Hopeful to be a new trainee very soon, have some questions...

Discussion in 'Prime' started by flash451, Oct 29, 2014.

  1. flash451

    flash451 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 29, 2014
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    I've been lurking here for awhile, but I've recently decided to take the plunge and attempt to sign on with Prime. I need to get in asap due to financial considerations, and will be filling out an application tonight and hopefully talking to a recruiter soon after, but first I wanted to ask some questions here. I searched for answers to most of them already but didn't find them.

    First off, I have a class b cdl from Connecticut, which is where I live, with the tanker endorsement. I know new employees can get their permits early to move things along, but since I already have a cdl I didn't know if i still need the permit (is there a class A permit vs a class b one?)

    Also, will being from Connecticut be a problem? I think I read on another thread that another company (not Prime) would not hire out of CT for some reason.

    I'm not completely sure yet if I want to drive single or team, flatbed, tanker, or reefer yet. Can someone give me an idea of what the pay-per-mile, average mileage, and any extra reimbursement is associated with each of these? I've seen numbers here and there but some were very out of date. I'm leaning towards solo flatbed, but I kinda want to make as much as quick as I can to catch up on things at home.

    I know I read somewhere that Prime tries to get people home for 2 out of 3 of the winter holidays, is that true, and if it is, does it hold true for trainees too? My wife is reluctant to lose me for Christmas, but I cant wait 2 months to do this.

    I think that's all, though I'm sure I'll have more.

    Thanks, hope to see you around
     
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  3. Interplanet Janet

    Interplanet Janet Light Load Member

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    Obtain your class A, and call us in the a.m....
     
  4. SHOJim

    SHOJim Road Train Member

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    Well do tanker at Prime, get your experience, and apply at Schneider Bulk, Superior Carriers, or Trimac tanker. Tanker pays well.
     
  5. mtgmaker

    mtgmaker Light Load Member

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    if i'm not mistaken, with class B you don't take combination vehicles. If correct then it is different.
     
    flash451 Thanks this.
  6. flash451

    flash451 Bobtail Member

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    Thank you, i think you're right, its been awhile
     
  7. PChase

    PChase Road Train Member

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    Get a class A CDL permit kept your class B to drive in conjunction with it.
     
  8. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Prime hires out of Connecticut, and they work to get everyone home for the holidays... company guys are guaranteed your choice of 1 of the 3. My company side FM always got me home for 2.
     
    flash451 Thanks this.
  9. gatorbaiter

    gatorbaiter Medium Load Member

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    Couple Of Ideas. Start out reefer as its the fastest to on board. You will finish training and go solo when flatbed freight is seasonally slowest. The equipment to head out is expensive. They will take it in installment s but still it cuts into the check. Reefer is cheaper. Then if you want to switch it's no big deal though you will have a short time training again.

    As for holidays Christmas should be no big deal just be upfront with trainer and FM that you want this. Be aware you do not get your gauantee then just your mileage. Also if you go home and your trainer does then he will take you home then he will load home then he will load to come get you it could be a number of days with no miles so no money. So be aware of the costs
     
    flash451 Thanks this.
  10. flash451

    flash451 Bobtail Member

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    thanks gator, I spoke with a recruiter today, looks like the earliest I'll be able to get to Springfield right now will be 12/15, but maybe earlier if ppl cancel/reschedule. Also didn't realize that there was a Northeast fleet for only reefers that had an additional $.05 incentive, so may go reefer anyway. Anyone have any idea on average miles for reefer/tanker/flat/NE fleet?

    gonna post this in case anyone else is looking for it later like I was

    Cut from the email i recieved today
     
  11. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    About 2000 mi/wk or so average. The extra 5-CPM is only paid on miles in the NE region, so if your dispatched outside of the region its not paid on those miles. It was started to boost the pay levels up to what the OTR guys make. We also have a regional DC operation out of Lewiston ME that delivers to stores up that way including MA, NH and northeast CT that might interest you.
     
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