Trucking With A Partner- Prime

Anthony, these are class 8 trucks. They are all designed with two things in mind.

1) Long life.

2) Power enough to do the job.

That's it. They don't have Cadillac like suspension systems. Freightshakers don't have any rough riding reputation. It's funny you'd believe that information coming from real truck drivers, but you won't believe us when we try to help you realize what a mistake you're making by leasing a truck.

The answer to your question is choose whichever truck you like. But, I seriously find it scary that you think it critical to seek us out for an inconsequential decision like that, after making a life altering decision of leasing a truck without seeking advice here.

We are concerned you're making a really big mistake. The folks who have responded to you are some of the highest performing drivers out here. They know their stuff. You're a greenhorn who thinks he knows better than a top performing dedicated Walmart driver and a guy who is a former owner/operator. We wish you the best. We know how tough it's going to be for you. We tried to help.

I'm actually in a new Pete and would much rather be in my former '17 freightliner. Personal preference, but the Pete just seems less comfortable overall to me.

Anne...

Hi, Anthony.

Since you're going to go this route anyway; I'd get the Pete. That's just IMHO. Kinda like when I buy a vehicle...or a swimsuit. If I'm diving in, I'm doing it in style. Personally, I'm a fan of the older, long hood Petercars, but .. I'd still go with the 2020 if the choice were mine.

Just IMHO.

~ Anne ~

Trucks and swimsuits... there is a first. Go figure.

ROFLMAO~!! I didn't mean 'all at once,' hahahaha! I'd be a 'sight for sore eyes,' boots & booty... yeah, nope! (Maybe in my 20's tho!)

Anthony, as a TNT Trainer and a member of the Prime Driver Advisory Board I have strong opinions here

First to answer your question...as a lease op, every decision you make needs to be about profitability not comfort. The Petes are heavier and thus cost way more in fuel to run. You also need to look at the maintenance reports. The newer Petes have been having serious electrical issues so are in the shop a lot. In not sure about the 2020s.

Second as far as leasing...no one talks about the financial responsibility you have. Screw ups a load and YOU pay the $50,000 or more for the product. There is a $10,000 negligence clause if you do something major. These are in addition to any accident deductible. There is a TON to know about the 70 page contract that most do not read. And in the end, the pay is the same. The "lease completion bonus" is actually your money that is taken mile by mile then returned...LESS whatever damages or wear and tear prices they want to keep.

Good luck and contact me if you need help.

Check out the Prime Professional Drivers group on Facebook if you want more info. More than what our wise members here at Trucking Truth have provided that is. Personally, I think it would be wiser to make your decision based on the advice you receive HERE.

I've seen many drivers nearing the end of TNT asking questions on the FB group about going lease right away. Once you wade through the BS answers from the idiots, you'll probably get a 50/50 split. Some will say leasing right away is doable and they have no regrets. Others will say they are glad they drove company at first bc it helped them learn more about the business prior to leasing. Remember, even if you start as a company driver, you can decide to switch to lease at any time. Good luck and congratulations on finishing your training!

Don’t do a Pete. Remember that anything other than something simple like an air filter or oil change has to go to a Pete dealership. TA’s/Prime itself cannot work on warranty items. You can always expect to be down for 1 week minimum at a Pete dealership. If you want to keep running, and be able to get your truck fixed faster, go freightliner. If I recall their are a couple FM’s that don’t want anyone on their board with a Pete due to the extended downtime. On the leasing front....shhh, don’t let anyone on this board know, but I lease as well. I was a partner in a business for 15 years, so I know how to manage P/L, and pick my loads that make business sense (I am on the load choice), and am financially stable due my job in my past life. I like lease because I like the freedom to go where I want when I want.