Greatwide Logistics Services – a Dallas-based provider of non-asset-based transportation and third party logistics – has launched Greatstart, the company’s first-time buyer program to help employee drivers become owner-operators.

The Greatstart program provides an opportunity for owner-operator candidates, typically company drivers with limited or damaged credit capacity, but otherwise offer a solid history of performance. Greatstart eligibility will be determined largely by a driver’s safety record, work history and general attitude. In this new program, credit history will be less of an obstacle compared to the requirements of established commercial lenders. Program officials can answer specific questions about potential factors for exclusion.
“Greatstart is a powerful new program that enables us to ‘grow our own’ highly qualified candidates to help meet the rapidly growing needs for professional owner-operators in the trucking industry,” said Ray Greer, president and CEO of Greatwide Logistics Services. “The fundamental difference between Greatstart and other look-alike programs is that we don’t use it as a profit center. The whole focus is to bring more owner-operators into the profession and to help them be successful.”
Unlike equipment leasing services offered by other trucking companies, the Greatstart program does not generate lease or equipment sale revenue for Greatwide. Instead, the focus is on creating loyal owner-operators at a low cost to help combat the historic and on-going industry shortage.
Under the unique structure of the Greatstart program, the owner-operator acquires equity in the truck during the course of the lease period. By paying off or financing the balance of the note at the end of the Greatstart term, the driver becomes a full-fledged owner. Alternatively, the driver can choose to exit the program at the end of the Greatstart term with no further obligation. In order to maintain a Greatstart lease, drivers must either continue to be a Greatwide owner-operator or be able to meet the usual credit qualification criteria.
In addition to the provision of an attractive financing model, the size and scope of Greatwide enables the Greatstart program to provide higher quality tractor-trailer units as a result of the company’s relationship with various equipment suppliers.
More information on Greatstart can be obtained by calling (800) 687-2055, or by visiting www.greatwide.com.