Prime orientation

Discussion in 'Prime' started by cabwrecker, Aug 2, 2014.

  1. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    I've already looked for a thread on the search side along these lines, a decent one doesn't exist.

    So, my question-
    What do I need to know for Prime orientation? Anything weird? I'm talking 5mph under speed limit during road test, or exit ramp speeds (aside from what's posted?)
    BTW, I'm going to orientation in Springfield, how does the road test work out? I'm not worried about it, but I've read it's done on a simulator. What can I expect from that?



    If anyone has experience on the tanker side orientation, I'd love to hear about it. They put me in a b1 seat for tanker, though I could go straight to A seat if I went reefer (not happening.)


    Yes, I was very seriously going to go to flatbed, but I feel tanker provides me with more opportunity in the region I live. Also more pay and more chances for me to finish this degree in the truck.


    At any rate, advice, information, tips tricks and all of that will be highly appreciated.

    Thanks-
    CW/Maytag.

    PS-Lease op talk is banned in this thread, and please don't flame.
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2014
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  3. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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  4. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    Thanks much.
     
  5. PChase

    PChase Road Train Member

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    In Missouri we do our CDL tests on open road in a real truck. Our backing is done on a specifically designed paved lot at Prime's home terminal.
    You will learn anything and all you need to know during PSD phase.
    There is a HUGE thread on what to expect for training at prime here on this forum.
    this thread has hundreds of questions and answers.
     
  6. PChase

    PChase Road Train Member

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    Ok here goes

    1st things first; go online fill out the premoloyment questionnaire. Tell them all.
    Recruiter calls and says you're approved. You get set up with a dirty dog ticket ( greyhound) to Springfield, Mo. Try to be $$$ ahead. I brought $600 cash with me. I hardly touched my $250.00 weekly allowance. Use your food ticket at the cafeteria, it's cheaper than surrounding bistros. Do NOT be tempted to eat at Applebee's they will find out. If you get oiled up during orientation it's good bye and you are on way home on own coin.

    it also helps to have a CDL permit from your home state.

    upon arrival in Springfield; you get in day early see if you can get your orientation packet and get ahead of the game on the paperwork. Tell them all.

    Classes, be on time to all classes. Pay attention to the time. Heck week is crazy , I call day one "Chaos Day". In class keep your phone off, not silent or vibrate but O-F-F off.
    i saw a guy get booted for getting up and walking out from a class to answer his phone.

    in the SIM lab don't call it a video game, it's an important training tool.

    in pre-trip class pay attention and write down the simple abbreviations where they tell you.

    Remember that when you are in an instructor's truck you are a guest in his/her home. Be polite and respectful.
     
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  7. joshlee31

    joshlee31 Bobtail Member

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    I hate to sound dumb but what do you mean by oiled up? My training date starts sept 2nd.

     
  8. joshlee31

    joshlee31 Bobtail Member

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    Do you have to double clutch on the sim?
     
  9. FullMetalJacket

    FullMetalJacket Road Train Member

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    Yep on the double clutch.

    Oiled up........zero tolerance for drinking during orientation.

    ;)
     
  10. joshlee31

    joshlee31 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks... FullMetal
     
  11. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    PC- thanks for the useful advice, but I'm a bit past that point in my driving career ;)

    outside of that, the overall company driver orientation was seamless and overall pretty painless. They reimbursed me cash for my travel costs at orientation, the sim test was more or less a formality in so far as I could tell. Three hot meals and a warm bed to sleep in while there.

    Mentioned Paul was a knob, a very truthful statement.

    Tanker is good, but all this sitting...it takes a little getting used to.

    oh and stay away from them lil girls running around orientation, if you're at the campus in. Total nut jobs, I swear. All kidding aside I'm going back to springmo tomorrow to see one again, and switch out trucks because this crapcadia is doing what it does best- breaking down.



    I floated on the sim. No one mentioned anything to me. But I also came in as an experienced driver
     
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