Since starting with one truck in 1970, Prime Incorporated has blossomed into one of the leaders in the industry. Unlike many other firms, their focus is getting new drivers on the road and molding them to their needs.
Initially focused on refrigerated shipments, Prime has moved into the flatbed, intermodal, and tanking segments in recent years. Training drivers themselves ensures a focus on quality with absolute certainty.
At Prime you know what you are getting, industry leaders in safety, technology, trained on premier equipment since day one. By focusing on logistics and a strong corporate mission to provide end to end control, Prime has positioned itself as one of the giants in the shipping industry.
Corporate Focus
Prime Inc, which we rated #5 on our best trucking company list, is all about getting and retaining the best drivers.
For company drivers, and independent owner operators, their focus is turning profits back to the drivers. A happy driver makes for good deliveries and good deliveries make for happy customers. They’ve got the formula down.
Furthermore, their apprenticeship program means if you’ve been thinking about getting your CDL, you can do so while getting paid. This program puts you behind the wheel with experienced drivers and the promise of continued work (good performance assumed, of course).
At Prime their goal is to get you in a truck, and get you on the road. They have a bonus and benefit for everything and programs that make sure you can earn as much as you want.
They believe driver’s should earn, exactly what they put in and pay contractors on percentage of their loads delivered.
At Prime they offer the support, equipment, and training to make you successful whether you are just hitting the road, or a true grizzled veteran.
Prime Inc. Truck Driver Salary & Compensation
Due to the robust bonus structure pay can be hard to estimate. Truck drivers’ annual income for this company range from $28,000 to $82,000. Most drivers seem to average around $40,000.
Benefits for drivers include the aforementioned bonuses for a variety of successful milestones. Health, and life coverage are available at a high cost to the driver, especially for contractors.
Many drivers complain that the truck leasing program is designed to keep drivers working for Prime. While other drivers praised certain benefits like the training program, and the flat-lined fuel cost.
Pros
At Prime earning potential can be rewarding. With bonuses, opportunities for owner operators, and contractors, Prime can be excellent if you’re experienced and efficient.
Constant work, especially in the refrigerated and flatbed truck fields ensure you earn what you deserve.
Likewise, new drivers enjoyed the training program. That does not mean the training is easy.
Successful graduates say it was rigorous and intense but prepared them well for life on the road. After completion many decided life as a trucker was not for them, which means it’s realistic and representative of the lifestyle.
Cons
Most drivers had problems with the inconsistent compensation and the leasing program. Many feel that they are not upfront with their payment practices and the bonus schemes are meant to mislead drivers about possible earnings.
Furthermore, other drivers felt the leasing program was devised to keep them running for Prime by ensuring they could not make enough money after handling the lease payments.
While this is likely not the case, it should be a consideration before signing that long lease. To be a trucker for Prime it’s important to know the drawbacks and the benefits.
Overall
Working for Prime is like any other occupation, your success comes from your commitment. However, since many of the drivers at Prime are new to the road they lack the knowledge and experience to be really successful at first.
Most drivers view Prime as a fantastic first job, one where you can get important road time, and excellent training. Older drivers who are committed and ready for the lifestyle can take advantage of the bonuses and benefits that come with driving for a big company.
Essentially, Prime is a good place to get to know the system and if you do not feel you can succeed perhaps trucking is not the best career for you, and that’s ok.
TruckersTraining.com provide information, tools and resources to potential truck drivers in the U.S. We hope that you can use the content on the site to help you decide if want to drive trucks for a living.
