Prime New Driver Pay

Hi All,

Been reading the very many helpful contributions to this site. I'm currently considering company paid CDL training and getting conflicting information from the recruiter re: Prime pay for new drivers. According to the Prime website, the amount is 44cpm for new reefer drivers, but the recruiter says that I will be earning 49cpm as a new driver once i get my CDL and finish my 2 months driving with the trainer. At this time i'm only considering Prime based on the reputation of their CDL program, i would just like to have the correct information.

Could someone please confirm/deny/provide more information.

Thanks in advance

Its 44 cpm for a condo and 49cpm for lightweights. you get an additional 5cpm in the LW if you run northeast to northeast areas. all of thisnisnon the website.

Most new drivers go into the LW once out of training. Although it is not forced, most find it easier to catch up on bills and such before going into a condo later. if you want the condo, you must ask for one and get approval from a supervisor... not a big deal. those with pets, passengers and trainers often get the condos first.

Actually both sets of information are correct.

The higher dollar amount is what you receive if you drive a lightweight truck, and the lower pay is what you get if you want a condo.

Not only do you get the extra .05 per mile in the lightweight, but you will get your paid vacation at 85K miles. In the condo it’s at 125K.

Don't let the lightweight term scare you. I was in a LW for over a year. Yes, it's cramped, but they will take out the front seat for you so you can install a fridge, if you like. The 5 cents a mile really adds up quick. Especially when you start getting your fuel and other bonuses.

After you finish your training, and go in to upgrade, they'll more than likely give you a LW. You can request a condo, but if they don't have one available, and you're adamant about getting a condo, you'll have to pay for your own hotel while you wait.

I was gonna go that route until my fleet manager told me that it would probably be best to just take the LW truck. (Trainers and teams have first dibs) After a year of driving a LW, my girlfriend was gonna come out on the road with me, so I needed to get the condo. It was no problem getting into the condo. I was just reminded about the cut in pay.

"After you finish your training, and go in to upgrade, they'll more than likely give you a LW. You can request a condo, but if they don't have one available, and you're adamant about getting a condo, you'll have to pay for your own hotel while you wait."

So if you've an extra $1,000 or more you've a choice, otherwise,...........

When I left Springfield a couple weeks ago,......

There was a shortage of trucks.

New lease operator's were waiting days and in some instances a week for a truck (Albiet by their own admission they were being particular)

Trainers with standard transmissions were having issues finding students.

There was an issue with females finding or matching up with trainers, (Again they may have been particular)

Some students weren't going out on PSD but were training on training on The Pad and in Springfield at night

It was my understanding there was some sort of bottleneck in the logistical support and supply system management was feverishly attempting to resolve.

Mainly that suppliers production system was ill prepared for the increase in demand by the surging transportation industry and booming economy.

There's not only an issue (Industry Wide, and not just any one particular carrier) not only a demand for tractor but also trailers, drivers, mechanics, clerical, administrative, managerial and other support personnel.

Dan, planning is a huge ingredient in the formula of success at trucking. Everyday I start out on the road I have a back-up plan or two just in case things don't go as expected. Truck driving requires daily adjustments and reactions to our circumstances. We have a long history of advising and mentoring people in here to do what ever they can to save some money before they jump into the training phase of this career.

You either ignored our admonitions concerning this or determined that your military background qualified you as tough enough to handle whatever trucking could dish out. You won't be the first Marine who got his clock cleaned by underestimating what it takes to make a go of this career. You're obviously unprepared for this Roller Coaster Ride.

Thanks