PRIME LW/FS Truck Option

I know there are a couple Prime Inc people here :) ... So, I've searched the forum, but I have not found any 'recent' posting about my question: Do we get to choose to have a Full-Size truck after training, when we go solo, or are we just required to do lightweight trucks?

I read a post about 10 months ago where someone at PRIME said to "just ask for one (Full Size) at the office".

I will be with my dog (she's small) but I would still like the extra room because of that. On my orientation packet, it just says $.38 per mile + $.05 per mile for LW. That's about it.

Is this something I should ask my recruiter or just something I need to wait until I finish my training and ask at the office?

Thanks!

When I was speaking w/ a recruiter back in July, he said the LW was what would be issued if I went w/ the reefer division. I don't think I would've had any choice in the matter. For tank, I would've been issued a "full size" truck. I'm in the North East, not sure if that makes any difference. I wound up going w/ a different company, but Prime was very high on my list for truckload companies.

You'll be given a LW truck unless you have a pretty dang good reason of why you need a full size. And having a small dog, or the small dog being your reason just won't cut it.

The pay with a LW truck is really nice though. If we do the math, it's 440$ per 1,000 miles. For a fullsize, it's 380$ per 1,000 miles. That's a 60$ difference! Say it takes exactly two days. That's an extra 30$ per day.

So if you want to maximize your profits, I would want the LW truck.

However, just a "pro tip", I don't know if you're a big guy or not but you could say that you want a fullsize because of your size. Don't take me wrong, but being a big guy will land you in a fullsize pretty easily. But I don't know if this applies to you. They won't squeeze a 6'3" 250lb guy in one of these small trucks.

Also, from here on out you should let everyone within the company know you want a fullsize. Tell your recruiter, tell your instructor and trainer, tell your DM. When you go to that desk to get your keys the last thing you want to do is surprise them with your request. You want them to see it coming. It will only increase your chances.

Generally though, they reserve the fullsize trucks for Instructors and Trainers and everyone else behind them.

Thanks you two! Interesting, well, I will say - @Daniel, if you're the guy in the middle of your avatar, I'm probably smaller xD so I guess I can't really use the 'being too big' excuse, dang. I understand the math (I've read your other post about it) but I'm not really getting into this for the money (although, it is an importance). The lifestyle is what I want and I want to be comfortable where it's possible is all. A bigger truck will do that for me.

I can do as you suggested, by letting my recruiter and on to the DM know about it. I just don't want to seem like I'm bugging or trying to ask for special treatment or anything. So, how would I go about that in the best and polite way? I have a month before I start their school, if that matters at all.

Yeah I'm in the middle. To my left is Jopa. And to my right was my student Ken C.

Well you'll do fine either way. How old are you if you don't mind me asking?

The key is to not demand a fullsize truck, instead, politely ask. Something along the lines of "hey I was wondering, when I go solo would it be possible to be placed into a fullsize truck? It's not really a big deal for me but I would be a lot more comfortable in it even though it pays less."

Hahah, nice! I've seen Jopa around here (I lurk a lot)

Well, I'm 25 in December. It's just me and my small terrier. I am just really excited about getting into this, I know I have the right attitude for it. It's just, you know, everyone has their own things that keep them comfortable - I can't put my finger on it, but a regular full-size just seems right for me and my dog. Not to mention, I'm a gamer myself lol (told you I lurk!) and I do want to have a TV in there and stuff in the future. Not to mention the small times I am able to draw, I love the room I'd have lol. So, no, I won't dieee if I must be in a LW, it's just something I'd really love. I'll let my recruiter know it's something that I just really look forward into having the opportunity. Just have to hope they don't tell me, "You want full-size, then lease!!" D:

As Daniel stated, you'll need a good reason for a full size truck. Now, I'll pass on a secret to you I wish I knew when they assigned truck's out. There are 2 lightweights. Frieghtliner and intentional. The internationals are slightly roomier inside with Windows in the bunk and cabinet space. You'll know what type of truck you get assigned when you see the truck number. If it starts with a 6 it's a frieghtliner. (And omg I'm embarrassed but I forgot what the internationals start with. I want to say 5) I know 2 guys did this when I went thru and saw they got frieghtliners and immediately asked for internationals and got them)

Being at the lease office (where they assign truck's) first won't do you a bit of good. I took the first shuttle over instead of waiting till 9:00 like everyone else and found out the hard way they take you to a conference room and just start calling out names. Your truck is picked for you before you even get there in the morning.

You can try telling your recruiter this before you go and see what that gets you. And do yourself a favor and don't go telling everyone in orientation about the differences of the trucks or you'll get a bunch of people trying to do the same thing you're doing and lessen the chances of getting the better lightweight. (International)

Good luck!

Man, where were you when I was looking for a student that was in my age group? It's not comfortable training someone who is more than twice my age.

Terry, the internationals start with an 8 not a 5. And you're totally right about them having more room!

Thanks you two! Interesting, well, I will say - @Daniel, if you're the guy in the middle of your avatar, I'm probably smaller xD so I guess I can't really use the 'being too big' excuse, dang. I understand the math (I've read your other post about it) but I'm not really getting into this for the money (although, it is an importance). The lifestyle is what I want and I want to be comfortable where it's possible is all. A bigger truck will do that for me.

I can do as you suggested, by letting my recruiter and on to the DM know about it. I just don't want to seem like I'm bugging or trying to ask for special treatment or anything. So, how would I go about that in the best and polite way? I have a month before I start their school, if that matters at all.

Just wondering if you aren't in it for the money, why did you pick Prime instead of a company that only has the full size trucks?

I have been reading and researching for 6 months, that's what! xD that sucks, I'm sure we'd get along talking mad games lol!

Well alrighty, I will just ask my recruiter tomorrow by email - she's a super busy woman, but very helpful. I will just hope and pray, and if not - I think the international will be fine. I'll YouTube it right now lol.

Thank you guys, I really appreciate it. Dec 8th, I'm out to Prime and since it's getting closer, I'm all nervous but excited!