Prime: Orientation and Training?

I probably got misinformation on Swift using HireRight, then. Who EVER they used I don't like them!

 

SO here is my question; What is going to be expected of me at Prime for training?? I just got my class A, but I really cannot get any answers from my recruiter at Prime. I do not know what to expect, I have never driven with a load, or in Ice or snow. Will Prime teach me all of these things, what will be orientation consist of? I get all the physical and DT tests. Please someone explain the process for me....!?!

 

There's plenty of threads describing this stuff in more detail.

Orientation: Getting past the first couple of days is the big deal. Your online application will be done again in pen and ink. Make sure you have any references you need to get it done. They'll be compared for inconsistancies - and a very thorough look at your background will be done by professional investigators on staff. Make sure you've been truthful on everything. DOT physical, UA, simulator test (make sure you nail bambi,) and then a batch of classes. Be on time everywhere - late will get you kicked out of the program.

Once you've got that done, its fuel card/ID and off to get a trainer. His job is to show you the ropes in terms of driving, papework, QualComm, company procedures - so yeah - you'll get all of that. A lot of training is just driving down the interstate in light traffic no stress, so while your trainer will be in the right seat with you when anything stressful or difficult is happening, when he's comfortable that you have it down, you'll be driving on your own.

Make sure you ask lots of questions, and follow his direction without question. After you've done something that he says to do now - is the time to ask "why?" not in the middle of getting it done. Heh! Nothing like waking the dude out of sound sleep with, hey! I gotta problem!

 

Thanks a lot. BTW what is bambi, and what is the simulator all about?

 

The simulator is a way of seeing if you have some of the basics down - shifting and so forth - except the simulator is a really poor "feel" to what a truck is.

Hit the #### deer! Don't you ever think about swerving for an animal in the road - its the difference between a thousand or so in damage to the truck, or maybe a roll-over accident, total loss of the tractor and trailer and maybe your life.

 

HAHAHhahahaHAHAH I love that. Yeah that would have been my first natural reaction to hit it! Thanks a ton, I'm flying out to Salt Lake tomorrow to start Orientation on Monday!

 

I was wondering if anyone knows What exactly constitutes being out of work for too long, Time wise how long is too long when it comes to being qualified or disqualified to work for Prime?
Also, what about if you had a valid reason for being out of work for a period of time due to illness, injury ect thats not work related and you have a doctors release stating that you can return to work with no limitations or inparements that can limit any job functions related to driving/operating or preforming the duties required as a driver?
I was just wondering whats primes stance and company policy when it comes to that if anyone knows?
Im concidering going to prime, Im an experienced driver and i have no intentions to do the lease thing.
Also, what is primes stance when it comes to going to nyc? do they pay you extra to go there like most other companies do?
How good are they when it comes to road breakdowns?

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I wouldn't feel qualified to answer that - my advice would be to contact recruiting.

A year ago I ran into a guy who did exclusively NYC for Prime - he told me that we dropped loads at a yard in Jersey, he hooked them and finished out. I run through NYC quite a bit, but have never delivered in the city. You will get loads into Jersey, including Newark, Camden, etc.

One of the things I really like about Prime is that they do take care of their equipment. Have occasionally had to cajole them a bit to get something taken care of, but in the end it was no problem. There are four company repair shops, and they have national accounts with TA, Petro, whatever Pilot is calling themselves these days and Speedco. If you're dead in the water, Road Assist will arrange a tow to the nearest shop. Had a problem with a reefer awhile back, and they directed me to the nearest Carrier dealer - gave me an pre-authorization number over the QualComm, so they got going on the repair immediately.

 

I made it through Orientation1! Now, I wait for an Instructor. 37 student graduates; 15 instructors. I"m hoping some instructors have students to drop for CDL testing SOON!

 

what is the test about ?