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As far as the trailer side skirts, they will be required for 2011 model year and newer trailers to operate in CA. Not gonna hear me complain one bit about anything being added to the trailers to help my fuel mileage!

 

They started buying trailers with skirts to comply with the 2010 BS in the Kalifornicate Republic.

The deal with the APUs and lightweight trucks is that they were re-evaluating the corporate decision on which APU to go with - they're getting into a Kohler unit from what I understand... believe its a battery-based unit. All the lightweight trucks already have a bunk heater and inverter installed.

 

Thanks, IP! I couldn't believe that Prime would take that kind of step backward -- eliminating APU's. Jack was surprised, too, because despite a rocky start with a crappy trainer, his experience with Prime has been pretty good (knock on wood!).

 

Do you really think they'll make that much of a difference in fuel mileage? Also, won't they be a PITA in the winter with slush and snow?

 

They say 5% fuel mileage gains with the side skirts. With me currently getting about 7.2 MPG a 5% gain brings me up to 7.56. Which gives me a savings of 33 gallons on a typical team week of 5000 miles. That equates to 1720 gallons over a full 52 weeks. The current average cost of a gallon of diesel is 3.069. 1720 X 3.069 = $5278.68. While I know that I will more than likely not get a gain that good, and will take time off so all my weeks won't be 5000 miles, a savings of over 5000 is significant in my book.

As far as winter goes, they probably will suck with all the ice and snow, but it wont be anything i can't deal with.

 

It was said in one of the meetings that Prime thinks the future in APU's will be battery based units. However, I don't think the Kohler's on the lightweight trucks are battery based.

Edit: Just went and checked the Kohler website. They offer 3 APU's and all 3 are diesel fired. So we haven't turned to battery based yet.

 

Hey, I'm thinking about Prime,... What should I think? I also want to know what is the make and model of these new "Smaller Trucks'? Thanks. TD.

 

I can't wait until I have to back one of those things into a semi-submerged dock with a steep drop off on the ramp... I recall a couple of places where the pavement will try to rip those silly things right off!

 

Despite the beating that Prime takes on this forum, many of us think that Prime offers some of the best training in the business. There aren't too many carriers requiring the length and depth of training that we offer these days... the more you get the better a driver you'll be. Training pay is at or close to the top offered in the industry as well.

I've been more than satisfied with the way Prime has treated me as a driver... even during the worst part of the recession, it seemed that we were sitting less and getting more miles than many of our competitors.

The lightweight tractors are class 8 road tractors... they have a smaller sleeper on them for company drivers wishing to drive solo. Training or teaming gets you a full size condo. We use Pete 389's, Freightliner Columbias and International Prostars for this. No passenger seat, only one bunk. The idea is that by saving some weight in the tractor, and with our newer trailers, we can pull 49,000 pound reefer loads. It also gets us in the door with another large shipper on some of their regional work.

 

I drove previously and am set to go to orientation at the end of the month. I have to go out with a trainer... however, with what I have read and the comments on here I am glad to be doing so. I look forward to the extra training and chance to get back behind the wheel.
Most of what I read is good about Prime... although I do remember passing them. Anyways look forward to seeing you guys out there. Be safe, and have fun... other than money thats really what it is about right?