Leasing at Prime

You wrote this in your first post in June 2012. Things in out industry have changed in the past 18 months, so do you know if it's still true?

I am in the final stages of a complex decision-making process involving Prime and one other company. While I don't care about the specifics so much, the part I play in how an office-bound business partner of mine is compensated is important to me - it gives me an indication of her attitude and commitment toward what I do. I, too, work on developing a somewhat-personal relationship with my dispatcher, even if it's just voice-to-voice over the phone (NOT, I might add, using email or QC) and having a feel for their situation in life is part of that.

 

VERY good point!

 

If your FM wants to be successful... he should help you succeed

 

I'm happy to hear their pay process hasn't changed.

 

Ironpony,

i really appreciate the experience and information you provide!

I am just now finishing up my TNT 40,000 miles, and will be starting orientation very soon and moving to A seat. I think I will start out as a company driver.

My trainer leases his truck and is making really good money. However, I am convinced this is a result of training, not leasing. I cannot get him to verify he makes any significant money during periods running solo.

You appear to make good money as a solo lease operator so maybe you are proof it can be done. However, if you were getting 2800 miles/week as a company driver you were doing very well before you chose to lease. I'm wondering why you didn't just stay as a company driver.

I guess my big worry is that the only way to make big money at Prime is by being a trainer. Not something I will ever be willing to do. It just seems like playing Russian Roulette.

 

Be careful, youngclarkh. Don't be blinded by the bucks. Leasing is about running a trucking business, not being a driver.

 

What do you consider big money?

 

To me, big money means netting over $2K/week

 

"Netting over $2K/week" means a take home income of $104,000 per year. Wow...