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I'm not sure if there has been some kind of policy change,or whether or not I may have just been given some bogus info.Perhaps someone in the know can clue me in.I've had my CDL-A since "92",but haven't driven in years.I filled out an application with prime,fully expecting to go through their training program having been off the road for so long.But I talked to a young lady on the phone(and this made no sense imo)she informed me that if I was a recent graduate with a cdl or a regular joe with no cdl,there would be no problem.BUT...if I have a cdl,but not driven in awhile,I'd have to go to school on my own.That just don't seem right,I feel they should specify that prior to filling out the application.At the beginning of the app.one of the options you have to check is "have cdl-A but need training".Is anyone familiar with this,or could perhaps guide me in the right direction as to which company may retrain me...I really don't have the funds to pay out of pocket(again)at this time.I would truly be grateful for any input...thank you.

 

Sounds pretty much the same story I was told. I didn't fill out an app but I called and they told since I had no recent exp that I would need to attend a driving school.

 

Back in Oct. 2008 Prime did accept me having a CDL and needed training. I would be with a trainer for 4 to 6 weeks getting paid 600.00 a week. Then and now I drive a day cab with a 42ft. flatbed and a moffett on the back. Anyway, back in 2008 I was approved and headed up to Prime. After three days of orientation, the last day I received a call from my dad that my grandma passed away all of the sudden. I told my DM that I needed to get back down to Dallas. She was ok with it, but I went and got my old job back do to some other family issues that arised. Back in March "2010 this year," I contacted my old recruiter and she stated that I would need 3 months OTR experience with a sleepover tractor and 53' trailer. I told her that Prime accepted me back in 2008 with no problems with my past experience. She told me they did away with the $600 a week training program for the 4 to 6 weeks OTR training. So, oh well for Prime.

I might sign up for Swift. Even though you hear all the bad things about them, there are some good recent things I hear from drivers about swift. They will accept my experience that I have right now. I'll receive paid orientation, $500 per week for 3 weeks training, then will start at .33 cpm when solo. My plan is to get my 1 year experience OTR then get a Regional position. The missing link for me to obtain a Regional job is the 1 year OTR experience.

Let me know what your able to find.
BTT

 

Been with Prime for 3 years now... the only thing I can say about recruiting and their current requirements is they change about as often as the wind changes direction. No sooner than I offer what they were doing last week, than I find out this week its something different. Best answer is call recruiting, and ask. Best advice... camp on hold until you get a person. I can say that they've gotten picky of late...

 

That is the kind of co I try to stay away from. I like stability and not some wishy washy change SOP every 5 minutes.. red flag, red flag.......

 

Ya know... being on the road, they don't always ask me about how things oughta be in advance. That's just darn unprofessional, ya know!

I look at it this way... if someone's gonna hire a guy who advertised that he doesn't do tarps for a flatbed co... well then..



Now if ya want to start talking about "jacked-up" companies - like you normally do - let's try this one...

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...re/111198-werner-long-story-but-all-true.html

 

Anyone know what Prime pays per mile after training once you go solo?? Any idea what the accessory pay is(Drops, Detention, layover etc..)? Do they give you Comchecks to pay lumper fees? Do they use EZPASS where available? Looks like I'm going to be going with them to get my CDL & wanting to fill in some blanks.
Thanks

 

I'm pretty sure it's right up to 30 cpm as a solo after your 60k miles in training - I'm not sure what they do after the next 20k - that's your next bump point. You might want to pm U2_exit for that, because I believe it's changed in the past 6 months.

Layover is based on what your FM is willing to give you - never had a problem with my guy getting it. Company drivers don't get detention, and it's $20 per extra stop.

Never had a problem getting money on my card to cover a COMCHECK for a lumper - usually have it within 10 minutes of a QualComm request. We use EZPass and Prepass. Other places like Oklahoma Turnpike, etc, just get a receipt and turn it in with your trip reports. Always reimbursed on next settlement in my experience... same with scale tickets.

 

Thanks ironpony...........A family member who is a trucker is trying to "pre-egimikate" me LOL. I sent out my passport application & they require your raised seal birth cert.....as soon as I get it back(around the 27th or 28th) i have to call & they will schedule a bus ride. I unfortunately will have to train for my permit down in MO. as my timeframe is too short now to attempt it at home.

 

Yes, it is .30/mi after 60K training miles. You'll get a 10K credit for instruction period while driving on your permit. Jumps to .34/mi after 80K. You could also complete those 20k on the training truck at .12/mi. Remember training miles are dispatched miles, so you'll get the 20K in about half the time running as a team.

Hope this aids in your "egimikation"