If you knew they didn't have one, then why did you ask? It was just dropped a few months ago, so I'm not sure you actually knew anything to begin with. I made my comparisons based on the fact that the original poster made it clear that he intended to be a "company driver", therefore the comparison is more than valid.

I don't think that some of the lawsuits I've read about are "trivial", and companies that have lease programs don't always have to defend themselves.... I never heard of CFI being sued by a lease operator, and they did have the program for some time. Other companies don't seem to have the problems either. I think its (the problems leading to lawsuits) more related to the level of ethics of the owners than anything else.

I'll grant you that. Frankly though, I think that many people who go through with taking on a truck lease....do not possess the intellectual prowess to read, understand and properly function within the framework of the lease, nor do they understand the requirements of being a business owner. On the other hand, were the lessor to not over-complicate the issue or tilt the lease in their favor to the detriment of the lessee, then they would probably spend less money on defending themselves.

[quote]They whole point I have been trying to make is compare apples with apples. The lease program at Prime does not have a thing to do with the company driver program the original poster was asking about.[/quote

I understand your point, and for that reason....I believe I stayed in the vein of a company driver.... I don't recall being the one who brought up the issue of the leases.

I looked at Prime's website, and couldn't find the 60 cpm. What I did find is at this link: http://primeinc.com/drivers/RTC_division.html and frankly what I found is not that impressive. Its just average. They are apparently paying HHG miles, and I conclude this because they are not making the point of paying Practical Miles. I'm happy that you did well there. It says a lot. But lets face it.... it may not be the best place to start a career... As I said before, and I'll say it again: I have known professional drivers who did not do well with a lease at Prime, and on the other hand, I knew some who did well. But the common denominator with the ones who did well, was the fact that they seldom, if ever, went home.
That being the case....one could do well most anywhere.

You are most certainly entitled to your opinion....but there are those of us who do know alittle more than you might suspect....and what I do know is not based on "conjecture" but on personal contact with people who have had the experiences. I'm not in the least bit prone to telling "trucker's stories" or "fairy tales". I have much better things to do with my time. I've never worried about the weather more than 100 miles in front of me. I can't change it anyway....

While that may be true..on one level, I doubt that Wal-marts transportation division has been sued as often as Prime. But who knows, anything is possible.

Oh, by the way... CFI does have a lease program. But in order to lease on with them, "you have to own your truck"....they will not lease you one.
They have owner operators, but no lease operators.

 

But do they hire new drivers? I thought that they wanted at least 1 year OTR?

 

That is the "standard" requirement. However, it would appear that some latitude is available in some terminals. I think, that there is some discretionary latitude granted to terminal managers, subject to review by corporate. Keep in mind...I just expressed an "opinion", and that opinion is not corporate policy! The only way to find out if a new driver is hire-able is to contact the nearest terminal manager and discuss it on a one to one basis. 8)

 

Thanks Skywalker. I actually see some of the Superior drivers and yard guys every day and they do seem to be a great bunch of guys. I work at the wannabe truck stop at the I57 exit (#308) for the Kankakee, IL terminal. Maybe I'll start bugging them! :wink:

 

Rebel Darlin wrote:I have stopped in there several times myself, as has Baby Bullseye. I wonder if we've ever met and just not known who each other was! Take a look at the photo link I have at the bottom of my profile.....I'm betting we have!!! :P

:wink:

 

I have stopped in there several times myself, as has Baby Bullseye. I wonder if we've ever met and just not known who each other was! Take a look at the photo link I have at the bottom of my profile.....I'm betting we have!!! :P

:wink:[/quote]

I've only been there since May, transferred from the Manteno (exit 321) location. I'm on the 3-11 shift. If you get in then, say hi. Just ask for Trouble, they all know who I am! :wink:

 

I've only been there since May, transferred from the Manteno (exit 321) location. I'm on the 3-11 shift. If you get in then, say hi. Just ask for Trouble, they all know who I am! :wink:[/quote]

Next time I get up there.... I'll stop in and say "Hello!!" You might want to hope Cyanide and I don't show up at the same time..... :shock: :shock: 8)

 

:lol: That'd be just fine! Bring Baby Bullseye too! arty: The more the merrier!

 

I'll have to come alone..... Cyanide will have to bring Baby Bullseye.. 8)

 

I would say you are off a little bit in your figures.

You say that the payment is about half at Prime as compared to leasing it straight from Freightliner???? That would mean the payment from Freightliner would be about $1,300 per week? I don't think so. :roll:

Mr Low has found a nitche in leasing to people with bad credit. Period....
You gotta give him credit for that. :roll:

How do you think he could afford to build that nice terminal?

Let's see....Lease a truck from Freightliner for $300.00 per week. Turn around and re-lease it to some sucker for $600-$650 per week. Then skim money off the top of everyones' paychecks weekly. Pretty easy to figure out he's got a good business plan.