Prime??

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by odokevin, Sep 18, 2013.

  1. odokevin

    odokevin Bobtail Member

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    Hey I got my CDL through CR England, left shortly after had some things to take care of, I just got off the phone with a Prime recruiter, after a run in the Army, and dealing with England I am WELL aware that recruiters lie, but I want to know is Prime a good choice? and please Im looking for first hand experience, I dont want to hear what your buddy heard from a friend who overheard a couple people talking. If you do or have driven for Prime for any serious length of time, please give me some input, thanks
     
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  3. claw444

    claw444 Bobtail Member

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    I spent about a year at Prime. I made very good money doing a lease purchase there and only left to buy my own truck out right. There was a true open door policy with dispatch and good communication. The equipment is very well maintained. They are not afraid to pay you detention time/layover pay. Robert Lowe(the owner), has a company meeting with all drivers once a week in the cafeteria. Drivers are allowed to ask questions and get fair and honest answers. Breakfast is free for all that attend the meeting.
     
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  4. Braylean

    Braylean Light Load Member

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    I went to their training and made the mistake of telling them about an event in my past that was sealed because I was afraid it would show up on a background check and come to find out it didn't but since I told them about it I was booted anyhow. I am telling you this because me and the guy that ran the school discussed it at length and he admitted that it was no fault of mine other than letting them know about it in the first place and as such they couldn't hire me but he told me I could take all the time I needed to arrange for me to get home and continue to use my meal card until I could check out. To me that says that they are willing to work with you when possible. Also I talked to several mentors and regular company drivers while I was there and I never ran across any complainers. They all pretty much said the same thing, which is that if you work hard and hold up your end of the bargain then they will run you hard and supply the miles to get you a decent paycheck and do their best to get you home when you want to go home. They have better training pay than anyone else which is $600 a week and .12 cpm for anything over 5000 miles a week and you share in part of the bonuses you and your mentor earn. plus from the moment you get to the hotel till you go out with the mentor they furnish all of your meals and it is all the coffee or tea you can drink 24/7, lol. I really regretted getting booted out but I am getting back on the horse and heading to Celadon Sunday and keeping my mouth shut this time. Oh and if you want a full size truck and sleeper then go flatbed, otherwise it is a 99% probability you will get a lightweight tractor which isn't bad if you won't ever want to take a rider along because it pays .05 cpm more just for driving the lw truck. Hope this helps. Oh and get your permit before you go, it puts you a fair piece ahead of the game.
     
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  5. claw444

    claw444 Bobtail Member

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    Before applying at a company it is a good idea to check the same information they will. This is your MVR, PSP report, and DAC report. In many states the MVR can be had online and printed for under $20. The PSP report can be had online for under $20 and printed. You are allowed one free DAC report per year. Companies update this after your employment with them. This will be mailed to you. I advise checking these reports before sharing information with a company. This way you know what they will find out about you.

    DAC report link: http://www.hireright.com/

    PSP report link: http://www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov/Pages/default.aspx
     
  6. NavigatorWife

    NavigatorWife Road Train Member

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    I hear that even the flatbedders are using some of the lightweights for now, it may just be for local runs. Husband has a great DM. The lightweights don't really have room for 2. Trucks are governed. Pay is good in comparision to other companies, husband went company; he had been lease at CR England, new truck which spent more time in the shop, starved out if you don't train, etc led him to leave. Does pay the best for training. Loads mixed, d&h or live load. Once in awhile he gets into CA, Utah, but rarel, Texas some. He doesn't come home a lot, unless for an appointment. Has had no problem getting maintenance ok'd as needed.
     
  7. NavigatorWife

    NavigatorWife Road Train Member

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    You could also get your passport too in advance if you have time to get it in.
     
    odokevin Thanks this.
  8. odokevin

    odokevin Bobtail Member

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    Yea, I started looking around almost 2 months ago, everywhere I called I was told I was outside their hiring area, so I got a copy of my DAC report, everything is in order with that, Prime is the second company to hire in my area that I have found, Talked with a recruiter for Prime today, she said everything looked fine, will be heading out in a short time, not sure exactly when, But I wanted to get some honest answers from you folks before hand, every company has their share of disgruntled employees, and I heard once that you hear all of these bad reviews because anyone with a good review is too busy driving making money, haha. But thanks this is what I was looking for
     
  9. odokevin

    odokevin Bobtail Member

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    Yea, My wife is filling out paperwork right now, I live pretty far north east VT, Canadas pretty much in my back yard
     
  10. DragonTamerBrat

    DragonTamerBrat Road Train Member

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    What kinds of information are you looking for. Hubby drove a year for Prime. Family medical issues forced us to look for something that wasn't 48OTR. We're happy w/ his time at Prime, and his new company. Pay was far better than most entry positions. Bills got paid. Didn't see him much, tho.
     
  11. claw444

    claw444 Bobtail Member

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    Apply for your twic and hazmat Prime uses both. Having these opens you up for more freight and less sitting.
     
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