Leasing at Prime

As you said, decisions, decisions, decisions. If you are ensured of getting 3,000+ miles each and every week, cpm makes some sense. But you've got to stay out long enough to make it work. Percentage gives you some flexibility and if you want occasionally to go buy something from California, well, you can. The Schneider Choice board is good because the numbers you see are after SNI takes its cut, but you have do more in-depth planning for the 'what ifs' that happen. Those "short crap loads in the Northeast" usually pay a whole lot more, no matter what the pay plan; IP's made a career of it!

 

Iron pony are u a o/o now?.if yes can u plz give us some info on pedigree.

 

Of course. I'd do it for the fame and women. Just checking to see if the dog could come along.

 

Is the fuel surcharge a charge that is paid BY the custome to you the driver? Or is it paid by the driver to someone else?

Is the "per diem" paid to you by prime and in the contract for all loads you pull?

Do you pay for your fuel in cash/Cr Crd, debit card or Comdata? How ecactly does "Commdata" work? and is it a good Idea? and can it be used for all your load.

I have also heard that Prime owns its own insurance company, and MAKES you purchase their insurances, especially if you lease from success... also you are required to only have Primes mechanics work on your rig... IF so... are the costs worth it to stay with all company business to operate your truck?

Also... other than controlling your speed and gearing... what other ways can you control your fuel costs?

 

Ok... dumb question... What exactly is a "settlement" and what information is included in a settlement?

 

Total pay for loads delivered for the time period.... Usually a week. Think trucks paycheck not yours.... LOL

 

My advice,take it or leave it but I strongly suggest you take it,drive company for at least 2yrs. Then start asking questions about leasing because if you lease straight from school statistics say you WILL fail. Dont do that to yourself and your family. Trucking is not an easy profession and probably 75% of newbies quit driving within 2yrs and go back to the ol 9 to 5 routine. You make it two years then you'll have a good idea of what trucking is about and a pretty good idea of whats gonna be required to run a trucking business.

 

I would love to drive company first, but Prime is not giving me that option... due to my residence in Boise, ID, I will be required to go L/O, since they would be unable to guarantee any loads around hometime. I ask these specific questions because I have to... not because I want to ask for frivilous reasons... Thank you for your advice, but If I want to learn, train and drive for Prime (the better option in the industry I have found so far), I will have to take the leap, both feet first into the leasing side... not that I WANT to, but that I will HAVE to.

The lease job is the only option for residents in Idaho, Montana, and the Dakotas (thats the way it was explained to me)

 

Personally,Id run far far far away from that deal. I think someone is feeding you a line. Prime typically will not hire to train a driver in an area they dont do business in. As for "cant guarantee a load home for hometime" as a business owner Id also stay away from that if it meant you plan to deadhead a lot to get home. Not trying to burst your bubble just trying to make sure you give the hard reality a thought. For example fixed lease cost are going to exceed 1100/wk every week even when you take time off. Then you have fuel cost and mileage fees. So give those numbers a think before you leap into the frying pan full of hot grease.

 

That is exactly WHY I am asking the questions that I am asking... not for a general "run for the hills" answer... Thank you though for your candor, but please tell me what the UP sides are to leasing for Prime and HOW I can make it work... not all things deserve a look at the negative side of personal opinions...

Not that I have a "polliyanna" type mindset, but want to fully reserch and consider both good and bad... I may just surprise some of the "negative Nancys" and "Debby doomsdayers" out there.