Thank you for answering my question. Yes it was a lot. You have helped me and i appreciate that. Have a great evening. thanks again for all the great info Aaron
I really liked the International. More space inside for sure. Supposedly the new body style (p4) Freightliner is better than the one I have. They drive similar. Biggest difference, obviously, is the International being a manual transmission & the Freightliner being automatic. That's the biggest thing I like about the Freightliner.
I left Prime in mid summer (went to local work), but I was originally given a 2012 lightweight international. However, due to sever electrical problems which kept me in Springfield for 2 weeks, i was given a 2015 freigtliner. Having experienced both of them myself, I would take the international for the space any day. Note: I was company and reefer divisions
Thank you for sharing this. I'm trying to decide now if I want the LW or not. I'm going OTR, and I just may live out of my truck for a year. The money I saw will go towards a house and leasing a truck. It may be Spartan, but I'm a old soldier not unaccustomed to go hard for a period of time.
I'm glad you are enjoying my videos. One thing I should have mentioned is, you have to remember that getting your own truck is months down the road. You will have plenty of time to worry about what type truck you end up with (keep in mind, if you plan on going company, you largely don't have a choice. You get the next truck available. Also, outside of Decatur/Bellevue, there aren't many LW trucks in tanker. Every company tanker driver I know is in a full size truck). Good luck to you.
+John Ogren I understand. Thanks for responding. I thought a driver was given a choice due to the fact that they have two different mileage pay rates, as stated on the website. Is Prime going to which pay rate I want for me...?
+RT Mason That's a good question. As noted, I don't know any company tanker drivers in a LW. I was given the impression they weren't given a choice. Once I decided to lease, I didn't ask more questions about the company side. I'll see if I can get more info before I do the tanker options video.
+John Ogren I saw it under the "ACE Orientation / 40,000 mile" header on the website here: www.primeinc.com/truck-driver-career-path. I would love some clarification on the matter. I'm looking forward to your tanker video. Man, if you were a trainer, I would most definitely request you.
+RT Mason I will ask, but to play devil's advocate, I don't read that they give you a choice - just that there are 2 pay rates based on LW vs full size. FYI, that quoted rate is for reefer, not tanker. Tanker starting pay for a company driver is 45 cents per mile.
can you hook up game consoles ? can you bring weights in case you want a workout ? and what about bathroom ? where do you go if your no where close by a truck stop ?
All Prime trucks & most major trucking companies offer power inverters so you can run a game console. Weights for working out may be more of a problem because you are so conscious of maximum limits - 80,000 lbs overall plus limits on steer axle, drive axles & trailer axles. Most shippers want to be able to ship the maximum (and even bend the rules), so adding several pounds for working out can be a problem. As to bathroom breaks - yeah, it can be a problem to find a place sometimes. To be honest, sometimes an empty bottle is your friend. It's not one of the prettiest parts of trucking, but it is the reality. Sometimes there's no other way...
Well, I don't have to worry about that. Lease dedicated doesn't pay different depending on full size or LW trucks. If I did OTR, I'd prefer a full size midroof, but would still be lease, so the fuel bonus wouldn't be a deciding factor.
I lease, but Prime does offer a lease purchase option. First time leasing, you pick from what's available on the lot. After 3 months, you can order a truck customized how you want.
Hello John, I really enjoy your videos and always learn something new. I always assumed the higher roof equaled more headroom but I realize after watching, this isn't necessarily true (good to know) ! I know you're home each night so you don't use it often but can taller folks stretch out in that bed or are you crouched into the fetal position ? I'm 6'3" and you appear to be a tall or taller guy as well. Thanks again for your videos !
That's a good idea for a next video. Overall, I like them. They aren't overly loud, but they definitely sound like train horns, and are "loud enough." Looking back, I'd buy them again.
So do you like running tankers? I'm trying to get on with Prime, and trying to decide between tanker or flatbed divisions. I'm looking for something more physically challenging, but not too overwhelming.
Heading to Springfield in a week. Probably going tanker, looks like that is what Prime has a need for. I expect to get this kind of tractor after I complete it all and go solo. I also want to stay out there. No roots here at all, the road will be my home for a bit. I'm totally realistic and have few expectations, a perfect company man you could say. Question: Is a full sleeper unusual for a tanker? Seems all I see are day cabs and lightweights. Really like your videos, no music no extras just straight shooting. ~Thanks Much!
