Thanks for the heads up on parking. Anyone know how strict they are concerning hernias? The examining surgeon suggested no surgery since I'm asymptomatic and did quite I bit of lifting on the job without any problems. I'll get a note from him for the company doc; just want to know if it's an automatic DQ.

U2, how'd it go with the smoking. Never caught an update.

Smoking: Here's a tip... if you're thinking about quitting, get there before you get on the road. It's harder to do stuff like that out here - more temptations to slide back. If you're over the hump, you'll do fine. One of the drugs that they're prescribing to help with the craving is also an anti-depression drug that disqualifies you from driving any CMV while you're on it.

yeah, its not going to well.

As far as your medical condition... get a clearance from your doctor, or have him write out and sign his evaluation and opinion.

You dont want to have to go home because the Prime doc needs more info... in those cases they send you home and have you come back.

Hi! I'm in Michigan City, IN. I was wondering why you decided to go with Prime and possibly what the other two companies that you applied for are. I've applied to Watkins-Shepard (haven't heard from them, its been over a week), Willis said I didn't qualify, and I haven't heard back from Millis (just did my app with them on Thursday last week). I'm really trying to steer clear of some of the "CDL Mill" type places. We have a CR England here in Burns Harbor but I've heard some crazy thing about them so I don't think they're for me. I'm just after more info, that's all. I'm finding it hard being in the region and finding a trucking job, or training for that fact!

Thanks

I chose Prime because it seems the best fit for me.

England was the first company I looked at mainly because of locale. I also considered their pre-pay option until it became clear most companies were rejecting inexperienced CDL holders. While most companies have their share of negative publicity, England seems to be universally regarded as a poor choice across many threads. The fact the recruiter wouldn't even give up his last name sorta sealed it for me.

Steven's $3,000 tuition goes to $6,000 if you drop out or get canned for any reason. The loan rate (18% apr) and contract length (30 mos.) seemed a little excessive (read: scam!)

Swift remains my fallback if things don't work out at Prime. Their interest free $4,000 tuition and 13 mos. contract seems fair. They take half in installments the first year, and pay that back during your second year.

Take all this with a grain of salt; I've never set foot in a Prime truck, or any big rig for that matter. Just wanted to let you know how I came to my decision.

Do your research, ask questions and be persistent. Most of these recruiters have a huge workload right now, so you have to keep on them.
Try to double check what they tell you. Their are plenty of current students and recent grads roaming these forum halls, and it seems policies change on a weekly basis!

Good luck and keep in touch.

emton

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, but I have been reading all the post. I'm heading down to springfield on the 24th . Sounds like a good company to work for.
My question is, does Prime have pre-pass for weight stations and how about tolls? Also I am a recent grad from a school in Ohio and it's been awhile since I have been a truck (few weeks) will I get some time in a truck before I head out with my Trainer? My recruiter said today that company drivers average about 2800 to 3200 miles a week . Does that sound about right ?

Anyway looking forward to working with all of you.
thanks

Emton

Thanks for your input. I got into contact with the Central Refrigerated recruiter today, filled out the app and faxed it back. We'll see how it goes with them. I've heard from their company board on here that they're actually only hiring inexperienced people right now. Noone no for sure why they're doing this, but the speculation is that its because its cheaper right now to have to pay inexperienced drivers then someone who has 1+ year of experience. *shrug* Doesn't matter to me what the reason is, if it turns into a job for me, then all the better.

I do however keep thinking about Prime, Swift, and Steven's. I got really discouraged by all the negative talk about these companies though. I know everyone has their own experiences and sometimes people need to vent, but it gets to me after awhile which makes my decision even harder. It seems to me thought that Prime would be another decent place to start. I'll just have to see what happens in the next couple days and keep working on it until I find something that I'm happy with and offers me the best chance to get into OTR trucking.

Anyway, be safe out there. I look forward to hearing how things go for you too!

you will hear good and bad about all big companies...

Yes, Prime trucks are equipped with both Pre-Pass and EZ Pass (tolls). I'm still with my trainer, but 2800 to 3200 average for solo drivers seems a bit high to me. If you search around, U2 frequently posts his weekly mileage. While he's just one driver of many, it should give you a pretty good idea. But I've spoken with several drivers out here who aren't seeing an average your recruiter told you. Probably more like 2500 as a high average, but that's just an educated guess. U2 might be able to answer a little better than I can. I should be getting my own truck in about 3 weeks here and will keep track of how many miles I'm getting. Driving team with my trainer we've averaged pretty much exactly 5,000 miles per week since mid March, with a spike in mileage the last two weeks or so (produce season is in full swing).

the lower end of 2k is a more likely average...

We just hit the half way point of the year... For 2009, I am averaging 2000 miles a week overall... this includes hometime. subtract out the 2 weeks of hometime I have had so far and it goes up to 2200

This overall average has been on a slow climb since a miserable slow period dragged it down to almost 1900 per week avg

My last 6 weeks have been really good... for those 6 weeks I averaged 2200 per week including 5 days at home... subtract out those home days and it was 2450.

I didnt include this week... I potentialy have 2200 miles... but a load I delivered may or may not have made the cut off today to be counted for the past week... so It could be a 1500 week... The positive being that I am already up 700 miles for next weeks check and my fuel milage has been extremely good this week.

Ive taken home 775 dollars in fuel bonus money this year... and about 1k dollars last year (last 5 months) The decrease is because Prime raised the company minnimum from 6.25 to 6.5