Prime: Orientation and Training?

Hey everyone, Bill left for Prime today!!! Not too sure about this TWIC card, I understand what it is for but big question on my mind is how much does it cost and/or does Prime pay for it? Thank you and be safe!

 

Howdy everyone. I have some questions about Prime. I'm thinking about going back OTR and was wondering if they hire drivers out of Florida. Also, I got my CDL back when it became law, I guess 1990 or so. I drove for CR England from 1986 to 1992 then drove for an O/O from 1992 to 1998. I have been off the road long haul since 1998 but have driven on and off locally and have kept my CDL current. My question is, will Prime hire me with a CDL but no current experience? Thanks all.

 

$132.50 - they offered to advance us the fee and take it out of our settlements in $20 chunks. It's required because we pull loads out of secured ports, but don't worry about it for the time being - it's something that can be taken care of after he starts getting regular paychecks.

 

Sure! We hire from all of the 48-lower states. I just pulled a hazmat load down to Deerfield Beach, and reloaded out of N. Ft. Myers. I've pulled loads out of Port Manatee - and unfortunately it's closed - the Smithfield plant in Plant City. We do a lot of Tropicana out of Bradenton too. Home time is getting a load down there, dropping your empty, bobtail home, and then getting a load out. There will be a driving test (of course) and they'll want you to go with a trainer for awhile to polish your skills and introduce you to the "Prime way."

You'll need to be able to document your work history for the last 10 years. How's your DAC and MVR? Google the company website and do an online app - if you call recruiting, be prepared to sit on hold until a human answers - that could be an hour or so. There are so many people they're dealing with that voicemail probably won't get answered in anything approaching a timely fashion.

 

IP, Just curious if your a lease operator or company driver?

 

company... wouldn't recommend going solo lease right now... U2 and I are dispatched off of the same board.

 

Thanks for the reply Ironpony, I've been following your threads here and at the other area of information that I googled. I got a copy of my DAC last week and it shows nothing, good or bad for the last 10 years. My MVR is fine also, just 2 speeding tickets in my personal vehicle the last 3 years, and no accidents. Work history is easily available for verification. I guess it was a good thing to keep my CDL which I've had since before it was called a CDL. I am looking for full time employment fully understanding were the state of the economy is and how it relates to the trucking industry. My goal is to get a refresher course and be able to do something I truly enjoy, even with it's downfalls. I'm quite sure things have changed over the last 10 years.

 

Just a quick update from my side. I've completed about 25k of my training after 7 weeks (I came in with a CDL already). Miles have really picked up for us, but of course, we are running as a team. Produce season is obviously in full force. We have been running from the west coast to the east coast and back for the last couple weeks now and we've averaged over 5k per week the last 3 weeks in a row.

I feel very fortunate to have the trainer I do, so that really helps things. He's been top notch so far and we've really formed a friendship out here. I'm planning on completing my training without going home (about 3 months total, maybe 3.5 months). Once I finally test out and get my own truck, I'll take some time off. But thus far, I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Prime. Works for me, at least while I gain some experience.

This is a lifestyle folks. And a lifestyle that isn't for most. I believe most of the complaints on this board are not necessarily a reflection of any paticular company, but that of the OTR lifestyle. I truely understand why the turnover is so high in this industry. But luckily, I think this is going to work for me.

If anybody has any questions, feel free to ask. Like U2, I'll be totally honest in my response.

Good luck to those of you with open apps.

 

Okay, here is my question. I got my CDL last Fall, but I have no driving experience. If I got hired by prime, would they offer me a refresher course, since they have a school, or would I have to get it on my own somewhere else? I couldn't guarantee, at this point, that I could actually pass the company driving test. Thanks!

 

Hi Road Dust. Well, my honest answer to you is....I don't know. How's THAT for honest! My thinking is they'd probably make you go out with a trainer for at least 60k miles, maybe 80k. The Prime CDL training really only consists of classroom training to get your permit, then they send you out on the road with a trainer. So I don't really know if a "refresher" is available. You might just have to go with a trainer for an extended period of time. This is probably something that needs to be asked to a recruiter, unless U2 or Iron has an answer for you. Sorry I'm not able to help much on this one.

Good luck!!