Rico Z OTR companies will have sleeper cab trucks. Prime probably gives company drivers on the tanker side (and flatbed) more full size trucks than these lightweight ones. Still would assume on getting a lightweight & be pleased if you get the full size
Not really. There is a North East regional available, but it's not dedicated to AAK Newark. There are a few "informal" dedicated routes available to clients we deliver to daily, but those are usually given to experienced drivers.
I like it. Of course, my experience is different from an OTR driver, with significant home time. The people I know who are OTR with Prime are mostly happy too.
+Romans 10:15 I started as PSD last January 12th. The training program has changed since I went through, but I'm hearing good things about the current version. Keep in mind throughout that it's YOUR schooling, YOUR CDL, YOUR "tech school" (TNT), and if something seems off, YOU are the one who loses out. Don't be afraid to "rock the boat" and ask for a new trainer if you don't think you're learning all you need to be successful in this career. In the end, YOU need to control your training. Good luck!
You didn't say a thing about the most important parts. The drive line. The shift handle says 9 speed Fuller-Eaton Road Ranger. Is it convertible to a 13? What kind of engine? Horsepower rating? And what gear ratio in the differentials ? It doesn't matter what the interior is like if you don't have the power and gears to do the job. Especially pulling smooth-bore tanks. Believe me, pulling a shotgun with a Big Cam 4, 290 Cummings and a 9 speed ain't no fun.
I have a LW because I do dedicated and it requires the LW. Most lease ops have full size trucks. Company drivers are assigned trucks, but a request can be made for a full size truck.
+Tevin Young I do alright. I'm sure there are places I could make more, & I know there are places I could make less. I like the dedicated account since I get home so frequently. Good luck with your decision.
KulinBan777 illegal? overly dramatic much? there are several companies besides Prime that use LW tractors for OTR, including JB Hunt & Schneider. I know several drivers that have them as OTR drivers & do more than fine with the extra money they earn for driving them...
KulinBan777 you certainly are entitled to your opinion, but no one at Prime is forced to drive a LW truck. company drivers who request a condo are typically counseled that they are giving up $5-7k a year by not driving the small truck, but are allowed to wait on an available full size. as I said in another video - I think the "LW truck issue" is pretty overblown at Prime
+Ken Hemphill Well, I've only lived in close proximity to the Decatur, IN terminal for the last 2 months - basically the same amount of time I've had this truck. Check out the video of my old Prime Freightliner lightweight, which I "lived in" for several weeks at a time. I took the passenger seat out and put in extra shelves and a cooler and microwave. It's very do-able for an OTR driver, and I know several who do, happily, even without removing the passenger seat. ruclips.net/video/Y3XtA0vHsxM/видео.html
Oh, man. such a small truck with slow truck. causing traffic jam all the time! lol. I wonder prime driver retention rate with pretty colorful trucks these days.
The radio is Bluetooth enabled. If you want a fridge, in a LW, you need to remove the passenger seat & buy your own. In a full size trucks (condo or midroof) there is a cabinet for a fridge, but with Prime either way you will need to buy your own.
Hello, Im interested in the tanker division. Can you tell me what are the lease payment on the light weights o full size casicada mid roof range? Do they give you a week or two of no truck payment to help you get on your feet? I would be otr tanker. How many loads can you do in a week? Are there tools that i will need to buy for tanker? how long are leases 1 year? Can you give me a example of a typical load and what it would cost for you to deliver. I need to know what 71 percent is. There is very little info on prime tanker . I would like a drivers thoughts I know this is a lot. Any question you can answer would be greatly appreciated Thanks Aaron Also What is mpg pulling loaded tanker with that truck? How do you handle tankwash and deadhead as a lease operator?
Wow, lots of questions there. I'll do my best... First off, check out Success Leasing's website (Prime's leasing company - www.successleasing.com/inventory-2/ ) to see payments. Tanker is a 4 year lease. If you come to Prime as an "A" seat driver (experienced OTR), they have the "start right" program for leasing, which guarantees $1000 profit the first 3 weeks. Otherwise, they give you the first week deferred. The number of loads you can do a week depends on a lot of things. For example, if you run New Jersey to California, you might not have anything else. I do the dedicated account frequently do 2 loads a day. Our shortest load is 30 miles out of where I run, and the longest is about 200. To give you a real world example, last week I generated $3950 of revenue on 7 loads and my take home, before taxes, was $1830. MPG runs anywhere from 7-9 depending on how much you run your pump, idle and how you shift. I tend to be high 7's partly because I run faster than most. Cont...
