Ikarus Scheme

Stay updated with the latest in trucking world.

Social

Scoring rules

OFFER DECODER SCORECARD

The “Ikarus Viability Index” (IVI) v2.4

Usage Instructions: Apply this rubric to any recruiting offer or contract. Start with a baseline score of 50. Add or subtract points based on the “Green Flag” and “Red Flag” criteria below. A score below 40 is considered “Predatory.” A score above 75 is “Viable.”

CATEGORY A: FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY

WEIGHT: 40%

Solvency requires knowing exactly where every cent goes. If a carrier hides the raw rate (what the customer pays) or obscures the fuel surcharge (FSC), they are likely skimming off the top of your revenue.

Green Flags (Add Points)

  • Original Rate Con Transparency: Carrier forwards the actual broker/shipper rate confirmation on every load. +15
  • 100% FSC Pass-Through: Fuel surcharge is paid entirely to the truck paying for the fuel, clearly separated from the linehaul rate. +10
  • Fixed Rate Deductions: Insurance and trailer rental fees are fixed amounts, not percentages of revenue. +5

Red Flags (Subtract Points)

  • Percentage-Based Admin Fees: Carrier takes a % of gross for “trailer rental” or “insurance” rather than a flat fee. -10
  • “All-In” Rate: FSC is blended into the mileage rate, making it impossible to audit if you are receiving the full fuel subsidy. -15
  • Escrow Opacity: Contract does not specify the bank account location or interest accrual for maintenance escrow. -20

CATEGORY B: ASSET & LEASE STRUCTURE

WEIGHT: 35%

For Lease-Purchase operators, this is the kill zone. Carriers often structure leases so you build zero equity while covering all maintenance liability.

Green Flags (Add Points)

  • Walk-Away Lease: Ability to return the truck with 14-day notice and no financial penalty (assuming normal wear). +20
  • Portable Maintenance Account: Maintenance escrow travels with the driver if they leave the carrier. +25

Red Flags (Subtract Points)

  • Balloon Payment > Market Value: End-of-term balloon payment exceeds the projected residual value of the truck. -30
  • No Outside Maintenance: Contract forces you to use the carrier’s shop for all repairs (conflict of interest: they profit from your breakdown). -25

TACTICAL: THE NEGOTIATION SCRIPT

Recruiters are trained to deflect. Use these specific phrases to cut through the noise.

When they mention “Average Earnings”:

“I understand the fleet average. I need to see the settlement sheets for the median driver in the lowest 25th percentile for the last quarter. I need to know the ‘survival’ number, not the ‘thriving’ number.”

When discussing Maintenance Escrow:

“If I terminate the lease early, does the balance of my maintenance account return to me via check within 45 days, or is it forfeited to the carrier? Show me that specific clause in the contract.”

When discussing Dispatch:

“Is this a forced dispatch system? If I refuse a load because it is net-negative after fuel, what is the specific penalty? Is it a queue reset or a lease violation?”

Research Memo: The “Balloon” Trap

Context: Many carriers set lease terms for 3-4 years with a massive final payment (balloon).

The Math: They calculate the balloon to be slightly higher than the truck’s value. Why? So you cannot afford to pay it, and you cannot refinance it (banks won’t finance negative equity).

The Result: You are forced to “upgrade” to a new lease with the same carrier, rolling your equity (or lack thereof) into a new cycle. It is indentured servitude via amortization schedule.

Analysis: The 1099 “Control” Myth

Carriers sell “Be your own boss” (1099 status) while maintaining “Employee control” (W2 reality).

If you cannot:

  • Take your truck to another carrier
  • Refuse loads without penalty
  • Negotiate your own rates

Then you are not a business owner. You are an employee with tax liability and no benefits. We penalize this structure heavily in the rubric.

Need a Second Set of Eyes?

We are building an AI tool to scan PDF contracts for these keywords automatically.

Join the Beta List