Prime Route Transport, the 75-truck fleet accused of ELD cheating by a former driver, and linked to the Super Ego network by CBS reporting, responded to allegations to deny "any wrongdoing."
Prime Route had previously responded to Overdrive, but did not dispute any claims of ELD cheating at that time.
Late on Monday, after the article's publication, the fleet finally addressed the allegations broadly, but without providing specifics.
Overdrive's story on Monday shared data from the Central Analysis Bureau company illustrating that Prime Route shared 33 truck VINs recorded during roadside inspections with Trytime Transport LLC, another carrier entity CBS reporting linked to Super Ego.
[Related: Prime Route Transport, a Super Ego chameleon fleet, accused of ELD cheating with video evidence]
Trytime, according to CAB analysis, had some of the worst safety scores in all of trucking. (The company's authority was revoked in March.)
Prime Route's further comment did not deny the affiliation at all.
"In the transportation industry, it is not uncommon for leasing companies and affiliated entities to have overlapping equipment records due to leasing structures, fleet management arrangements, or equipment transitions," a spokesperson for Prime Route said.
On the specific allegations from Prime Route driver John Brashers -- skimming pay, not letting him view the lease, ELD cheating -- the fleet didn't get into detail.
"We are unable to disclose contractor-related information unless required through proper legal channels," the rep said. "Each driver independently signs a lease agreement as part of the onboarding process, and all documentation is provided directly to them electronically via their email."
Brashers denied that was the case.
Overdrive sent Prime Route a settlement document between the fleet and Brashers showing he'd driven more than 3,400 miles, grossed around $8,700, and only been paid $630, but the fleet said it was all aboveboard.
"Compensation, trip mileage, and any associated charges are handled in accordance with agreed contractual terms and documented records," Prime Route said.
Fundamentally, Prime Route's big bone to pick came down to Overdrive implying some wrongdoing on the fleet's behalf. Overdrive pointed out Prime Route's safety scores and HOS violation record, and posted video evidence of what driver Brashers said was a representative from the fleet engaging in ELD manipulation.
"At this time, we respectfully dispute any implication of wrongdoing based on incomplete or unverified information. We remain committed to operating in compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards," the rep said.
Overdrive does its best to allow anyone accused of wrongdoing or even mentioned in a story to respond to the allegations in the interest of fairness.