Tools - yes, there are some specific items you will have to buy. Fittings from Prime for the hoses and a "big wrench" (combination 4" & 5"). The Prime items are about $500 and they will break up the payments if you co-ordinate with your FM. You will also need a few "normal" tools as well, but nothing you should have to go out and buy - unless you don't have many tools on hand. Prime will provide you a recommended list.
Thank you for answering my question. Yes it was a lot. You have helped me and i appreciate that. Have a great evening. thanks again for all the great info Aaron
So far which Light Weight Truck do you like better Freightliner or International?
I really liked the International. More space inside for sure. Supposedly the new body style (p4) Freightliner is better than the one I have. They drive similar. Biggest difference, obviously, is the International being a manual transmission & the Freightliner being automatic. That's the biggest thing I like about the Freightliner.
I left Prime in mid summer (went to local work), but I was originally given a 2012 lightweight international. However, due to sever electrical problems which kept me in Springfield for 2 weeks, i was given a 2015 freigtliner. Having experienced both of them myself, I would take the international for the space any day. Note: I was company and reefer divisions
Love it! More than I could ever need.
Thank you for sharing this. I'm trying to decide now if I want the LW or not. I'm going OTR, and I just may live out of my truck for a year. The money I saw will go towards a house and leasing a truck. It may be Spartan, but I'm a old soldier not unaccustomed to go hard for a period of time.
I'm glad you are enjoying my videos. One thing I should have mentioned is, you have to remember that getting your own truck is months down the road. You will have plenty of time to worry about what type truck you end up with (keep in mind, if you plan on going company, you largely don't have a choice. You get the next truck available. Also, outside of Decatur/Bellevue, there aren't many LW trucks in tanker. Every company tanker driver I know is in a full size truck). Good luck to you.
+John Ogren
I understand. Thanks for responding. I thought a driver was given a choice due to the fact that they have two different mileage pay rates, as stated on the website. Is Prime going to which pay rate I want for me...?
+RT Mason That's a good question. As noted, I don't know any company tanker drivers in a LW. I was given the impression they weren't given a choice. Once I decided to lease, I didn't ask more questions about the company side. I'll see if I can get more info before I do the tanker options video.
+John Ogren
I saw it under the "ACE Orientation / 40,000 mile" header on the website here: www.primeinc.com/truck-driver-career-path.
I would love some clarification on the matter. I'm looking forward to your tanker video.
Man, if you were a trainer, I would most definitely request you.
+RT Mason I will ask, but to play devil's advocate, I don't read that they give you a choice - just that there are 2 pay rates based on LW vs full size. FYI, that quoted rate is for reefer, not tanker. Tanker starting pay for a company driver is 45 cents per mile.
Big ups on the train horn!
Great truck mate, them sleeper size is common in Australia, you got more space than some Australian trucks
can you hook up game consoles ? can you bring weights in case you want a workout ? and what about bathroom ? where do you go if your no where close by a truck stop ?
All Prime trucks & most major trucking companies offer power inverters so you can run a game console. Weights for working out may be more of a problem because you are so conscious of maximum limits - 80,000 lbs overall plus limits on steer axle, drive axles & trailer axles. Most shippers want to be able to ship the maximum (and even bend the rules), so adding several pounds for working out can be a problem. As to bathroom breaks - yeah, it can be a problem to find a place sometimes. To be honest, sometimes an empty bottle is your friend. It's not one of the prettiest parts of trucking, but it is the reality. Sometimes there's no other way...
Would you take a little less pay for the larger more comfortable trucks???
Well, I don't have to worry about that. Lease dedicated doesn't pay different depending on full size or LW trucks. If I did OTR, I'd prefer a full size midroof, but would still be lease, so the fuel bonus wouldn't be a deciding factor.
Is it just a lease or is it a lease to own. Can you pick what kind of truck you want
I lease, but Prime does offer a lease purchase option. First time leasing, you pick from what's available on the lot. After 3 months, you can order a truck customized how you want.
how much money you make on dedicated?
What's your concept for Light Weight ?
A small sleeper?????
Hector Drake small sleeper is Prime's lightweight, yes
Someone is a Horror Freight shopper.
Hello John,
I really enjoy your videos and always learn something new. I always assumed the higher roof equaled more headroom but I realize after watching, this isn't necessarily true (good to know) ! I know you're home each night so you don't use it often but can taller folks stretch out in that bed or are you crouched into the fetal position ? I'm 6'3" and you appear to be a tall or taller guy as well. Thanks again for your videos !
