How To Fail At Prime (or any other Trucking company or business)
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- čas přidán 8. 05. 2020
- Do you want to fail at Prime, CR England, XPO, CRST, Swift, Schneider, Knight, Landstar or any other Lease Operator company?
Here's how.
Like these videos? Interested in becoming a driver for Prime? Visit driveforprime.com/?r=PAUJAJ and if you sign up, tell them JJ Paulson (Driver Code PAUJAJ) sent you. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
So it turns out that "troll" wasn't a troll at all. He replied to my comment before this vid launched and was just doing his research and wanted my take on it.
I apologized to him for what this vid contains, but it's still really good info that should be shared. He was OK with it, and for that I'm thankful.
Like these videos? Interested in becoming a driver for Prime? Visit driveforprime.com/?r=PAUJAJ and if you sign up, tell them JJ Paulson (Driver Code PAUJAJ) sent you.
I got question it's easy to buy home as leasing purchase with the cost of your bills?
With the cost of MY bills, yes. I could definitely do it if that were the path I was choosing. I've instead chosen to invest in the new truck, possibly a fleet, and to really beef up my 401k since I'm behind on it.
Here's the real simple answer... I'll be set to clear around $85,000 this year after expenses, but before taxes and health insurance. What could you do with that income?
People don't need to feel failed they should be learning from the mistakes.
I am im the research phase myself.
Currently between prime inc and knight transportation.
I live in central AZ
Both pretty good companies. Those were my final 2 contenders as well.
The message is live within your means. First few years to live within your means unless you are wealthy to start with you will be living in a shack down by the river. It isn't so bad at least you will have roof over your head! Best of luck!
Or just live in the truck like I did.
You hit it on the nail head. So many people don’t have any business owning a truck. They think the settlement is their paycheck and never set anything aside. I went thru a divorce and lost everything. Went to CRST leased a truck and paid it off in a year and a half. This was about 18 to 20 years ago but I paid my taxes child support and saved everything else. I have owned my own authorities go 11 years now. Last year the doctors thought I had covid. I was lucky it was a bunch of other stuff and not covid. I was off for 3.5 months. My house hold bills are 2800. I have a modest 3 bedroom ranch nothing flashy or huge. My business experience is 5100.00 a month. With being off all that time everything was still paid and we didn’t fall behind. My friends call me cheap because I save every penny I can. If your going into this business you need to be this way.
Out for 3 1/2 months, but lucky it wasn’t Covid? Unless you’re over 70, morbidly obese or have other serious problems, you have a 99.9% chance of being just fine from Covid.
💯🎯. Well said👍🏼
You have put out some really good information in this video. I'm definitely going company. I want the health insurance and the 401k. I don't need a car, nor a house. My car and house will be an 80k pound killing machine. LOL. I don't need all the toys, I need a comfortable place to sleep. I watched your video on how you set your truck up... You gave me some really great ideas for me when I get my own truck. Thanks for making the video.
Excellent, glad I could help Capt.
This is sound advice for life period. Keep up the good content my dude.
Thanks Cory.
You’re spot on with everything you said in this video!!!!!
Thanks Ted.
Thank you for the advice brother. Prime is recruiting me like crazy.
Any time. Glad to hear it. If you haven't used a referral code yet, feel free to use mine 😊
PAUJAJ
JJ you seriously run a top notch channel, so many people have channels but never interact with questions or comments from subscribers, that is certainly not you. Grateful for you immensely. Silly question here, I’m sure I know the answer because human nature is what it is but I’ll ask your opinion anyway, why do you think so many people speak negatively about financial opportunities being a L/O? More specifically with Prime? I don’t get it, it seems to me if a person is safe, honest with person booking the loads for them and stays out long enough to log some good miles, given those parameters how can a person not make a good living? I understand what they do with the revenue is a different conversation but as far as making it to begin with, it seems to me be safe, communication with dispatch and consistently be available for loads, revenue will be there, am I naive or wrong? Kind of like, throw enough spaghetti on the wall some will stick, or be out running safe and the revenue will come. Your thoughts and again thank you JJ for your hard work for all of us.
