New Guy with a few questions

**dyslexicdancer** · 07.17.2012

I have been thinking about becoming a truck driver for a while now. I'm 39 and although my current job pays well, I can’t stand going to work each day. I have always thought being a Trucker would be enjoyable because I enjoy driving and I enjoy being alone. But to be honest, while I'm a little excited about this career change, I'm also apprehensive at the same time. I know there will be a big learning curve, but I like challenges.

Looking at different companies I think I have settled on Prime and I'm currently scheduled to begin my training on Aug 7th

Sara at Prime told me that they had two options for me. One is a Regional Flatbed and one is an OTR Reefer. No Pay for the first 4 weeks while I train for my CDL (I can get by on my savings), they said I would get paid $600 a week after I get my CDL while driving with a trainer for 30,000 miles (3 Months) and said the low average once I'm solo is $900 a Week. Additionally I was told all Trucks have an APU, which was something I looked for in a company because 100+ degree summers are too hot not to have AC with all the no idle laws.

Sara said there was no pressure to go the Lease route with Prime, which is good. I don't want to do the the whole lease thing, at least until I have a few years under my belt and know the ins and outs of Trucking.

I realize I have a while to decide which route to go but I was hoping to get some perspective on Flatbed vs. Reefer and Regional vs. OTR

I'm hoping I made the right decision in going with Prime so any perspective on Prime vs. other companies would be greatly appreciated.

**OpenRoadDreamer** · 07.17.2012

If youre thinking of Regional for flatbed you must be around Texas somewhere. Ive spoken to several guys from the Texas Regional and they seemed happy. You CAN go OTR48 in flatbed, thats what I do. Flatbed is a lot more work and has a lot of challenges. Loads that seem simple, can get complicated quick! All depends on what youre looking for. You can also train in both divisions, then pick between the two. DA1 and I went through PSD and TNT on the reefer side then switched over.

**da1** · 07.17.2012

well as always it all depends on what you want regional flatbed...guessing you are from the tx/ok area....will keep you mainly in the tx ok ak area if im not mistaken but you may go out of that area at times ive met a few tx regional guys in other areas(nc/fl) less miles with the regional deal otr reefer is otr reefer you will do all 48 and will more than likely get a lw truck

speaking of the lw you may get one in the regional flatbed but im not sure flatbed is usually full sized unless NOTHING else is avail cant give my perspective of other companies bc i havent driven for any other

**dyslexicdancer** · 07.17.2012

Yes I live the the DFW area

**OpenRoadDreamer** · 07.17.2012

Im sorry lol Hate goin into the metro area. Flatbed Texas Regional wouldnt be bad for ya then. Youll venture out of the area as needed, but should be able to get back.

**dyslexicdancer** · 07.17.2012

By the way (sorry if its a dumb question) what a "lw truck" and how does it differ from a full size truck

**da1** · 07.17.2012

lw=lightwieht truck basically smaller than full sized (slpr eng etc) there are pics of the two around here somewhere not sure if dtb still has pics of jcw lw truck on her profile

**NYROADIE** · 07.17.2012

Flat bed is going to be hotter and dirty, but will normally get you home a little more.
Pulling reefer's will get you ALL over the country including the N.E. and have you waiting around some grocrery wharehouse wondering what's takeing so long.
You do realise that if Prime or any other company pays for your cdl training, that your LOCKED into a contract with them? That contract will require you to work for them at a low wage for 12-18 MONTHS!
If you leave in that time you WILL be billed for ALL of the valueble training you recieved. And that goes even if they starve you out!

Flatbed vs. refeer isn't the big question here! Think about it!

**dyslexicdancer** · 07.17.2012

Originally Posted by NYROADIE

You do realise that if Prime or any other company pays for your cdl training, that your LOCKED into a contract with them? That contract will require you to work for them at a low wage for 12-18 MONTHS!
If you leave in that time you WILL be billed for ALL of the valueble training you recieved. And that goes even if they starve you out!

Flatbed vs. refeer isn't the big question here! Think about it!

Yea, I looked at that. It seems all companies have the same thing for the free CDL training, but I think it would be better then paying for a private school upfront. I dont have the funding for that anyway, so (for me) its really a choice of which company to start with and make the most out of my first year, even if it is at a lower wage

**da1** · 07.17.2012

whats this low wage for 12-18months that you spk of yes if you leave b4 your year is up you will have to pay for your training(stay a yr you owe nothing) now the low wage you will have to define ive spoken to a few other new drivers and comparing what i make to them im doing way better it just depends on the company