Mark Szmyd it's the same size as a twin bed. yeah, I'm 6'6" and can stretch out just fine. thanks for watching
Good to know. Thank you !
So I could remove the passenger seat in a lightweight truck?
Kay D yes
I wanna hear the train horns ! I'm thinking about buying those horns from the truck stop but don't know if it sounds good or not
That's a good idea for a next video. Overall, I like them. They aren't overly loud, but they definitely sound like train horns, and are "loud enough." Looking back, I'd buy them again.
So do you like running tankers? I'm trying to get on with Prime, and trying to decide between tanker or flatbed divisions. I'm looking for something more physically challenging, but not too overwhelming.
why they make light weight truck I rather a regular truck I need space
1) Merry Christmas
2) a "regular" truck can't haul as much weight as a LW. 🤔🤷♂️
@@JohnOgren Merry Christmas wooow thank you I did not know that I just learn something thanks
Which L/W did you like better? I heard those International's have more breakdowns or is that just B.S.? Thanks again John.
Mark Blake I like my Prostar. my Freightliner was in the shop more often
John Ogren is it for sale?.
@@JohnOgren what type of engine does it have?
@@yahia627 that one had an N13
ماشاء الله VERY Nice
Dud you connect the air line from the air horn to the train horn?
Heading to Springfield in a week. Probably going tanker, looks like that is what Prime has a need for. I expect to get this kind of tractor after I complete it all and go solo. I also want to stay out there. No roots here at all, the road will be my home for a bit.
I'm totally realistic and have few expectations, a perfect company man you could say.
Question: Is a full sleeper unusual for a tanker? Seems all I see are day cabs and lightweights. Really like your videos, no music no extras just straight shooting. ~Thanks Much!
Rico Z OTR companies will have sleeper cab trucks. Prime probably gives company drivers on the tanker side (and flatbed) more full size trucks than these lightweight ones. Still would assume on getting a lightweight & be pleased if you get the full size
Works for me bro, thanks for the videos and the reply.
o ok. am I able to remove the seat even if I decide to be a company driver?
Tyrone Moore Jr yes. many company drivers do
John, I would put that truck back before some guy named "Moose" comes back. :-)
Is there a Newark NJ dedicated account for tanker?
Not really. There is a North East regional available, but it's not dedicated to AAK Newark. There are a few "informal" dedicated routes available to clients we deliver to daily, but those are usually given to experienced drivers.
Are you making any money by leasing?
In a word, yes. I have more to say on the topic, so thanks - leasing vs. company vs. dedicated will be an upcoming video. Watch for it!
What's the weight difference ?
d prowler depends on what you're comparing it to, but 2-3k lbs is fair
is it enough room for a refrigerator?
Tyrone Moore Jr with the passenger seat removed, yes, a fridge will fit.
How do you like driving for prime?
I like it. Of course, my experience is different from an OTR driver, with significant home time. The people I know who are OTR with Prime are mostly happy too.
Cool I am joining the Team in Jan Thanks for the feed back
+Romans 10:15 I started as PSD last January 12th. The training program has changed since I went through, but I'm hearing good things about the current version. Keep in mind throughout that it's YOUR schooling, YOUR CDL, YOUR "tech school" (TNT), and if something seems off, YOU are the one who loses out. Don't be afraid to "rock the boat" and ask for a new trainer if you don't think you're learning all you need to be successful in this career. In the end, YOU need to control your training. Good luck!
right on man thank you
You didn't say a thing about the most important parts. The drive line.
The shift handle says 9 speed Fuller-Eaton Road Ranger. Is it convertible to a 13?
What kind of engine? Horsepower rating?
And what gear ratio in the differentials ?
It doesn't matter what the interior is like if you don't have the power and gears to do the job.
Especially pulling smooth-bore tanks. Believe me, pulling a shotgun with a Big Cam 4, 290 Cummings and a 9 speed ain't no fun.
How did you mount that tv
SemenShooter2k13 prime detail shop
I also have a pro star lw, how d'you mount that tv in there?
Prime's detail shop & the company store mounting bracket
Call me crazy but I always thought International had way better interior than Frieghtliner especially the 2020
Yeah, I would have to have the fridge and microwave to save money.
Do you have to get a lw?
I have a LW because I do dedicated and it requires the LW. Most lease ops have full size trucks. Company drivers are assigned trucks, but a request can be made for a full size truck.
How is the tanker side there at prime ?
I like it. It's all food grade, so no Hazmat or all that PPE. The downside of food grade is non baffled tanks, so surge can be significant.