I head out to salt lake tomorrow afternoon for orientation next week! Great advice thank you for making these vids
Outstanding Don. Glad the tests went well. You're on your way!
Thanks your vids helped me make the decision on prime very good work
Glad I could help. That's what it's all about.
Very good content and great advice for any owner operator! Keep it up 👍
Thanks Pickaxe.
Good advice for all to follow!
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice. It's true for any business or 1099 contractor. Taxes first. Toys second. I like you videos. Thanks.
I am not a trucker but I am a pilot car driver and everytime I get a check I place the estimated taxes into a savings account. That way when my quarterly taxes are due I have the money to pay Uncle Sam. Luckily I make enough per mile to cover all of my taxes and costs.
Maybe I will see you on the road some day.
Thanks, Chip. I do the same. Be sure to wave if you see me!
How's pilot job working out? I couldn't even spell pilot. Thank God for spellcheck.
Really good video for new lease drivers.
Thanks Jose
You're a good dude JJ. Keep that good head on your shoulders and be that success story people hear about.
Thanks Jason
Had to watch this again. I like financial videos. I think they can b the most helpful for new drivers
Right on Mark.
Can’t wait for the pay video!
Hey Brian, it may be a while. Want to get a full year's worth of data so it all makes sense, and I have to re-do the spreadsheet. I had forgotten about that link. Thanks for reminding me. I took down that post since yeah, it's family pics lol.
I'll post the spreadsheet with the vid.
I agree with you 100 percent
Great explanation.
Glad you liked it Brad
Thank you for another great video!!
And thank you Ryan. You're awesome and a great sport. Much appreciated.
JJ the Trucker have you thought about going live for Q&A session? Like Snorelord and Trucker Coach does.
I did a live not to long ago and am going to do another one after posting my paycheck video, so people can ask questions about it. That may be in the middle of this upcoming week, btw! :-)
JJ the Trucker Great news!! 👍🏻
This is great information JJ and I agree with what you are saying about setting aside 30% of your paycheck for taxes. I can see how this becomes problematic for some people because some will just spend buying what they want and procrastinate when it comes to setting aside tax money and others will set aside a few thousand dollars and then get tempted to spend it
Exactly. If you're the type to be tempted, put it in an E-fund that's held by the company or something.
Fantastic Advice. I don't know their story but I think they were people who probably turned down several loads.
Hi jj trucker I been watching your CZcams for a while and I really like what you doing
Thanks Nageye, I appreciate that.
Good info.
I just applied. I put your name in as the referral.
Woo Hoo! Thank you! 😊
I agree
Thanks Lyle.
Good advice
Thanks Claude
You better not get COVID! We can’t go without your videos brother . SEPARATION ANXIETY 😂🤣😂
😁😁😁😷
Caviar taste on a Budweiser budget
I saw the same video trucking with S*****na I thought the same thing. They left Prime for greener grass and well looks like the new job the grass not so green. I agree you have to save and pay your taxes. I was an owner op for about 9 yrs the NO# 1 thing that could destroy a small biss. owner was TAXES . I would rather owe the mob than Uncle Sam!!
Thanks Rod, I agree. Tthe MOB may riun a knee cap, but the IRS will ruin your whole life.
I actually agree with paying taxes tbh. I know there's a lot of waste, but there are many more benefits and good uses.
I always see comments from first year owner operators saying they make so much money, then you never hear from them again. I’d say at least five years in trucking to start buying toys.
Keep looking at more CZcams Channels for Prime. There are quite a few of us we'll over a year and even some over 5
I plan to go lease right after tnt and do that for a year or two while saving up for a truck through pedigree to own my own within 3 years. Im currently 27 with right around 1000 a month in personal bills and no property aside from 1 car thats laid off
You'll do great!
Keep in mind the lease purchase option through Success Leasing. It's a new truck (Pedigree is used but lower payments) and it's also paid off and yours in 3 years.
@@JJtheTrucker my plan with pedigree is to save enough and get lucky to find something of the curret year and buy outright. I only plan to stay out here maybe 5 years b4 going local.
