ask your questions about prime inc here

Why did he switch?

 

As Chuck pointed out, it changes daily. Do inquire about "short term leases-" what's left on a 3-year lease when they're turned in early. Those trucks may or may not be in good shape, so it's going to be up to you to determine whether you're getting a deal or a lemon. Insist on all repairs being completed before you leave on your first load- you will get priority in the shop. The truck payments are lower, and it helps get more cash in the bank. As far as I know, no one has been waiting... but that's not something I keep tabs on. Caveat emptor... make sure you have a couple of months worth of expense money in the bank when you start.

Your fuel economy is up to you and your right foot. There have been a lot of folks turning in high 8's and low 9's in the new trucks, and I'm talking about the Cascadias. However, when I have a heavy load, the need for speed due to my schedule, I can drive my 2010 right down into the 6's. As much as 30% of a tractors fuel economy is in the technique of the driver. So if you have a lead foot, plan on eating a lot of ramyen noodles. On the upside, the new trucks come with a 350,000 mile drive train warranty, which will cover most of the expensive things. 60-day bumper-to-bumper warranty on previously leased trucks... so make sure you're on top of it if you take out a short-term lease.

There are fleets that will not allow a Pete or KW on their boards, simply due to the maintenance issues. I have no experience with them, but I've heard that Peterbilt and Kenworth don't do a real bang-up job honoring their warranty. Freightliner on the other hand, does a very good job of covering things under warranty.

You need to read your contract. IIRC, you must give leasing 30-days notice, and if it was me I'd call or email 'em AND send a letter via certified mail with a return receipt. Coordinate with your FM, but I believe you must return the tractor to the terminal you leased it from. Make sure you do a very good job cleaning it up, and photographically document the condition of the tractor. You are responsible for your transportation home, and you're not going to get a break on a Greyhound ticket.

Your final check will be sent to you or deposited in your account (depending on how you are being paid now) probably within 14 days of the tractor inspection and necessary repairs being made. Your final settlements are going to be very confusing, because they move the tire escrow and charges onto it. If you aren't completing the lease, there won't be any lease completion bonus money on it, and YOU are financially responsible for all necessary repairs. That means bringing back to the condition it was in the day you leased it, minus normal wear and tear.

Don't burn your bridges with your FM... you may want to discuss whats on that final settlement with him.

 

As always, I knew I could trust Ironpony to provide an "actual" response...

Thanks!

 

Yeah, well... read your contract! I'm relying on my rather hazy and jarred memory here. Walking away is something I really haven't contemplated. I have talked to folks who have turned in their tractors- it is possible to not incur repair charges if you've kept the machine up. And... I just completed a lease, and even with my experience, those settlements were darn confusing!

 

I was just more curious about the extras like terminal, etc. I've got the contract and will of course read it. Not that I necessarily want to walk away... But a far better opportunity is a knockin. Outside the realm of driving. But, I will not of course burn any bridges, as I need that cdl as a backup...... When it's official I'll post more. Until then I shall keep on truckin


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If you took it out of Springfield, they'll want it returned there. Leaving it anywhere else will be considered abandonment, even if it is one of our terminals.

 

IP I am heading to SPRINGFIELD next SUN. Going refer lease div. but was just wondering if u have heard of any PETES getting up to 9mpg?

 

It's hard to get any mpg out of em' as much time as they spend waiting to get into the shop! Nope... sure haven't.

 

was wondering how many miles does a refrigerated prime driver average a week??

 

Depends. The NE regional guys get lower miles because of the shorter runs up that way... say 2000-2400 per week. They also are compensated an extra 5-cpm for that. 48-state OTR might average 2400-2800 per week, with gusts up to 3200 for long trips, stuff that doesn't deliver until after cutoff on Tuesdays, etc. It also will depend on your FM- some guys run their fleets harder than others. Most FMs will run you a bit on the easy side after you upgrade, just to get a feel for how you work and to break you in a bit.