Prime's Additional .20 CPM For Teams?

Hey, me here with another question about Prime lol. So Prime says they will pay an additional .20 CPM to teams (on top of .52 CPM) for each mile in over 3,000 miles per week. So that means if you drive 5,000 miles per week, you'll make $3,000 split per week? That sounds almost too good to be true, am I misinterpreting this?

That's legit, but not really a lot of money when you consider the hassles and inconveniences you'll encounter as a team driver. A good solo driver can make the same money, But hey if teaming is your thing, Prime is a great place for it.

That's legit, but not really a lot of money when you consider the hassles and inconveniences you'll encounter as a team driver. A good solo driver can make the same money, But hey if teaming is your thing, Prime is a great place for it.

So, how common is it for a solo newbie to gross $1500 a week? From all the rookie horror stories about low pay, it seemed grossing about $75k in your first year was a pipe dream.

Well first don't assume a team is going to make 5000 miles every week. They'll have good weeks and bad weeks just like everybody else. 6k this week, 3k next, etc. Even on a bad week you still have to split the money with your co-driver.

I'm not telling you not to team. Sure, the potential is there to make some good money. But you have to look at it realistically. Weigh the pros and cons of living a team lifestyle.

As a rookie solo driver in dry van for Schneider, four years ago, I made right at $40k first year. I averaged 10,000 miles per month. $48-$50k second year.

I hope this helps.

Think of it this way...reefer lightweight is 49cpm plus bonuses.

2800 miles per week is $1372.

2500 miles is $1225

not only is that easy to do, but you will learn more solo because you wont habe another driver as a crutch and you will have your own space. Sleeping in a truck moving 60mph....especially if it is windy or curvy roads can be very very difficult.

And..yes it is true that solid, experienced teams can run hard. Two guys from my PSD class teamed together after upgrading. I made more solo than they did because they couldnt "gel" to manage their time properly. They split to solo. One did as well as me and the other didnt. which explains why their miles sucked.

Austin trucking is performance based, top Driver’s make top money. Forget about the stories...try to realize your first year income is limited by your lack of experience and skills. The components of this job that enable top pay are developed over time and cannot be rushed. In essence you are being paid to learn during your first year and can reasonably expect between 40-45k in income.

Here is a link to a thread Rainy posted documenting her First Year Pay at Prime.

My suggestion is to do all that you can to learn what it takes to be a top tier driver and not concern yourself with the perception of lower pay during the first full year.

Good luck...one step at a time, do your job to the best of your ability and the money will follow.

Dispelling the myths of team driving

Well first don't assume a team is going to make 5000 miles every week. They'll have good weeks and bad weeks just like everybody else. 6k this week, 3k next, etc. Even on a bad week you still have to split the money with your co-driver.

I'm not telling you not to team. Sure, the potential is there to make some good money. But you have to look at it realistically. Weigh the pros and cons of living a team lifestyle.

Right. Maybe miles per month would be a better way to look at things as far as averages go.

Anyway, my dad and I have been talking about team driving for a while now, and trucking for at least a year will give us both a huge boost from our current financial situations. I totally see how team trucking could be a terrible experience (and it might just be) but we're willing to take that risk, and we could always split off into solo if we start hating each other.

Thats true. Family is easier to.deal with....sometimes.