Applied to Prime yesterday

Discussion in 'Prime' started by hal380, Oct 2, 2014.

  1. hal380

    hal380 Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2014
    Connecticut
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    Good Morning All;

    I've been looking at Schneider & Prime for the past few months. Also had a school lined up @ $4300. Been doing online General Knowledge tests. Then I really read about Prime's training and liked what I read. The school I was thinking about would give me 40 hrs one on one in the truck training, and them would test for the CDL. While most/all companies have a "Finishing School", I was not sure that I would have been ready for solo. I'm not a nervous nelly, but I want to be sure of myself.

    In any event, Prime will train me for my CDL, then put me with a mentor/trainer for another 12 or more weeks as a team driver. This is exactly what makes me feel that I will be ready to solo.

    I spoke with the recruiter, and we seem to have all the bases covered. I asked her, "When is the next class starting that you could get me into?" She said 10/20. Wow that was quick. Then I started to think -- I'm scheduled for cataract surgery on 10/9, and I want to do my own sleep apnea testing. Wife says I snore. The CPAP machine and the sleep test will be 100% paid by insurance, so I would rather do it here than at the company training site.

    Does anyone have any Prime trainer's names I should look for or look out for? I really want to get the most out of the training and team driving.

    Advise or suggestions are welcomed.

    Kind Regards

    Hal (Haven't thought of a good handle yet)
     
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  3. jerry015

    jerry015 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 11, 2014
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    there are so many trainers best thing to do is be active and when you get one interview him while he does the same to you make sure you feel comfortable with him
     
    hal380 Thanks this.
  4. hal380

    hal380 Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2014
    Connecticut
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    Just heard from Prime - They say I'm approved and ready to go. All I have to do is to advise them when I'm ready to depart for training. I am scheduled for minor surgery - cataract - on this Thursday, so after a few days of recoup, and receipt of my new glasses I guess I will be heading out.
     
  5. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Good Luck..
     
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  6. hal380

    hal380 Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2014
    Connecticut
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    Called the recruiter and told her I would like to start Nov. 3rd. She seems good with that. Now I realize all of the "Stuff" I gotta get done before I leave. I have read the threads till I'm blue in the face, but I still am confused about what to bring.

    Do I bring only the stuff I will need for the school portion of the training - (when I will be in the motel) and then get more stuff for the TNT part of the training? Or do I bring a full 10 to 12 wks of stuff. I know I will be able to launder clothes, but do I bring all my sleeping gear when I'm in the motel?

    Any advise is appreciated

    Anyone else signing up for 11/3, or anyone still gonna be there?

    Regards

    Hal
     
  7. Highway101

    Highway101 Road Train Member

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    Sep 19, 2011
    Fallon, Nevada
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    Congrats, and yes bring your stuff, after you complete the orientation you will be assigned to a PSD instructor so you will need your gear at that point. After PSD you will be assigned to a TNT trainer.
     
    hal380 Thanks this.
  8. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

    FYI, there's really no "school" portion of the training. While there is some computer based training involved, most people can knock that out in one afternoon.

    Do yourself a BIG favor and have your CDL permit in hand before you head for Springfield. That is a heck of a lot of pressure that you won't have to go through during orientation. While others are in the CDL permit class, you will be getting a head start on them by going to other classes for such useful things as the pre-trip inspection. (Also, do you REALLY want to risk getting kicked out by failing your CDL tests?)

    Yes, you will be getting on a truck straight out of orientation. There are "what to bring" lists floating around, but you likely won't need half of what's on those lists. You will probably be able to do laundry once a week. Figure 2 days for shirts, 3-4 days (or more) for pants. Expect that everything you bring will be in your bunk with you; duffel bags are much more practical than suitcases. There is a Walmart within walking distance (and there is a shuttle), so if you need to buy something, it's better to get it in Springfield rather than schlepping it halfway across the country on the "Dirty Dog".

    Have fun!
     
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  9. hal380

    hal380 Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2014
    Connecticut
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    Ok Everyone - things are moving along at a quickening pace - Sleep Apnea - sleep test tonight, and cataract surgery tomorrow morning. Making my travel reservations for Air line - Not going to spend 2 days on a ###### bus and trying to be sharp on Monday.

    Think my new handle will be Bohica

    Regards to all
     
  10. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

    Pro tip: Arrive in Springfield on Sunday, as early as you can. Give yourself plenty of time to fill out The Book, relax, maybe take a walk up to Walmart. Get yourself into the proper frame of mind.
     
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