Prime, Inc. - Springfield, Mo.

That may be for some but I have talked to around 40 solo Prime drivers who are clearing $1,300+ per week after all expenses. So solos can make it there if they want to run smart. A couple even told me they went home every two to three weeks and live in light freight areas.

 

A word of advice...You want to know how to tell if a Prime driver is lying about how good they are doing....His/Her lips are moving. I know more people who did everything they could to survive there, only to starve, and just about lose everything they had.

$1300, and you're considered a independent contractor...Sad...As a company driver. I gross $1400 - $1600/wk. It's rare that I take home less than $900 after taxes during my normal tour of duty.

When I was there, they pushed you to take what they offered. If you refused because it didn't pay enough, then you were black listed and screwed over until they felt like finding something else. I regularly went up the chain of command to try to get a different Fleet manager to see if that would make a difference, but they acted like they really didn't care if you made it or not.

Things must have changed there in the home time department. When I was there, it was a minimum of 6 weeks out, and after expenses, you were lucky to take home enough to keep the lights on. I could afford to take 1 or 2 days at home, then right back at it. You never would have saved enough to take what most people consider a vacation. Even if that vacation was only time off at home to spend with the family.

 

Well, things may have changed because most drivers I have talked with have shown me enough to satisfy me that they are not padding their numbers or actively recruiting. They have shared things on how to make it work. I have also been on a board that is just Prime drivers and those interested in driving for Prime. They have been willing to share both the ups and downs but they all feel it is a great place to work. Hope things are going well for you where you are.

I was ready to go to Prime but their freight base is so weak in my area that it would have involved some serious d/h for outbound loads. For me, that did not make sense from a business standpoint.

 

Now that I've finally got my own laptop, I can respond to some of these posts.
I too was supposed to start at Prime on July 15 but didn't make it. Had my bus confirmation and everything. Was going to be heading out on Monday. Got a call from them Friday afternoon and was told " oh we are so sorry but we don't have enough trainers."
Well great!! I had already put in my notice and all that good stuff, so now what do I do? Good thing I had a back up plan. Am going back to truck driving school since its been 8 years that I had my CDL and never used it. Maybe I'll have better luck that away.

 

At least they stopped you before you left home. The orientation class I went to, one driver went through it all, and when it came time to go back to the office to pick a truck and sign his lease, they said....aaaaaah we changed our mind, heres your bus ticket home. No one in the class ever found out why...I thought they did all the background and employment checks before they spent the money to get you there.

Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. After the fun I had there...I wouldn't recommend them to my worst enemy. There are better companies out there to start out, or start back into this industry with.

and PAW...Best of luck if you work there... Like the old saying, a leopard can't change his spots...I bet it's the same with trucking companies.

 

I admit to being a newbie with no experience but I have to agree with you. With everything that you are asked for on your app., it should be easy to do a back ground check and I'm sure they have such a company on hand to do so.
I have a big ding on my record which is a felony. Yes it was for possession and yes I told them about it. It will be exactly 10 years old either tomorrow or the next day. When they told me they would hire me, I thought "Great. Somebody is finally willing to take a chance on me."
Anyway, I decided to go back to a truck driving school to update my skills in the hopes that someone will hire. It is supposed to be one of the premier training school in the states. The best thing about it is, it is a vo tech school and MUCH cheaper than the CDL mills around here. $2250 instead of $6500. Anyway-wish me luck and if you have any suggestions on who I should apply with, they will be greatfully accepted. Would like to go flat bed if possible.

 

Personally I wouldn't pay for training. You could get a cdl from a school and still not get a job driving because of a felony. Try Schneider they have one of the most respected training programs out there and they would probably be a good outfit to work for.

Schneiders exceptance of felonies varies as far as the amount of time goes. For example some compaines will except drivers with felonies that have occured anywhere from 5 yrs. old to 10 yrs. old and some companies exceptance varies. I can't tell you want this means. I'm guessing it varies based on a number of things, say the type of felony, how long ago it occured, how old you were and how old you are now, are you responcible, is your credit good.

You might also try Swift. They have a training program also. Their hiring policy is somewhat liberal.

If I have a chance I'll look around for more out fits and get back to you.

 

I'm not by any means trying to call shenanigans on your pay as a company driver, but who do run for making that kind of money? I very rarely talk to anybody making nearly that a week driving a company truck.

 

Crete pays that good! For company drivers at top pay of .47, it's not hard. If you are willing to be on the road for 3+ weeks at a time, you will easily avg. 3000+ mpw.