@@JJtheTrucker truck in 3 house in 5
The failures are usually from lack or research, bad attitude, or unrealistic expectations. If i see people say "i lost my house, car etc" then i wonder why this person stayed in the contract for more than a few weeks? Really.. someone didnt know they would need to pay taxes? they could still afford all of that house and cars if they knew how to handle money. I am a company driver and paid $70k in debt my first 2 years. people suck. great video.
Thanks Kearsey. Big fan of your positive voice in trucking 😊
That's impressive Kearsey. If you have the type of mindset to save $35k/yr as a company driver you should seriously consider buying a truck and getting it paid off because you could probably save $70k-80k/yr. I've been doing it for years and it absolutely can be done and you have demonstrated that you can do it as well.
She's got a great mindset about Trucking and life. If you haven't seen her channel yet, I recommend it. I'd start with this one...
czcams.com/video/opUP-BKuH7Y/video.html
@@JJtheTrucker Thank you so much 😁💋
@@gsxr1189 well thank you very much i appreciate that. i have compared the settlements drivers were willing to give me, most only made a few cents per.mile more... and since im.old, benefits and 401k are more important to me right now lol. i love positive people helping others... so please stop by my channel as JJ said. I am mostly for new drivers trying to get into trucking with tips and advice and such. i appreciate experienced drivers giving insight. stay safe
LOL, I’ve seen that video too😂
Can you post the link I’m curious and would like to see it
Search quitting prime JSN
Sounds like they were trying to keep up with the Jones??? Maybe even pass them? This can be a tough gig to get out of if you don't have a little will power? I know the child support don't help but it should be a priority if your a responsible dad or father would you agree? I not perfect either but the school of hard knocks can a good teacher sometimes.... I would also like to say good advice on learning to save and stay out of trouble with IRS I learned that one the hard way????
Thanks, and yes, I'd agree 💯
I also researched companies before coming to prime. Some people don’t though. They just look for a pretty truck
I unfortunately think you're right. And Prime has some of the prettiest trucks out there lol.
I would say pay yourself a salary leave the rest for business and only use it for business let it build. But if bills are that high miscalculated income.
Iv seen that video it’s probably three years old now. They also explain that they sat a lot and dispatcher didn’t keep them moving. Talk to any experienced percentage prime driver and they will all tell you that your dispatcher is everything. I for one would defiantly not be at prime if it wasn’t for mine. Since then they have switched to Landstar and have reported making good money there. Prime is good but not for everybody
You're right, a dispatcher can make or break you. At 1st they will run you hard & keep those wheels turning, giving you that false sense of accomplishment, BUT! the 1st time you have an issue or for some unforseen reason you need some hometime to deal with other life's uncertanties, a dispatcher with personal problems or have some type of character flaw will have you sitting or have you taking low paying loads all the time they know your 1st priority is that TRUCK NOTE!!!! I talk to a few former Prime L/O and the horror stories was just sad and hearbreaking to hear. NEVER, EVER PUT YOUR FUTURE OR LIFE'S GOALS IN THE HANDS OF ANOTHER MISERABLE HUMAN WITH NOTHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO OR LOOSE...
1st mistake was signing a least to start with
And the last mistake was not doing your research before making such a comment. Not all leases are the same. Had you watched more than this one video from me (from what, 2 years ago?), you'd see how well the Prime leases did for me and how it set me up for success, even when things are going to take a downward turn). Ot to mention so many others from Prime that have CZcams channels and lease. Nearly all with excellent success.
If most succeed and you fail, chances are its you that's the problem. And that's exactly what happened to the people mentioned in this video.
One thing to remember. As a company driver the company pays half your FICA, about 6.5%. As a 1099/lease-op/O-O you pay the whole about 13%. So if you net only 6.5% more as 1099, etc. you’re just breaking even compared to employee. Doesn’t in anyway change the point of your video. You are spot on. I’m hoping to start with Prime about July, BTW.
Great point Tedd. That is exactly true. Fortunately for me, I make way more than that 6.5% over company as you'll see next week.
1/2 is 7.65% not 6.5% tho but with those numbers I'd vote for you if you were a politician.
Lol
Once a truck is paid off it still has maintenance bills. then things start to fail like a rear diff, turbo, fuel injectors ect.. i know from experience.
