Moving From Reefer To Dump Truck

I ran my last reefer load for Prime and turned in my truck today after 3 years.

I’m starting a new job on June 2nd driving a dump truck for a local aggregate and cement company in Branson, MO. This company is growing now opening a facility in Springfield, MO. I’ll be driving out of the Branson plant. Only 20 minutes commute. This company niche is commercial and residential construction projects. Avoids road work projects.

I’ll ride with two experienced Mack dump truck drivers my first week to learn the ropes. I may end up with a newer truck based on what I was told. Drivers do lite preventative maintenance on their truck (oil change, lube, etc.). No heavy tire changes. Been awhile since I worked on a vehicle, but I can do it.

Hourly pay, probably average 45 hours weekly. Paid bi-weekly. Not much upside, but will be nice working a regular schedule with weekends off. Less money than OTR , but I’ll be home. That was the goal.

Took five months from first interview in late December to close the deal. The company decided to put off hiring until Spring when construction work picked up again and took possession of new trucks. I stayed in contact with the hiring managers just to let them know that I was very interested in the job.

Following is a summary of my paid miles from 2022 to 2025 as a Prime solo company driver. My view is that solo company drivers are lowest priority for available loads. Prime is mostly a lease operation with emphasis on teaming. My company Fleet Manager was pushing teaming constantly. Never pushed me to lease.

2022: 21,605 mi (May - July); 59 days (off Aug-Nov for injury); 2,573 mi/wk (incls all DT)

2023: 114,704 mi; 322 days; 2,493 mi/wk (incls all DT) Freight slowdown started in April

2024: 94,598 mi; 287 days (off 26 days for personal bus.); 2,307 mi/wk

2025: 39,131 mi (thru 5/23 last day); 122 days; 2,245 mi/wk (incls all DT)

Totals: 270,038 miles paid; 790 days available to dispatch; 2,393 mi/wk (incls all downtime)

The last two months OTR have been lowest average miles. Had three 34 resets and multiple waits of ~24 hours waiting to arrive at customers as allowed. Many customers restrict early arrivals.

I am grateful to Prime for the opportunity to obtain my CDL and to drive for three years. Prime was only company willing to give me a chance back in 2022.

Yep, totally get it. I am jumping ship too. I won't announce anything until I'm on with the new place though.