Questions About Prime - Lease Vs Company Drivers

Thanks Robert, that's the kind of info I'm looking for. I'm a little surprised at your assessment of 30% drop and load...someone else on here seemed to think it was higher, and it was 90% no touch. I had figured on the wait times from all the blogs and threads I've been reading, but wanted to hear the thoughts of a current Prime driver.

As far as pics, I'm just trying to get a 'feel' for how much room there is. I see Daniels post about slim to none, though I like hearing it has a tall roof. At least I won't feel claustrophobic if I can stretch my arms up and not touch the roof.

Do you have a passenger seat? or did you have it pulled? Fridge and APU unit? How big is the bed? Also, how much 'work' do you do? By that I mean washing, sweeping out the trailer, washing the cab etc. What does Prime expect from its drivers?

You are a wealth of information, and I thank you for your input... Daniel too, and all the others (don't want to leave anybody out )

Thanks again

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

I suppose other Prime drivers may have different “drop & hook” numbers, but that is my best estimate, per my experience. Our freight definitely is mostly “no touch”. The one time I’ve ever helped unload was when I did a flower load out of Miami.

I had them remove my passenger seat so I could put in my fridge. Yes, I have an APU. All trucks (as far as I know) have a twin size mattress. You supply your own sheets, etc.

I’m racking my brain trying to remember when I had to really exert myself physically. Can’t come up with anything. We do occasionally sweep out trailers, but I don’t very often. We don’t wash our own trucks; we take it to someplace like Flying Beacon, where Prime has an account. No money out of our pockets. So there is no strenuous physical activity. Heck, when you see some of the obese drivers out here (who can barely walk), you’ll know we don’t have to do much.

My biggest challenge is changing schedules. That is, going from day to night & back & forth. Some people handle it just fine, but it is hard for me to sleep all night & find out I have a night drive load coming up, having to try to sleep more during the day to prepare. I’m not a night person. Some drivers do prefer to drive at night. That’s not a Prime thing. It’s an OTR trucking thing.

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

I’m racking my brain trying to remember when I had to really exert myself physically. Can’t come up with anything. We do occasionally sweep out trailers, but I don’t very often. We don’t wash our own trucks; we take it to someplace like Flying Beacon, where Prime has an account. No money out of our pockets. So there is no strenuous physical activity. Heck, when you see some of the obese drivers out here (who can barely walk), you’ll know we don’t have to do much.

What types of out of pocket expenses do you have to deal with?

I know you pay for your own meals and what not.

Do you have a ... what is it ... pilot card or whatever that allows you free drinks, snacks and showers?

I understand that we are supposed to be charged by the company for tire chains, but they never did take any money out of my paychecks (ssshhhh.... they might be reading this). You will need tire chains & if they do charge you for them, it's several hundred dollars. You'll need load locks, however you can probably find enough lying around during training that you'll not have to buy any. Just strap them to your trainer's truck until you're out on your own. You'll need a padlock, which is about $40. It's a good one that the company sells. That one is money well spent.

Yep, I have a card for pretty much every truck stop out there. You'll need it for free showers.

RTL

Kewl, Thats kind of what I was expecting. I did read that after graduation you have to buy the locks and a kit, which they say is like $150. It's nice to know I can pick those up during training.

Hey, I want to thank everybody for your help, I was finally able to get ahold of my recruiter, and I am slated to begin Primes company sponsored CDL training Tuesday Sept 3rd.

As I have already finished The High Road CDL Training Program, I will go and take my written on Friday. Woo Hoo. Wish me luck.

As have many others before me, and many others after, I will continue checking in to record my progress and thoughts throughout the classes, training, driving, and when I turn out.

I haven't said it enough, so I will say it again, Brett, This is an AWESOME program, and I thank you, and ALL the moderators that have have taken time out of their day to answer my questions and concerns.

thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou

Does anybody know anything about the 1 man tractors Prime offers? The web page says that Prime pays more if you drive this tractor, that it only has a drivers seat (no passenger) and that the bunk space is smaller.

Any pics of the the two tractors side by side? Are they so small they are claustrophobic (lol) do they have an APU?

just curious, as I am considering Prime, and may not mind doing the smaller rig.

Are they more prone to break downs? Are they governed lower? Are they more prone to being affected by the heavy trailer?

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks

I'm pretty sure you're talking about a lightweight truck that only Prime offers. It comes with a passenger seat, but 90% of the drivers take it out for the extra space. So it's technically not just a 1-seat truck.

The short description of them is they basically weigh a lot less than your traditional truck. The bunk is smaller, it doesn't come with any cabinets or storage closets. It's just the front driving area and a bed. They are made with lighter materials. The thing is, these can haul up to 49k of freight, meanwhile I can only haul up to 44k of freight. That's a huge difference to the customer.

They are not more prone to breakdowns, in fact, every single one they have is brand new. They are governed at 57mph.

And they are not more prone to be affected by a heavy trailer. I'm not really sure what you mean by that too be honest. Basically, they can haul *more* weight than the traditional full sized truck.

For pictures just google "Freightliner Cascadia Lightweight Truck" and then google "Freightliner Cascadia Fullsize Truck". You'll immediately notice the difference. The average pay for a rookie is roughly .28cpm, on a lightweight truck the pay is .41cpm. Huge difference financially.... If you can deal with the extremely limited space.