That is very true, which is why I didn't want a used truck. What I do with this truck once it's paid off is still in the air. Depends on how well it's running.
The couples channel is a joke. They act like 15 year olds. Saw you at Flying J in Aurora, OR the other day! Sorry it took me so long to pull out on to the main road! (Cheema truck) I have never seen that kind of traffic on that road before! Nice truck BTW!
Thanks Bobby but I don't think that was me. I've been all over the east coast and Midwest for a couple of weeks now. Haven't been to OR in a while.
Did a lease deal with BLC they subcontractor with prime and prime was good to me no issues expect one the biggest one never ever could get me home I had home time requested 3 weeks in advance but sure enough of the week of my home time was shoot up to PA NJ n kept getting the run around from dispatch to his manager n got fed up n left to a better position that was only deal with prime truck was great loads were good too but the home time thing was my only problem I would give up 3 weeks solid to run n never once got home to Laredo area never once can you believe that
Wow, that would suck. I can't speak for BLC, but with Prime, as an owner op or lease op, you can turn down any load and dictate where you want to go, and when. To an extent, of course.
JJ the Trucker when i worked at BLC the owner was great yes we had up and down but he was good to me but to my other buddy he wasnt at that time we were able to turn down loads and it would frustrate me so much cause i would always be in PA NJ NY all that area when tried to come out they send me back out and say well thats all we got better take it so you can keep moving
JJ the Trucker I recently found your channel and have to say good stuff
Thanks Anthony.
@@JJtheTrucker so if I went to prime as a lease op could I request only to run the north east??
Paying taxes is serious business. The IRS will always get their money. That 30% is not your money set it aside right away just like JJ says. Don't even think about touching it.
They didn't fail at Prime. They failed far before stepping into a truck.
Exactly. Thank you.
they are ne’er do wells. The guy watched as his wife hauled chains into the garage - So sad. They will blame everyone but themselves. Their numbers just do not make any sense either - something is fugazzi- there is more to their story.
Great video!!! Are you a TNT trainer?? Looking for a good one!
Thanks but nope. Not for me.
If you're interested in driving a manual, I'd recommend Junior Honduras. Other than that, Prime will do their best to pair you with someone with your personality type. It may take a try or 2, but that's not a bad thing either. I learned more from 3 trainers than from just 1.
This video sounds familiar, but I just can’t place it. Does anyone have the link?
I decided to be a company driver until I became debt Free. House and vehicles are paid off.
So you recommend a Tax Accountant?
Amen
Well said JJ. You have to be prepared and aware of the business side of trucking
It's funny when people talk about lease purchase failures they don't talk about the failures that happen with people who buy their trucks, who had their own authority. It's like a person can't fail if they bought their truck but it's automatic failure if you lease purchase.
Exactly! At least I can walk away clean if I want or need to.
Hey JJ. I need a career change! Looking into Prime to go for the schooling to get my CDL and work for Prime. Biggest thing is to support my family better. How is the take home pay per week?
Depends if you're company or lease. Each have their advantages and disadvantages of course. Check out my interview with The Oakdale Trucker. We kinda go over that. He's company and I'm lease. I average about $1600/week but I have to get benefits and 401k on my own.
There is business insurance, correct - to fill the gap , if you are not able to work , they will pay lease as well as salary. ?
When you become a lease Operator, a driver then forms a Pc or business ?? Yes or no
So when you get paid , you get paid under your LLC. Name ?
Excellent questions Michael. I'm not an expert on insurances but there are a variety of options out there that are worth exploring. As for me, I saved the money in an emergency fund of my own so that if anything happens, I'm covered and don't have to worry about it. I'll be okay. The answer to both of your other questions is yes.
What can you write off as a truck driver? I would think you should be able to write off your mileage or no? Here at home I never pay in anything because my miles cover everything I owe in taxes. IRS gives you .57 per mile to write off. I don’t know if it’s different for truck driving. I drive my own Ford Transit van and deliver with it.
That's a great question, and once I do my taxes next year, I'll know more. For now, my CPA (dedicated Trucking CPA) recommends 25% of net income. I'm sure it'll work out to much less than that after write-offs, but I'll also be in a higher tax bracket than I'm used to.
