I finally arrived in Springfield last night. First day held no surprises. Paperwork, drug screen, physical, interview and a review of the schedule for the rest of the week. The weekly advance is now down to $200, but I was aware of that change. It would really behoove anyone coming here to get their permit at home. Prime is only going to spend one hour tomorrow before everyone has to take the test and no time was spent on it today. I'm really glad I got mine out of the way and can relax tonight instead of cramming for the test. Don't know how much wheel time we will get since they have only three instructors on site. It looks like it might be tough getting out of here, unless all or most of the upgrades pass this weekend. At least they are being honest and upfront about everything so far. Twenty Nine students started the class. Three awaiting medical retests. Gonna try out the simulator tomorrow if the new class doesn't hog it all day. Ciao for now.

Hey I'm in Sprimo myself doing my Ace 1 upgrade. Make sure you get over to the Millenium Building for dinner at some point. The food there is fantastic. If you have money for a steak, get one. If not, check out what they have pre-made for dinner. You can't really go wrong. Had the pork chops yesterday for lunch.... *insert drooling here*

TruckerMike,
Had a decent Philly there last night. Pretty awesome building. I was a chef in Chicago and New York for 20 years, so, understanding their limitations, I won't be raving about the food unless I fail and have to hire on in the kitchen! Of course I'm sure what I'm getting here for free is much better than what I'll be able to afford on the road. Drop a note on that blue Caddy if you have time to chat.

Ok Mike, must admit the Tuscan Tuna Wrap was pretty delicious.
Day two was test day for those who did not have permits. Most passed and went to the DMV to get permits. Those of us with our permits took the Smith class for defensive driving and got the rest of the day off. Another class of student drivers started today with about 70 people. The place is packed. Don't know how when or where they're going to find instructors for all of us.
Got to try out the simulator and practice shifting on traffic free roads. Tomorrow's a busy day and we're supposed to meet Jim Austin for the first time.

My bad. The class of 70 was new company drivers, not PSDs. Had our first taste of the trucks today moving forward and back on the training pad, then some shifting practice in an industrial park down the road. The turns were not as hard as I imagined, but my downshifting skills were horrible. About seven in our class got instructors today, the rest of us are just hanging. We will get more sim time and pre-trip instuction and whatever else they can come up with until...????

Hang in there! I'm a CDL instructor at Prime, and my advice is that things seem to run slowly at first. But then , before you know it, you will be on the road! It is a good company to be with, not without the usual trucking company problems, but over, a good, supportive company!

Bravo! I could never do what you do! I could possibly be a trainer at some point (and even that's a streatch), but an instructor? No thanks, not for me! My blood pressure is at a healthy level, and I'd like to keep it that way!

I am researching companies and really like Prime. Can anyone tell me where their terminals are located besides Springfield. I am in the military and looking at retirement in the near future. I will be retiring in NC and am hoping there is a terminal around there.

Define Terminal...

We have various facilities of varying degrees around the country.

Three terminals with offices, inspection/repair bays and driver facilities staffed 24 hours a day in Springfield MO, Salt Lake City UT, and Pittston(Scranton) PA.

There is Bensalem(Philly) PA that is a drop yard we use from another company that has a fueling island and some driver facilities.

Ironpony might argue that Denver CO is a terminal but its a drop yard with offices... and every time ive been there its been at night when the offices are closed so I assume they have at least a bathroom there. When I say offices, I mean a temporary building that I heard was recently "taken out" temporarily by some ####### driver who ran into it with his truck accidently... so I dont know if they got a new "double wide" there yet.

I havent been to the drop yard in Auburndale CA, or the repair/maintenence facilities in Duke, OK so I cant tell you whats there.

We have our Floral Division facilities in Oxnard CA, Portland OR, and Pierson FL. I havent been to the FL one, but the other two have trailer areas, refrigerated areas with loading docks, and offices and bathrooms in permanent buildings. (Those are REAL buildings, Ironpony) I didnt ask if they had showers as I was in and out.

Like most of us who dont live near a terminal, living in NC wouldnt be a problem if we are still hiring from that area... its not near a terminal, but your Fleet Manager would have you drop your trailer at a customer and have you bobtail home. I recently dropped and hooked at the Smithfield plant near Raliegh and we had over a dozen empty trailer there... I imagine we probably have a few other customers in NC

Pierson is pretty nice. Small, but it's got everything you'd need. Showers, restrooms, TV lounge, vending machines, kitchen area with microwave, fridge, etc. And the people who work there are a riot. Very friendly place.