Time for Prime.....

Yes, we have done better than I had expected. And, even with the current slow down.....we haven't dropped off that much. We have continued to get decent paying loads and although our take home has dropped off....($2700-$3000 per wk) we are still very happy since most people....(If they were to tell you the truth) have felt the pinch also.

Prime will not allow 2 "Rookies" as you called yourselves, to get right in a truck. All new drivers(less than 1 yr OTR) are evaluated and sent out with an experienced driver trainer for (up to) approx. 60K miles. This takes about 3-4 months. At that time, they are evaluated again....and, if they meet the qualifications....they are allowed to get in their own truck. Prime stresses that the new drivers learn the ropes before turning them loose......some complain that the process is too long......others say it isn't long enough.....Myself.....I think they have one of the best training programs in the industry. PERIOD. And, my wife....I think would agree.

I wish I had better news for you.....but, that's the way they do it.

There are companies that will throw you out there and turn you loose as soon as you get through their orientation if you already have a CDL. But, I think this is an accident waiting to happen. There is a lot to know in this profession. Good luck in your training.

 

Yeah.....one thing about it....you feel economic slowdowns a little less on the reefer side. Good luck and we'll see you soon!

 

Hey there Knighton....been a while! Oh yeah.....Albertson's.....They were sure ready for that yard bird when we got there the next am...they put us right in a door and it didn't take them 5 min. to start hittin' the trailer!! HA HA! They asked my wife "Where'd you go yesterday?"....she said...."You guys didn't want us....so we went drinkin'." LOL..... I don't guess she wanted to tell them she made me do laundry.....(while I watched the Titans put an ##### whoopin' on the Packers....and then the NASCAR Race...) No wonder we got through too late to get unloaded......

Some of our single drivers are staying as busy as they want....others are doing some complaining.....it all depends on the area....the NEast...sucks for some guys.....others are killin' it..... I think it has a lot to do with driver attitudes.....the guys bi***ing.....are the same ones that complain when things are good. One thing about it.....now is not the time to be sittin' around the truckstops....you better be gettin' all you can.

We've got to get our 100,000+ cantaloupes off here in sunny Fort Lauderdale.....then it's off to Daytona Beach....and the condo for Thanksgiving! And believe me....we have a lot to be thankful for. The Lord has truly blessed us this year.

We hope everybody has a Safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

 

I pulled this out of another thread.....One titled Freight Sucks.....and I started to post it there.....but, I feel if I'm gonna talk about the benefits of being a Lease/Op at Prime.....then I'll put it on MY thread... AND...All you O/O's that are out there....you DO have options....

We only have one truck.....as most know that read this board....We have been called crazy....Stupid...and just about anything else....But....the fact remains....we're still here...and we're still making money.....EVEN with the ridiculously high LEASE payment. And like I've said before....not ALL companies are out to screw you....Yes..they are out to make money...But, If I can make mine....why should I beat them up for making theirs.....And if my wife and I can split $.80 mi PROFIT....on average...I'm not gonna complain. I hope everyone is able to weather the storm....but, as any time in history....it won't be so. But, before I woulda automatically shut out an option just because others knock it.....I'd be more concerned with taking care of my family.

Don't mean to get on anybody's toes.....but, we take a lot of Flak from some on this board that AUTOMATICALLY ###-U-ME that Prime is only here to screw the people that work with them....that's right....We work WITH Prime....not FOR them...

 

Yeah, Markv.....I'm glad that when we turn in a load....(as long as we get it in on time)....we can count on that money being in the bank on payday. Yeah, it kinda sucks to see what it could be if we did it ourselves....but, then again.....I've got some buddies that go through some pretty big hassels sometimes. I think it's a compromise situation....if you're willing to get a little bit less.....A LOT of the stress is removed from the situation. And to us....THAT'S HUGE. Momma don't like stressin' bout money! Have a good Thanksgiving!