Looking for up to date info on Wil-Trans

last I knew they were affiliated with Prime,I haven't heard anything bad tho

 

Wil-Trans is pretty much doing the same stuff today that you see in the old threads. They have their own management, but pull Prime trailers, deal with Prime dispatch and have access to our terminals. Basically, they're Prime without "Prime" on the side of the tractor. It makes some folks feel better about it. If you'd rather be Prime without being Prime and not have "Wil-Trans" on the tractor, you could be O&S and pull Prime trailers - same deal. Or, you could just cut out the middle-men (who get a cut- don't kid yourself there,) and just be Prime.

 

No training company has “the best reputation.” It goes with the territory.

But not at the same time. You have to manage your hometime by paying for it upfront with some savings. Going into the hole to go home blows.

78% of linehaul, fuel surcharge plus accessorials.

I've had three good dispatchers, and a so-so one. Nothing bad to report in my experience.

I'm on a first-name basis with my primary Fleet Manager, he's a really good guy. The night and weekend guys you usually don't know, but are generally courteous. Sometimes you get a hot-shot from one of the really bad carriers trying to make his way into Prime's dispatch system from weekend, nights one up – that usually is fun. Just gotta train 'em up to be people again!

Agreed. Generally we try to get folks to use the QualCom – it get's a response faster most of the time, and leave the phone for the required calls. Since we've gone to elogs, I've noticed a lot of the waiting around is history. As long as the freight is there, the preplans hit either before going empty or within a couple of hours.

There is a cost to doing business as a lease operator - it's not like your a company driver where the carrier covers all of the costs. So many folks refuse to actually read and understandtheir settlements, then claim to be “nickle and dimed to death.” I suppose I have an advantage having a short stint in retail management... those statements were from the nether regions.

Generally things are taken care of under the warranty. Our trucks aren't over 3 or 4 years old, and a 350,000 mile warranty covers most things for a great deal of that. You pay for PM's, tires, consumables – they pay for turbos, wheel seals, the major stuff. I'm out of my warranty now, and it is unpleasant paying for stuff out of your pocket. They've worked some volume discounts with local repair shops in Springfield (not sure about Pittston or Salt Lake,) but I'm getting a major discount on getting my DPF filter cleaned out.

The company shops only do the maintenance you request. You do have to watch some of the outside shops we use such as the dealers and engine manufacturer's facilities. They will sometimes do things you don't ask for, so it's in how you approach them about it.

The big deal is fuel for lease operators. You've got to be getting in the mid 7 mpg's to make money. So someone with a leadfoot is going to have trouble here. That should also explain to your hubby why Prime trucks are so dadgum slow! Also, look to your household budget... it really helps to not be carrying a huge load of debt that needs to be serviced every month.

 

Does he have his OWN truck or is he looking to Lease a truck???

 

I've been with Prime for nearly six years, first on the company side then leasing. I'm finishing up my first lease in a couple of months. I really can't say if there is an advantage to Wil-Trans, as I've never worked for them.