JJ the Trucker I mean you’re paying a lease on a truck, paying the fuel, 1099 contractor. I don’t see why you wouldn’t deduct all of your miles. I’ve asked other truck drivers as well but I never really got an answer on that. Seems like if I can write off my miles, you should be able to as well.
JJ the Trucker I just looked it up on intuit and got my answer pasting the reply below:
Melaine
Melaine
New Member
May 31, 2019 9:46 PM
Yes, you can deduct per diem, like meals, lodging, cabs, dry cleaning, etc., if your assignment away from your main workplace is temporary (expected to last, and does last, for one year or less). If your assignment is indefinite (expected to last for more than one year) then your new workplace becomes your tax home and you cannot deduct your job related expenses. If you do qualify, you can then use this Portal To Determine Per Diem Rate. Select the year in the drop down menu, then choose your State for the current rate. See more on Per Diem in article below.
Regarding your mileage, unfortunately, trucks are excluded from the standard mileage deduction. However, you can still claim expenses tied to the use of your truck such as; Gas, maintenance (oil change, tires, cleaning etc.), anything you have to pay in order to maintain your truck and keep it running. If you are a truck owner operator, you can also include;
Insurance
Interest Payments
Leasing fees
Depreciation
A rule of thumb regarding things you can expense. If you were not driving the truck, would you have made that purchase? If no, keep the receipt and include on your taxes, they are your business expenses, from maps, to clothing (if required by employer), subscriptions to trade magazines etc.
ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4146014
Thanks for that great info.
JJ the Trucker yep you’re welcome
taxes taxes in trucking or anything can crush a person!
Only if you choose to not be prepared. I take out taxes every week and put them in a separate savings account so it's never a surprise when the tax bill is due. If anything, I'm the one crushing it! 😁
Are you a trainer? If so let me know if I can be your student I have already my CDL and coming to Springfield Missouri on Monday 29 June
Congratulations and welcome to the family! Hope to see you around. I'm not a trainer though. Here's why...
czcams.com/video/5bHY0NiKWBA/video.html
I just seen you pass me in Osage Beach Mo my home town on 5/10/20 around 1. Very nice looking truck in person.
Nice! Ya should honked or something lol.
Congratulations, you're the first subscriber to comment that they saw me or my truck out in the wild. 😝
Hey JJ, I live in Vegas and am thinking of getting into trucking. If you went to truck driving school here, Can you recommend a training school here in Vegas?
No, I didn't look at trucking schools. Why pay for something when you can get it for free, and better, plus a guaranteed job if you pass?
@@JJtheTrucker Wait, so I don't need to go to trucking school to be a driver? So, prime trains you and then gives you a job?
Exactly. There are a few trucking companies that do that. I researched them all and for me, Prime was the way to go. Free CDL course with a 1 year employment agreement, real CDL driving and training on the road, plus extensive training afterwards before they send you to the wolves on your own.
For more details, check out driveforprime.com/?r=PAUJAJ and if you sign up, tell them JJ Paulson (Driver Code PAUJAJ) sent you.
You can also watch my Orientation and PSD play lists to see what it was like for me.
What if you have high bills but save for taxes?
It's all about managing your money and your expectations. If you can take care of your financial responsibilities with a truck drivers pay, then great. The point is, don't think that any company should pay you based on your bills and if they don't, it's all their fault.
You remember that commercial of that guy with the brand new house, huge yard, new cars, and he’s riding his lawn mower when the guy on the commercial asks him “Steve, how do you do it?”
He then says, “I don’t, I’m up to my eyeballs in debt!” and puts a huge smile on his face.
Lol 😁😁😁👍
So how much do you make per month and how much of that gose to truck payment insurance running permits and other fees also name those other cost other than maintenance tire oil change is a given.
I'm working on a paycheck video where I break it all down, but I average about $1600/week after all expenses, before taxes.
@@JJtheTrucker wow I thought it would be much higher like 2200 you budget for living is thin food comfort how do you handle major break downs ac drive train apu repair tire are expensive as hell between tax and truck cost it gotta be less than 200.00 a week to live off of.
