Prime Tanker Experience So Far...

Hello,

After three years out of the business I am returning to trucking and after some research decided to go with Prime. I choose the tanker division because I've never drove tanker before and figured now would be a good time to learn. I have driven flatbed, refer and intermodal before.

First week I had to same orientation as all experienced drivers. On Friday when they told me I was hired they rented a car for me so I could drive to "Tanker Boot Camp" in Decatur, IN.

Boot camp consists of three classes:

1. What a clean tanker looks like.
2. How to properly off load a tanker.
3. How to rebuild the tanker pump.

These classes are pretty short but took all week to get done because they have to fit you into the actual work schedule at the terminal. Patience is a must.

Every one I have met so far is kind and respectful. They even bought me lunch a few times.

I am currently waiting to be picked up by my trainer on Monday. I'm a B2 seat so I will have to complete up to 30,000 miles before I can go solo. I have yet to meet a driver that is not a L/O in the tanker division. That works in well with my personal plans because I plan on leasing a truck through Prime.

I will keep you all informed on how the training is going and on my total Prime experience.

Thanks for reading,

GunMetal345

 

Thank you for all the support and positive feedback!

 

Getting picked up by my trainer tonight at 8. I get paid $75 a day for every day I'm in Indiana and available for boot camp. Only problem with that is they don't put in the total days for pay until you leave.

It's been a nice stay here in Decatur. Nice room, pleasant hotel staff and many stores in walking distance.

I'll keep you all posted on my refresher training.

 

Well I'm done with the first week of TnT. My trainer is a little young and silly but he's nice so I don't hold it against him. He calls me "Honest Abe" because I follow all the rules and I'll leave it at that.

There are a ton of safety devices on these trucks. It only took a few hours to get back into the groove of driving again. I just have to get the kinks out of my down shifting and I'll be back in my top form. I drive using the Smith System so the "surge" is pretty manageable. When you're smooth, you smooth out the surge. The customers I have visited are nice. You have to talk to them a lot when you unload if they stand out there with you but that's okay. I don't mind.

My fleet manager knows who I am by voice. Which is good because when I had a little pay problem today he got me the money I was supposed to get. It took a couple of calls to him and payroll but they got it done and quick too. Everybody I have interacted with at Prime has treated me with kindness and respect. When I have issues they always take care of it.

Three weeks with Prime and the only issue I have is how my young trainer manages his truck but it's his truck so while I'm with him I'll do it his way. He's a good guy I would just run my business differently. Everything else has been fantastic so far.

Side note: I have not met a tanker driver at Prime that wasn't a L/O. They will not hesitate to share how the business is doing if you ask either. If I every meet one that's not doing well you guys will be the first to know.