of the family or would I have to make her part owner?

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:50 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Hi Jason...according to what my atty, said, as long as you make them an owner, then you do not need WC. I think it was at least a ten percent ownership...that's what I did with our son, because he also drives. So we bought a occupational accident policy, in case of injury. It's almost as good as WC, but it will run out in a few years on an injury, where WC will pay forever...hope this helps. Please check with your atty though. Even if I did stay at a Holiday Inn....lol

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:50 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Hi Jason...according to what my atty, said, as long as you make them an owner, then you do not need WC. I think it was at least a ten percent ownership...that's what I did with our son, because he also drives. So we bought a occupational accident policy, in case of injury. It's almost as good as WC, but it will run out in a few years on an injury, where WC will pay forever...hope this helps. Please check with your atty though. Even if I did stay at a Holiday Inn....lol

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:55 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Hi Jason...according to what my atty, said, as long as you make them an owner, then you do not need WC. I think it was at least a ten percent ownership...that's what I did with our son, because he also drives. So we bought a occupational accident policy, in case of injury. It's almost as good as WC, but it will run out in a few years on an injury, where WC will pay forever...hope this helps. Please check with your atty though. Even if I did stay at a Holiday Inn....lol" I knew about the ownership thing. Not sure if I am ready to give her some of my ownership yet but have thought about going that way. Lawyer is so busy doing taxes right now it is hard to get in to see him to ask him about that and what percentages they need to have. He is also busy doing a couple of audits for a couple of farmers in the area and I bet that is not fun.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:55 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Hi Jason...according to what my atty, said, as long as you make them an owner, then you do not need WC. I think it was at least a ten percent ownership...that's what I did with our son, because he also drives. So we bought a occupational accident policy, in case of injury. It's almost as good as WC, but it will run out in a few years on an injury, where WC will pay forever...hope this helps. Please check with your atty though. Even if I did stay at a Holiday Inn....lol"

I knew about the ownership thing. Not sure if I am ready to give her some of my ownership yet but have thought about going that way. Lawyer is so busy doing taxes right now it is hard to get in to see him to ask him about that and what percentages they need to have. He is also busy doing a couple of audits for a couple of farmers in the area and I bet that is not fun.

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:58 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Gotta love tax season. I've been reading about the Fair Tax Plan. That's a great way in my opinion. You can loom it up on Facebook via Fairtax. Thx...

Replied on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 09:58 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Gotta love tax season. I've been reading about the Fair Tax Plan. That's a great way in my opinion. You can loom it up on Facebook via Fairtax. Thx...

Replied on Tue, Feb 09, 2016 at 09:01 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Try pricing workman's comp in NJ its out of control what they charge.

Replied on Tue, Feb 09, 2016 at 09:34 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Try pricing workman's comp in NJ its out of control what they charge." La is bad also $9000.00 for one driver

Replied on Tue, Feb 09, 2016 at 10:28 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Jason, you are wrong with a 1099. That is illegal, the ONLY way to get around WC, is if the person as at least 10% ownership in a Corp. No 1099. FYI.Thx" Dave Thank you for that information. I didn't realize you weren't allowed to 1099 a guy anymore to get around WC. I'm not going to share names on the forum but I know of a couple people around my area who may need to rethink some things I'd imagine getting caught without WC isn't a cheap fine.

Replied on Tue, Feb 09, 2016 at 10:28 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Jason, you are wrong with a 1099. That is illegal, the ONLY way to get around WC, is if the person as at least 10% ownership in a Corp. No 1099. FYI.Thx"

Dave Thank you for that information. I didn't realize you weren't allowed to 1099 a guy anymore to get around WC. I'm not going to share names on the forum but I know of a couple people around my area who may need to rethink some things I'd imagine getting caught without WC isn't a cheap fine.

Replied on Wed, Feb 10, 2016 at 06:58 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. there are a few states thar are actually exzempt from WC if you 1099 them , texas being one of those states

Replied on Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 12:10 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Gotta love tax season. I've been reading about the Fair Tax Plan. That's a great way in my opinion. You can loom it up on Facebook via Fairtax. Thx..." Is fair tax the same thing as consumption tax? If i am not mistaken Huckabee was trying to push for consumption tax but he is out of the race for now. Basically you would only be taxed on new stuff that you purchase. Food and clothing would in most cases be exempt.

Replied on Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 12:10 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Gotta love tax season. I've been reading about the Fair Tax Plan. That's a great way in my opinion. You can loom it up on Facebook via Fairtax. Thx..."

Is fair tax the same thing as consumption tax? If i am not mistaken Huckabee was trying to push for consumption tax but he is out of the race for now. Basically you would only be taxed on new stuff that you purchase. Food and clothing would in most cases be exempt.