Well it was real and it was fun; but it was not real fun. I gave it a try; but the lifestyle isnt for me. I went to SpringMo on 09/20/11 and passed my permit test on the first try. Went out with my trainer that Saturday and headed to Florida. Since there was too long of a wait for the test pad, we practiced my backing and maneuvering in a few TS parking lots. I did a good job since I had never done this before. After a few bouncy starts I got the hang of moving the truck. He had me do a straight forward, straight back, straight forward, offset back do a lap around the lot, and back in to the space I pulled out of. He said since I did such a good job he was going to up it a notch. He took the lid off of his almost full cup of coffee and set it on the top step on the drivers side and told me to repeat the maneuver again. If I spill his coffee I owe him a cup, if I dont he owes me a cup. Well he bought me a coffee.
As far as Prime goes, they were true to their word.
As far as my trainer goes, I was very fortunate. From the time I met him at the Millennium building we hit off. He was very hospitable and made sure I had space and that I was comfortable. He was impressed that I traveled light. We started off by running over to Wally World and made sure I had everything I needed. He made sure we had basic supplies (paper products, condiments etc ) so all I had to do is pick up food and bedding.
After a week on the road I decided that I didnt like OTR. I dont care how many hours I work. I just cant stand the down time or the waiting at a drop or a pick up. Im the type of person that if I run in to a slow spot, I switch to something more productive then I come back again. I guess that my type-A personality doesnt mesh with the hurry up and wait life style. Also if Im not working I rather be with my family, not hundreds of miles away bored and killing time.
It was a wonderful experience and I still would recommend Prime as a good starter company for anyone who needs to start from scratch (no CDL, no experience or no down payment) to get in to trucking.
As far as the drivers go, everyone that I met was nice and helpful.
Yes, someone leaving without bashing the company or blaming someone else. LOL
As far as the CPAP, I am glad I got it and have used it every single night. The wife is amazed at the difference it has made. No more snoring!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck and be safe out there
McBjork has past on Prime (a positive post)
Discussion in 'Prime' started by McBjork, Oct 23, 2011.
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It's not mentioned much, but students do have a week out with their instructors to decide if Prime or a trucker's lifestyle is for them. They can leave and go home free and clear of any school payment obligations. McBjork took advantage, made a good choice for what he feels best for himself. One of my first week buddy's did too. He went back to working for Ragu in KY.
The school is free if you complete the program and required employment. however there is a cost for leaving Prime after that first week and under a year. Leave after 6 months and you pay half, or free and clear after one year. Which means full price if less than 6 months. As I recall the full price is close to $4k. -
Good luck to you McBjork! This job is certainly not for everyone, and patience is something that you need a good helping of - along with a sense of humor, and many other things. Its much better to find out on the front end of this that its not for you, than further down the line.
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Good luck to ya man!! Hope it all works out for ya. As IP put it, not for everyone. Life on the road can be hard, if you dont enjoy it, youll never be able to handle it.
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Good luck to you McBjork! Whatever you do from now on, please keep the attitude you have. It is very mature and not something I often see. You made a very adult decision early enough on to make it the right one for you. I wish you well. And your title is right. It is a positive post, which is also fairly unusual.
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