Prime's Lightweights: Freightliner vs. International vs. (remaining) Peterbuilt

Discussion in 'Prime' started by ShortRound77, Mar 11, 2015.

  1. ShortRound77

    ShortRound77 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 1, 2009
    Sumter, SC
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    Hey all,

    I am a little over halfway through a local private CDL school, and doing well so far. I have a pre-hire for Prime Inc. for the Reefer side. I was lucky enough to speak with a Prime driver at a truck stop during our lunch break today. He was driving one of the International Pro-Star Lightweights, and what I got a look at it looked very nice (and roomier than I expected).

    My question is about how the three different brand lightweights compare; what are the pros and cons between them.

    Also is there anyway to stack the cards in my favor regarding assignment of available trucks? I know I will drive what they assign me, but any "insider" info to politic for a preferred truck would be greatly appreciated.

    Getting pretty excited about hitting the road, and it feels more and more tangible everyday.

    Dave
     
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  3. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Take the one on the left. They parked it there just for you, and enjoy. Check under the bed, you never know whats under the bed. Dont be afraid to ask for a new bed, you have no idea of what the driver and there sheep were up to, they are in the Ozarks ya know.
     
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  4. socal

    socal Medium Load Member

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    Los Angeles CA
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    What is the empty weight of a lightweight vs a regular cascadia with Trailer? I do not see how they are taking advantage of more payload when Primes fleet is mixed between all types of trucks.

    Maybe prime should start a doubles fleet for more cubic feet of space to load more payload.

    I have seen those tiny bunk super singled trucks up in Selah WA. Area loading right next to long nose spread axles the same #### loads.
     
  5. PChase

    PChase Road Train Member

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    my first solo truck was a prostar. The only thing I didn't really like about it was the location of the air horn control. It's a button on the steering wheel.
    in retrospect I actually enjoyed the prostar (all things considered )
     
  6. PChase

    PChase Road Train Member

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    Prime always puts a new mattress in the trucks. And that sheep thing is uncalled for ... It's colorado that does that.
     
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  7. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

    If you're a "larger" driver, beware the Cup Holder of Doom in the ProStar! You will have a perpetual bruise just below your right knee from that darn thing.
     
  8. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    I believe it is "Wyoming, where men are men and the sheep are nervous".
     
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  9. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Ask my GPS...
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    Prostars have more headroom, and by all accounts more and better storage accommodations. A 6' tall person should just be able to stand in a Cascadia. The Peterbilts had stability problems, and are all but gone now.

    Truck assignments... you get what you're assigned, unless the gal doing it is feeling unusually generous. Availability is based on what gets repaired and detailed the week you're there to pick one. Its not like you're going down to the used truck lot.

    Between the trailer mods and the lightweight tractor, they gain about 3000 to 4000 pounds of payload capacity- which is a huge selling point according to sales. Doubles wouldn't gain anything... pups mean more trailer weight, less space. Only a few states allow turnpike doubles or rocky mountain double configurations. Our newbs have a hard enough time with one trailer let alone two... and the ensuing havoc that would come with that.
     
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  10. double yellow

    double yellow Road Train Member

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    1500 lbs weight savings ~= 0.4% mpg improvement. Prime did 700,000,000 miles last year. At 7mpg & $3/gal, having the entire fleet lightweight would save $12,000,000/year compared to standard OTR tractors. And I suspect they cost less to buy too...

    Two 28'6" pups have 7.5% more space than one 53' trailer.
     
  11. ShortRound77

    ShortRound77 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 1, 2009
    Sumter, SC
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    Thanks everyone for your replies. I am not really concerned about headroom, as I am only 5'2" (one advantage to being short). I am more curious about storage and room to move around (getting dressed and such). Ride comfort and reliability are my other main concerns. I know I'll drive what I'm assigned, but IF I get lucky and can have an option I'd like to make an informed decision. Do all of the lighgweights run "Super Singles", or are some of them duals?

    Again, thank you

    ShortRound
     
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