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How is Prime if you already have a CDL

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Trucker's mate, Jul 16, 2009.

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  1. Jul 16, 2009 #1
    Trucker's mate

    Trucker's mate Bobtail Member

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    Jul 14, 2009
    alpharetta, ga
    0
    My mate has a CDL already but no experience. He is trying to get on with Prime. He is being quoted the same thing I have seen others say which is he works with a trainer for $500 a week for 4 to 5 weeks then $600 a week up to 60,000 miles after which he can either go solo as a company driver or stay with the trainer for another 20,000 miles in order to lease (which we are not even remotely considering).

    What do you think? Is this good or bad? Can we expect to be screwed some way here and if so how? Or is Prime good to work for as a company driver (as opposed to lease operator)? For this reason I am really only interested in what those who have worked long term for Prime have to say and not for those who trained or are training at their driving school.

    Unfortunately what he is hearing is mostly that the better companies are only hiring experienced drivers, so we don't seem to have too many other options...unless you have suggestions.
     
    Trucker's mate, Jul 16, 2009
    Trucker's mate, Jul 16, 2009
    #1
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  3. Jul 16, 2009 #2
    REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    Dueling Banjoville
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    I didn't know Prime was doing company driver's again. I know several years ago they went away from company driver's & went to all lease operator's.

    PRIME.... Please remember I mortgaged everything
     
    REDD, Jul 16, 2009
    REDD, Jul 16, 2009
    #2
  4. Jul 16, 2009 #3
    Trucker's mate

    Trucker's mate Bobtail Member

    3
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    Jul 14, 2009
    alpharetta, ga
    0
    What do you mean you mortgaged everything?
     
    Trucker's mate, Jul 16, 2009
    Trucker's mate, Jul 16, 2009
    #3
  5. Jul 16, 2009 #4
    REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    It's a acronym... Just like swift's acronym is shut up Werner, I ##### trying... or sure with I finished training... or see what I f-ed up today...
     
    REDD, Jul 16, 2009
    REDD, Jul 16, 2009
    #4
  7. Jul 16, 2009 #5
    U2Exit

    U2Exit Road Train Member

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    Feb 22, 2008
    WA and VA
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    Its a joke P. R. I. M. E.

    Ive been a company driver for a year... I like it.

    The training pay quote is acurate but has the potential to actually be a bit better.

    the $500 to $600 is the minnimum gaurantee (for each 7 days you are on the truck) its 10 to 12 cents per team mile... whichever is greater.

    So roughly every mile over 5k team miles while training, and you make more than the minnimum.

    Take a break at home for a couple days and then you only get the 10 to 12 cents/mile (depending on classification)... You have to be available for dispatch 7 days to get the minimum.

    There is quite a good amount of info in the Prime section here about training... not just from me.
     
    U2Exit, Jul 16, 2009
    U2Exit, Jul 16, 2009
    #5
  8. Jul 16, 2009 #6
    Bullldawg

    Bullldawg Light Load Member

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    Dec 22, 2008
    Athens, GA
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    Star - "Shoulda Took Another Route"

    Swift backwards - "Two..." Well, I better not say it lol.

    I worked for prime as a lease operator for a year, did good, took a in state job though. The company guys were paid variable cents per mile, each load was different, and they got fuel bonuses, etc. I guess they still do company, probably. Can't help ya much more than that. Good luck.
     
    Bullldawg, Jul 16, 2009
    Bullldawg, Jul 16, 2009
    #6
  9. Jul 16, 2009 #7
    U2Exit

    U2Exit Road Train Member

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    Sorry, I didnt read your post carefully... I trained with Prime, and have been on my own as a Company Driver for a year.

    You can ignore my opinions.
     
    U2Exit, Jul 16, 2009
    U2Exit, Jul 16, 2009
    #7
  10. Jul 21, 2009 #8
    Trucker's mate

    Trucker's mate Bobtail Member

    3
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    Jul 14, 2009
    alpharetta, ga
    0
    does anyone else have any thoughts on Prime working as a company driver if you alraedy have a cdl but no experience?

    Also, when you get there do they ask you to sign any kind or terms or contracts you can't get out of easily if you find they are not for you?

    And, similarly how easy is it to quit if you don't like how its going or going to go?
     
    Trucker's mate, Jul 21, 2009
    Trucker's mate, Jul 21, 2009
    #8
  11. Jul 21, 2009 #9
    Short cut

    Short cut Light Load Member

    95
    35
    Jul 21, 2009
    Joplin, MO
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    I wouldn't go there at all. Its a cover to get you into a lease that you wont make any money in! Try Usa Truck or someone with a better student friendly reputation!
     
    Short cut, Jul 21, 2009
    Short cut, Jul 21, 2009
    #9
  12. Jul 21, 2009 #10
    JahB

    JahB Road Train Member

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    WASHINGTON/OREGON border
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    I read here that they will offer you the lease, and offer you the lease, and offer you the lease. If you don't want it, you don't want it. I also read that they like drivers who drive, company or lease. They seem, from what I read, to use them differently. If you can't get enough information from here, and there's PLENTY, Check the prime drivers website....it's about like it sounds, all one word.

    PS: Seems like they ALL suck if they'll hire you as a newbie, but they'll get you your first year done. Choose based on your own criteria after you understand how they pay for training, whether YOU want to pay for your own training and how much, and the way they train. THAT's what's most important in year !.

    I think the only way to start out is to begin your career with at LEAST two years of OTR experience, otherwise, you're going to be taken advantage of in some way. LOL
     
    JahB, Jul 21, 2009
    JahB, Jul 21, 2009
    #10
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