+John Ogren is the money good ? If so I'm really interested n joining lease OTR for the tanker
+Tevin Young I do alright. I'm sure there are places I could make more, & I know there are places I could make less. I like the dedicated account since I get home so frequently. Good luck with your decision.
we all know what the puppy pads are really for
lmbo
I know you got a dedicated line but putting an OTR driver in one of these lightweights is illegal
KulinBan777 illegal? overly dramatic much? there are several companies besides Prime that use LW tractors for OTR, including JB Hunt & Schneider. I know several drivers that have them as OTR drivers & do more than fine with the extra money they earn for driving them...
John Ogren obviously I didn't mean illegal as in "illegal", these trucks should only be used as back up trucks
KulinBan777 you certainly are entitled to your opinion, but no one at Prime is forced to drive a LW truck. company drivers who request a condo are typically counseled that they are giving up $5-7k a year by not driving the small truck, but are allowed to wait on an available full size. as I said in another video - I think the "LW truck issue" is pretty overblown at Prime
ok thanks
I can understand a regional guy thats home every weekend using something like that, but how in the heck is an OTR driver supposed to live in that?
+Ken Hemphill Well, I've only lived in close proximity to the Decatur, IN terminal for the last 2 months - basically the same amount of time I've had this truck. Check out the video of my old Prime Freightliner lightweight, which I "lived in" for several weeks at a time. I took the passenger seat out and put in extra shelves and a cooler and microwave. It's very do-able for an OTR driver, and I know several who do, happily, even without removing the passenger seat. ruclips.net/video/Y3XtA0vHsxM/видео.html
Those are playboys and one car magazine
Sebastian Lopez lol
i know gyes who pretty much lost their house because of those trucks wouldn’t touch one for free or farm
If you stay in a lease truck while losing enough money to lose your home, you're a moron
With all the Equipment u have Installed ur truck is easy around or over 18 000 pounds.
That's not really light weight. ..
Hector Drake thanks for watching. I look forward to seeing your videos on this and other topics
Shes nice
Okkkk
Oh, man. such a small truck with slow truck. causing traffic jam all the time! lol. I wonder prime driver retention rate with pretty colorful trucks these days.
is that truck equipped with bluetooth for your cell ? refrigerator ??
The radio is Bluetooth enabled. If you want a fridge, in a LW, you need to remove the passenger seat & buy your own. In a full size trucks (condo or midroof) there is a cabinet for a fridge, but with Prime either way you will need to buy your own.
Hello, Im interested in the tanker division. Can you tell me what are the lease payment on the light weights o full size casicada mid roof range? Do they give you a week or two of no truck payment to help you get on your feet? I would be otr tanker. How many loads can you do in a week? Are there tools that i will need to buy for tanker? how long are leases 1 year? Can you give me a example of a typical load and what it would cost for you to deliver. I need to know what 71 percent is. There is very little info on prime tanker . I would like a drivers thoughts I know this is a lot. Any question you can answer would be greatly appreciated Thanks Aaron Also What is mpg pulling loaded tanker with that truck? How do you handle tankwash and deadhead as a lease operator?
Wow, lots of questions there. I'll do my best... First off, check out Success Leasing's website (Prime's leasing company - www.successleasing.com/inventory-2/ ) to see payments. Tanker is a 4 year lease. If you come to Prime as an "A" seat driver (experienced OTR), they have the "start right" program for leasing, which guarantees $1000 profit the first 3 weeks. Otherwise, they give you the first week deferred. The number of loads you can do a week depends on a lot of things. For example, if you run New Jersey to California, you might not have anything else. I do the dedicated account frequently do 2 loads a day. Our shortest load is 30 miles out of where I run, and the longest is about 200. To give you a real world example, last week I generated $3950 of revenue on 7 loads and my take home, before taxes, was $1830. MPG runs anywhere from 7-9 depending on how much you run your pump, idle and how you shift. I tend to be high 7's partly because I run faster than most. Cont...
Prime pays for all tank washes. Not sure what your question about deadheading is. You are responsible for all miles, loaded and deadhead.
Tools - yes, there are some specific items you will have to buy. Fittings from Prime for the hoses and a "big wrench" (combination 4" & 5"). The Prime items are about $500 and they will break up the payments if you co-ordinate with your FM. You will also need a few "normal" tools as well, but nothing you should have to go out and buy - unless you don't have many tools on hand. Prime will provide you a recommended list.
Thank you
how did u mount your tv
I had the Detail Shop in Springfield mount it using the mount sold in the company store.