Trucking Jobs Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions - We've got answers! Here are some of the questions drivers most frequently ask us here at Prime.

Got a question that's not listed here? Give us a call today and we'd be more than happy to answer your questions. Our recruiters are standing by and can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have! You can reach our recruiters at 1-877-PRIME-JOB.

How much does Prime pay?

Tanker: Prime pays 70% of the actual rate we bill the shipper.

Flatbed: Prime pays 72% of the actual rate we bill the shipper.

Refrigerated: Prime pays 72% of the actual rate we bill the shipper.

How many miles can I average per week?

On a seven day week, Prime units average 3,200 miles. This includes singles and teams. Running teams can average over 5,000 miles.

How long is the lease term?

On a brand new truck, 3 to 4 years, depending on division. There are leases of varying lengths on used trucks (the length of lease is determined by the amount of time left in the Prime network, there could be just a few months remaining or it could be almost the full life of the truck still remaining).

None of the trucks available or lease and in service are over 4 years old in any division.

What kind of trucks do you have?

Freightliner, Century class and Cascadia conventional condos. Kenworths and Peterbuilts have been added to the fleet and are available dependant upon division and area drivers are dispatched.

What kind of engine and accessories?

Engine - Detroit Diesel series 60. 500 hp with 10 speed transmissions, top grade interior, heated mirrors, pre-wired for refrigerators, choice of color and graphics available on new units.

How much are the truck payments?

Tanker: Starting at $740 per week, truck payments will vary based on the specification and age of equipment. This includes physical damage insurance, Qualcomm and other safety equipment, if equipped. As the truck ages the payment will drop slightly.

Flatbed: Starting at $740 per week, truck payments will vary based on the specification and age of equipment. This includes physical damage insurance, Qualcomm and other safety equipment, if equipped. As the truck ages the payment will drop slightly.

Refrigerated: Starting at $798 per week, truck payments will vary based on the specification and age of equipment. This includes physical damage insurance, Qualcomm and other safety equipment, if equipped. As the truck ages the payment will drop slightly.

How much is the trailer rental?

There is no trailer rental charge, Prime is responsible for any fees of this nature.

What happens if I need to terminate the lease?

You just return the equipment to success leasing. There are no penalties or fees. Your unused tire reserve is refunded. Your credit record is not affected.

What is the home policy?

As an independent contractor, you can go home when you want, however the most profitable remain out three to four weeks at a time. Some go home more often depending on where they live. You may take the truck home. Company drivers earn one day off for each week out.

What is Prime's rider policy?

You just need to call your fleet manager and authorization will be faxed to comply with DOT. Number of passengers are limited by available restraint systems in truck, other conditions and factors (such as age, etc) may also come into play. For company drivers there is a charge and further restrictions.

What does Prime pay for loading / unloading and lumpers?

The greater of the following: a) $1.50 per thousand, b) 2 cents per piece, c) the amount we bill the customer, or d) $60 minimum. You may be reimbursed $20 for using a pallet jack and allowed up to $35 to assist in unloading (when loads are not floor loaded).

Do I have to have a haz-mat endorsement?

No and Yes. It is not required but it is preferred for experienced drivers. Less than 1% of loads in the Flatbed Division and Tanker Division are haz-mat, and about 4% of loads in the Refrigerated Division are haz-mat.

Does Prime have a training program?

Prime has a training program based in Springfield, Missouri. It provides the trainee driver 100 hours behind the wheel before they get their CDL’s. Prime also has numerous advanced programs for experienced drivers.

Does Prime have any fuel savings systems and if so, how much of the savings does the contractor get?

At Prime, Optistop is a free software program provided which offers fuel purchase planning assistance. Prime contractors get 100% of all fuel savings they generate. We also utilized various types of heaters in the trucks and are in the process of outfitting our fleet with APU’s

Does Prime pay contractors for highway and bridge tolls?

Yes. Prime, pays 100% to the contractor of what it invoices to the customer. In Refrigerated & Flatbed Divisions, if we do not collect from the customers Prime then pays contractors 28% of the actual expense highway and bridge tolls, and in the Tanker Division, Prime pays contractors 30% of highway and bridge tolls.

Does Prime routinely increase average stop pay?

Yes. Prime has steadily increased stop pay. In Refrigerated & Flatbed Divisions, Contractors are paid 72% of the revenue billed to the customer for stops made, and in the Tanker Division, Contractors are paid 70% of the revenue billed to the customer for stops made.

Does Prime pay a Sign-On bonus?

NO. Success Leasing pays a $300 leasing bonus when you lease a truck from them, which is treated as start-up capital for the driver.

Does Prime pay a Referral Bonus to Associates?

Yes. Prime pays a Referral Bonus plus a residual income that is paid as long as both parties are drivers at Prime (this can add up to a lot of money over the years). In addition to earning money, the person referring can also earn points that are accumulated to earn the use of a truck for a year without payments. Prime's referral bonus is subject to change.

How much experience do I need in order to join Prime as a driver associate?

Drivers with a minimum of 8 months OTR experience in the contiguous 48 United States will be allowed to lease out of orientation. All other levels are dealt with on a case by case basis.

Does Prime provide Internet access or e-mail to driver associates?

Yes. E-mail is offered via Qualcomm and Internet stations are available throughout the Prime campus.

Does Prime provide direct deposit?

Yes. Prime direct deposit available, and numerous other disbursement options are also available (including loading your earning on your ComData card).

How much are trainees paid?

Prime is willing to advance all students $200 per week in the first 30 days (which is removed from future weekly pay checks at $25 increments until the full amount is paid back), during this time a student will have already acquired their CDL Class A permit during the 3 day orientation. Then $600 per week or .12 cent per mile will be paid to the student for the remainder of the training, once their Class A CDL has been obtained.

Does Prime run team?

Flatbed: 17 to 20% of Prime's Flatbed operation is two person teams, with a 1170 mile average length of haul in the Flatbed division.

Refrigerated: 32 to 35% of Prime's Refrigerated operation is two person teams, with a 1400 mile average length of haul in the Refrigerated division.

Tanker: 5 to 6% of Prime's Tanker operation is two person teams, with a 1400 mile average length of haul in the Tanker division.

How does the purchase program work?

There is an option to purchase the tractor after it has been in service for 104 weeks. The purchase price declines each week the tractor is leased after that.

Does Prime have terminals or drop yards?

Yes - Springfield, MO / Salt Lake City, UT / Denver, CO / Pittston, PA / Altus, OK. We also utilize several large drop yards around the US.