Prime: Question about lease trucks

The trucks are well equipped there not just stripped down trucks with no options. However that price is just for the truck, it doesn't include apu or other fixed costs such as permits, workers comp, botail insurance etc.....For example my fixed costs per week are about $1175. On one hand yep its a lot of money. On the other hand these trucks are $150, 000 so primes going to charge a lot to lease them. When you're just starting out as a lease op and you yourself don't bring any money to the party to put in the pot and prime has to put out $150, 000 of their money. They're going to charge you for that you know.

 

Dang well Im thinking about going with prime, lease. Jus wanna make sure I get the run but I don't really wanna go too far. Only if it's paying good. I'm gonna try them out the tho. Some companies truck payments are more.

 

Just call a requiter (800) prime job they'll have more information and they won't harass you. They're not going call three times a day and leave you a bunch of messages or anything if thats what you're worried about. They'll give some info over the phone answer some of you're questions probably mail you some more info and if you're not interested then you won't hear from them again. If you're new to trucking I would really recommend that you go company for a while just to learn to ropes before leasing.

 

Ok no I'm not new to it just need to future my career. That's all. And seeing what's out there and could work for me..

 

So would it be safe to assume that the first 2000 miles a week covers expenses?

 

Well we're paid a percentage of the load so revenue off 2k/miles can really vary, to go to extremes on both ends, there will be times when 2000mi/wk will net you $2000 and when it will keep you just out of the hole. Lease drivers can make more than company guys but only if they're good at what they do, they can also make a lot less if they don't watch costs closely. Sorry man I wish I could spit out a more specific number for you. I can tell you this lease side or company side we make money were not out here for nothing.

 

I was going off what it took me in 98-99 when I was with CRE, before I switched from Lease Operator to Single Parent. That was around what it took me to start clearing money, 2000-2200 miles, but that was paid on milage pay not percentage. I am getting back in the game early next year, figure I will go company for a while to catch up on everything. Thanks for the answer.

 

Load revenue will definately vary, especially dependent on location & freight lanes, and of course whom your hauling for. Contracts, ya know.

Huge factor will be how you control cost.

Largest factor will be how you buy fuel & how efficient you run truck, the biggest cost factors in your control.

 

Thanks. I figure to give it at least 8 months as a company driver to learn all the new stuff.

 

Yep and you just be maybe ready sooner since you have prior experience. When you come in to do your upgrade and take out a company truck you can walk over to leasing and ask for a blank copy of a lease contract. It will have all of the details in it you'll want to know. Give you something to read while your out in the company truck then you'll breeze right though the lease classes when you come in to do that upgrade.