Prime No Lease For Me, Problem?

Yeah, my truck is set at 62mph, but I drive under 58, that's for sure. My average weekly miles so far this year taking out home time and breakdowns is 2445 miles. Nothing to write home about, but certainly respectable considering the speed I drive. And yes, I'm on e-logs...have been since last October or November...somewhere around there.

Anybody else been busy has heck lately? Seems like we've recently had a big surge. I've been from the midwest, to the west coast, and now on the east coast within 10 days or so. Getting some long runs and one right after the other. Taking a 34hr restart right now, and already have a drop and hook waiting for me tomorrow as soon as I can roll again.

 

I've been with prime for over 3 months now as a company driver. I was assigned a ultra light Peterbilt ( a beautiful purple one!! YaY), at first I absolutely hated it. There is no room for any of my personal belongings. After the first few weeks out, I learned to improvise and get adjusted. The negative things about the lightweights is, pulling uphill is a drag, average weight in the box is 49,500....scary sometimes.....especially driving on Hwy 7 in New York, and Vermont!!! YIKES!!!! Talk about 9-11% grades for 3-6 miles!!!! Anyway, other than that.....i've been running like crazy. I have been averaging between 2500-3100 miles a week.
In all honesty, when i first came to Prime...i was a bit skeptical about the e-logs, because i heard the horror stories from other drivers about how they keep you from making money, etc. Truth be told, I love it. I like the idea of not having to mess with paper logs, and dealing with DOT about your sloppy log books!
Any newcomers coming to Prime, you will be given a Lightweight truck....if your over 6 feet tall.....I'm sorry!!!!!!! On the flipside, they do make great MPG....i average 7.5 driving between 55-58 mph, and top speed if I'm empty.
I'm sad to say that I will be turning in my beautiful purple lightweight truck for a Cascadia on April 6th as I will become a trainer. Seems like training is the only way to get a condo now. I'm looking forward to it.... potential for better money is there due to more miles (only downfall is I go from 34 cents to 28 cents per mile).....i've done it before with Covenant Transport, so i know what to expect.
Overall, Prime has been doing what they promise.....so, no complaints here. I thought I never say this about a trucking company, because i've worked for GREAT (Sarcasm) companies, Prime is by far the best i've worked for so far. We'll see how long that last!!!!

 

I'm in the flatbedding side training any my instructor told me that company flatbedders still get condos since we have a lot of equipment to haul around

 

You are correct. Only the company drivers in the Reefer Division are stuck with the lightweights. Again, if your under 6 ft. tall.....it's not all that bad, minus lack of storage space. Whatever brings the company more freight.....means more miles for us!!

 

Rumor around the campfire is eventually the whole company will go that direction...

 

I heard that too, except for the instructors and trainers. But I'll believe it when i see it. My problem with that is, what about those who takes their wives, or girlfriends on the road with them. For example, every summer I wouldn't mind taking my son with me, but if i'm a solo driver and stuck with a lightweight truck, how would that work? There's alot of inconsistency with this plan.

 

Its a niche market and Ive been told the lightweights are a "company driver" deal... and to Lease drivers who want them.

I guess if you want a little more freedom, you lease a truck with a passenger seat... You sign that contract.

Company Driver policy is riders must be over 18 with the proper paperwork on file. (and yes, the paperwork requires copy of ID and age verification) They can just as easily change the wording to "riders over 18 with proper paperwork on file with a driver that has a passenger seat equipped truck."

No contract signed for a company driver, so Prime can make/change their company driver rules as they see fit.

Its no different than having a pet. Company drivers cannot. Lease can.

Here's a few rules that have changed in the 2 years I have been at Prime.

Company drivers are not allowed to bobtail unless the load requires it or your FM releases you to drive to your house... No personal business, even at home.

Fleet required MPG minnimum has changed twice in 2 years for Company drivers.

Company drivers are required to have all APU work and APU PMs performed at a terminal repair shop.

There are two choices... accept the rules, or move on.