What is the downside?

Why does it matter how fast you go, as long as you're okay with the pay? I make .40CPM (with no previous experience), drive @ 58-60MPH most of the time, and 2500-3000 miles a week keeps me happy. I actually enjoy being slow. It keeps me away from the idiots. I'm comfortable hanging behind everyone else.

I don't own or pay in anyway for the truck I'm in, or for the loads, or for the fuel, or the insurance, or maintenance...

Theres a reason for the turnover rates, IMO. It's "free training" and a half-decent paying job. That sounds pretty enticing for someone without many options. Then they get there and realize that it's not for them, and bail. Through a community college where you pay up front, you're likely already committed to the career, to some extent. The point being that if you truly think this job is for you, and you're okay with all the challenges it might pose, than it doesn't matter where you get your license. If you really feel it's something you can do long term, might as well take the free training.


I agree about the industry as a whole though, it is a scam. I'll be getting out as soon as I can manage. My experience with Prime has been great, but overall, this job just isn't worth it. Of course, I'm in the flatbed division, reefer might be a whole different story. I keep to a fairly consistent schedule, might as well be a 9-5. Some days I take 12 or 14 hours (break) instead of 10. If I can do that and still get 2.5k miles, more power to me.

 

The slow speed is s concern, not necessarily for you but for everyone else. But that's for another thread. I'm glad to see you've had a positive experience. You talk about Commitment and I see your point but..... IMO, if you come into the industry half-committed you will not make it anyway. The failure rate for new students is somewhere around 75%. I hear You though, and it's not easy to commit. I'm not sure I was fully committed but I never went to a formal school or had any formal training so for me it was always a way to make money without any loans hanging over my head. I'm still here but I can't imagine living like a gypsy for three weeks out of a month and making little money. Even that is not for me.

 

Man this op sounds like a recruiter.

 

Hometime and what the truck is governed at are other factors people consider. Hometime is probably the biggest concern for many.

 

Hometime is the only reason I have my exit planned from Prime. The 3 week minimum is what kills it for me. If I could be home a little more often I wouldn't be thinking about going elsewhere.

 

Springfield, MO, Salt Lake City, UT and Pittston, PA.
It was an ok company to start out for me. The Training got dragged out due to trainer's truck breaking down a few times and he took two weeks off at Xmas. Took me 3.5 months to get my 40K.
The Lt Weight truck they gave me was ok for the extra $$. The hometime after Solo was never LESS THAN 3 weeks. averaged 4, sometimes out 5.
I think go for it....get your year in and then look for better options.

 

I don't know if you still follow this thread but I figured I would let you know that from my experience prime shouldnt have much trouble getting you to that part of Oregon for home time. I myself live in bend oregon they have no problem getting me home every 4 weeks for 4 days leave on 5th . There is a dropyard in wilsonville and likely will have you bobtail home ftom there if you tell them you cannot park trailer at house. Now granted i dont have much experience as i only started in ianuary as a complete greenhorn, one of my trainers had the same experience when it came to hometime and he lives in the same area that I do. I hope that maybe this information helps a bit.