I think you misunderstood. It's a brand new truck. There are no major breakdowns. Maintenance is minimal. That $1600 includes a tire fund so that also includes tires. APU is under warranty. I put away 25% for estimated taxes so that's 1200/wk ($4800/ month) that goes toward my bills, food, etc. If I do have any major issues, I have an emergency fund that I can dip into as needed and then replenish over time.
@@JJtheTruckerthat sounds much different than what you described cant wait until your next video I live in lewisville I used to work on the texas regional account with prime I'm a local here in dallas now cant wait to see your next video.
Thanks Tommy
I failed at swift one time i am thinking about going to prime why because 1 you work there and a nother friend of mine that i have never met he is like you a good friend of i can call you that?
Absolutely John. And Ive met about 7 or 8 Prime drivers that used to work at Swift. You're not alone.
Thanks jj you and chad are both good friends
One question
What kind of miles do you run in any given week
It really varies. This year, theowest I've run (only counting full weeks) is 1708. The highest is 5433.
Keep in mind, those are hours submitted for the week, not actual driven miles in a 7 day period. I may have a load that started on Sunday that delivers on Thursday (the first day of payroll week). All those miles go on that following week. Through April, I drove 38,000 miles with about 4 full weeks off.
Last year I averaged 2258 / week, including time off.
Hope that info helps.
Thank you Sir For that information
Is your driver code GUZCAR?
It blows me away how people don't seem to understand net worth. Assets vs liabilities is very simple. Learn how to fill out a balance sheet.
Thanks Etac, I agree.
Americans hold more debt now then anytime in History. There is a whole Generation trapped in student debt that's used to everything being handed to them. There praying for a government bailout. I worked my ass off and saved my money. I put money I saved into my business and went without till I made enough money to support myself without working. If your buying all the toys when your younger you will suffer later in life.
I agree because that's what I did. I've learned from my 2 BKs. Now I'm debt free with savings and a great credit score. But I'm playing catch up with my retirement.
Or the difference between need vs want. Oh and the ability to NOT vape with children in the car.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💯💯
Lol right off
so what
If i say you fail i am sorry i am the failure not you
Hmmmmmmmmm, some wise words John.
I try to be wise but since the convd virus struck where i work i ng have been laid off for almost a month trying to get unemployment . But you know something thinfs will work out i have a interview sometime next week with a company that stores starbucks i woupd be in the wear house
Good luck 🤞
@@JJtheTrucker thanks jj
@@JJtheTrucker i dont know if i should stay with the company that laid me off or stay with the other company if they pay more i will stay with the wear house job
I do appreciate your teachings, but looks like you didn’t researched very well because better than Prime we have Crete Carriers. And other more smaller companies out there running by Uzbek and Russians that will give you the miles and good rates. But thank you for what you are doing, have a safe trip out there.
Thanks, SB. I've heard a lot of good things about Crete, but they don't hire without experience and train you from scratch like Prime does. Maybe once I get the experience I can start looking that way.
JJ the Trucker Yes you’re right without experience is a big NO. The only bad on them is the lease they check your credit and you have to put a down in front but out of that the company it’s very well organized.
You can take home 1600 a week with 2 days off at home in a company truck without all those headaches and risk.. just saying
With what company?
I am a retired cop with a very nice pension coming in. I don’t want or need to run 5 days a week. I want to drive when I want to, and can’t do that as a company driver - but can do that as a lease op
You could, but probably not with Prime. The truck payment is designed to make it so its paid off in 3 years, so it's really high. Having to go home and not piggy-backing loads one after the other wouldn't give you enough income to pay the truck payment and other line items. You'd have to own your own truck outright... OR... Look into a regional or local route that gets you home more frequently.
@@JJtheTrucker any ltl line haul company
Why does it sound like you have dry mouth in every video you make!
Cuz my mouth is dry?
If you don't like it, nobody's forcing you to listen to them. Just turn down the volume and use the closed caption instead.
Or you can drink water, or Soda, or you can lay-off the weed!
When I used to smoke, it was reeeeeeeealllly bad. Went through a LOT of water. Don't wanna drink too much or I'll be stopping at every truck stop to pee. 😂