My Prime Adventure

Haha ya. It was 104 here yesterday. So hopefully might cool off a little bit more. It's raining now, weather said ain't supposed to be over 90 today so I'm a little happier. Hopefully Friday ain't too bad.

I'm half German from my father's side. The quote I actually use because I've always liked it and I feel its stronger in its original language as opposed to English.

Nice to here some other positive input on the machine. As I said, only thing I'm not fond of is the money for the thing. I've been having a great time though and will probably go ahead with the machine regardless. I'm just worried that if something went wrong and I had to leave, that I'd be stuck with a $2000 bill for that machine.


I spent some time today talking with a Prime flat bedder and I got to say that it's starting to appeal a bit more to me then reefer now. Besides the fact that you don't have to bother with Hazmat, the extra exercise appeals to me. Any opinions on flat bedding with Prime?

 

If you are over 39% bmi then they do a neck test and determine from there. The doctor during the dot physical will usually recommend it. I was barely over the bmi limit but I do get frequent headaches, so the doctor recommended the test for me based on that more then my weight.

Yes you should bring a sleeping bag for the the instructor/trainer trucks. They are a lot easier to carry then dealing with sheets/blankets and so on. Not to mention the lack of room you have on the Greyhounds on the way there. Might want to bring your own Pillow also if you're like me and can only use one pillow your whole life.

Everything else can be bought at the store. i.e. Atlas, truck stop guide, gloves, rain gear, boots, reflector vest, and much more.

So this gives you the advantage of not having to lug as much gear.

I will recommend like many others have, get your Permit before you come to Prime. If you have your permit you can start the sim as early as the day you arrive. Not to mention you get more time off to relax or in my case make posts on the trucker forum.

Other thing I would recommend before coming is adjust your sleep schedule to getting up by 6am. For us, every class (except Wed. for those with permits) begins at 7am. So if you spend time adjusting to this, it can make you a bit less miserable.

 

Oh ya I know about the Alcohol. I meant the other people were complaining about it. I don't really drink myself, so I could care less.

As for that list, thats what I based my own stuff on before I came. I was just annoyed you can get it all at the Prime store. Which in turn means less things lugging on greyhound.

 

Well finishing up my Thursday. Prime has included a TON of information over the past week so it can be hard to remember it all. But most of it sticks in the back of your head for the most part. Also get ready to fill some paperwork out, you sign A LOT of things throughout the week. To the point you get frustrated by the amount of times you're asked for your social security number.

Unfortunately we have had a huge class this week (started at 66 people), so some things were toned down. Instead of the original 7 sim phases, we only did 4 which was disappointing. I also do not get to spend time on the pad yet due to my need to take the sleep apnea test. Where I am now I might not be taking it till the middle of next week.

So I'm going to be sitting around at the motel for the next 5 days or so which is annoying. I can't go onto the pad because I need to get my official ID and you can't get that till your physical is completely done and since I need the sleep apnea test, my physical ain't done yet. So I get some days of waiting. Any of the new guys for next week, hit me up and I'll give ya advice on whatever, even come meet ya if you want.

Overall the experience has been real positive, everyone is extremely nice and helpful from fellow truckers to the instructors. They work to make sure you do the process right and so you actually get through the process.

Things I know a couple of people got kicked out for:

Drug test obviously. If you do drugs, wait at least 3 months till after your last 'drug' to come here. And accept the fact that you are done with drugs for your career here.

Skipping class/showing up late. People who skipped class or were constantly late to class also got a ticket home. In an industry where showing up on time is important, make sure you represent it. As Stan said today, "you are being interviewed your whole time here".

People hitting on the women here. Prime is extremely strict on their policy with the women that work around you. You make any kind of advance towards these gals and they will send you packing.

Lying on your medical/work forms. Put EVERYTHING you can to make the process as smooth as possible. They do pretty intense background checks and will know if you lie and will in turn give you the boot.

Coming here isn't no vacation or anything, this is a business and they expect you to act like it. The rules are simple. We started with 66 students (biggest class yet) and we are ending this week with about 45.

Final advice. GET YOUR PERMIT BEFORE YOU COME! It makes the entire experience much more enjoyable and relaxed. My roommate didn't get his and spent the last 2 days stressing over it. He finally passed today.

You'll do fine man. If you need any advice or anything, just give me a call. Their is also a good chance I should be here the week you get here, so text me when you're in and we'll get dinner or something.