Hey, I drive for Prime and a Freightliner Cascadia Lightweight Truck.. This was offered to me when I finished my over road training.. The company gave me 5 cents more if I was to take it. And I did and let me tell you it better than 26 cent a mile. Plus, we was just given a 1 cent more from the company for having a great year "2012". Yes, the truck is built for one person but you can always have a guest with you for a month. You just have know how to work in a small truck..

GOOD LUCK

CPM:

Cents Per Mile

Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

Does anybody know anything about the 1 man tractors Prime offers? The web page says that Prime pays more if you drive this tractor, that it only has a drivers seat (no passenger) and that the bunk space is smaller.

Any pics of the the two tractors side by side? Are they so small they are claustrophobic (lol) do they have an APU?

just curious, as I am considering Prime, and may not mind doing the smaller rig.

Are they more prone to break downs? Are they governed lower? Are they more prone to being affected by the heavy trailer?

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks

I'm pretty sure you're talking about a lightweight truck that only Prime offers. It comes with a passenger seat, but 90% of the drivers take it out for the extra space. So it's technically not just a 1-seat truck.

The short description of them is they basically weigh a lot less than your traditional truck. The bunk is smaller, it doesn't come with any cabinets or storage closets. It's just the front driving area and a bed. They are made with lighter materials. The thing is, these can haul up to 49k of freight, meanwhile I can only haul up to 44k of freight. That's a huge difference to the customer.

They are not more prone to breakdowns, in fact, every single one they have is brand new. They are governed at 57mph.

And they are not more prone to be affected by a heavy trailer. I'm not really sure what you mean by that too be honest. Basically, they can haul *more* weight than the traditional full sized truck.

For pictures just google "Freightliner Cascadia Lightweight Truck" and then google "Freightliner Cascadia Fullsize Truck". You'll immediately notice the difference. The average pay for a rookie is roughly .28cpm, on a lightweight truck the pay is .41cpm. Huge difference financially.... If you can deal with the extremely limited space.

Hey, I have driven a light weight truck for a year in the refer division. I was paid .35 ct a mile right off the back when I was done with the tnt program. I was given lots of miles and had to deal with lots of pain in the rear location and people. But hey that is part of the job, now I am in the tanker division of Prime getting paid .44 ct a mile. My truck was governed at 59mph with out the cruse control...with cruse control up to 62mph. But the only bad thing about it is that the rpms are also governed so when you hit a hill. You will lose all of your speed and you will have to down shift to 9th or even down to 7th gear... Wish you the best in Prime..

CPM:

Cents Per Mile

Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.

TNT:

Trainer-N-Trainee

Prime Inc has their own CDL training program and it's divided into two phases - PSD and TNT.

The PSD (Prime Student Driver) phase is where you'll get your permit and then go on the road for 10,000 miles with a trainer. When you come back you'll get your CDL license and enter the TNT phase.

The TNT phase is the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with an experienced driver for 30,000 miles of team driving. You'll receive 14¢ per mile ($700 per week guaranteed) during this phase. Once you're finished with TNT training you will be assigned a truck to run solo.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

Thanks. Been a solo driver now for about 8 months and yes I took the lightweight. Just drove hard the first few months before working on my mpgs and fuel bonus. I hit 8+ mpgs within a few weeks and have hit 8+ every week since. Well until this past week. I hit 9.2. Woohoo!! Aiming for 10 now. Hahaha

I don't know if replying to this topic is against TruckingTruth's policy or not, however I feel I need to throw in my 2 cents here. Brett, if this is against policy, please delete this reply to this post, if not then drivers need to know about my experience.

Of course I always encourage everyone to stay far away from leasing or owning a truck anytime - not just the first year. It's a terrible business to be in.

I am LIVING PROOF of this. Right after I was done the first time when I got my CDL , I worked for USA Truck and then went over to Trans AM because they had KWs and autoshift trucks. I was IN LOVE with their equipment. As a COMPANY DRIVER at that time, they would have put me in a KW T660. I saw the KW T700 at at that time they were my favorite trucks on the road. During Orientation and also after they went over stuff after I got off my coach's truck, they really push the lease on you. The truck I ended up getting was a Bermuda Blue KW T700. OMG THAT TRUCK WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! I LOVED that truck. They had an option where you could lease for 6 months to try it out before signing a 5 yr on a brand new KW. By the time I would have completed it they would have had the T680s for the lease drivers. I knew then I wanted one. I was a immature rookie that let his dream get the best of him. I couldn't make a DIME the whole time I was at Trans AM on the lease side. I got out of there when I could and NEVER looked back. I then went to Stevens to train again on a Standard and the rest was history.

Anyway, let my experience be a lesson to you all. This is WHY we keep y'all away from Leasing. I LEARNED THIS THE HARD WAY. I ALMOST WRECKED MYSELF FINANCIALLY. Lucky for me I had my rent paid up at that time ahead 3 mos. So I was ok when I got to work with Stevens.

If yall are interested in being a Lease Operator or Owner Operator , it is our policy to send you to OOIDA.com and let you research it there.

I just finished training with Prime. I have been solo for 10 days or so now. I never once was even asked to consider leasing. They asked me what I wanted and that was it.

In the beginning I think this is the same fir lease or company your miles will be lower than you expect. Yes there are outliers like with everything. My first week I got 2100 miles my second week I'll be around 2500 miles. There is a relationship with your FM you need to build up to. When he trust you can get it done and your his guy then the miles come in. I've been told this not seen it yet. Trying to make my impression now. This is also reefer division. Might be different in other divisions.

Bottom line you can go company, and you will make good money doing company. You just have to put in lots of work to show you can handle it.