ask your questions about prime inc here

And when Prime starts using the lightweight trucks in the flatbed fleet (which they aren't yet I don't think), and can haul an 53-54,000# coil on the flat for the same rate Maverick hauls a 50,000# coil, guess who is going to be moving that freight. There is something to be said about comfort, but at the end of the day, having freight to keep the truck moving is what puts money into my bank account and keeps me happy, not a passenger seat.

 

What's the matter notarps? Sand fleas bitin' somethin' tender this evening?

 

I just want to say thanks to U2 and everyone with your information on Prime. I have read a lot of different threads out there and have heard ups and downs about Prime. I was looking into Stevens Transport, Prime, Central Refrig. and Swift. I am down to 2 finalists. They are Prime and Stevens. The good thing about Prime is I have zero experience and I talked to the recruiter and she was very upfront and honest. No experience, no problem! I like the fact that you are 1 on 1 with a instructor and then with a trainer. Yes, I think it might be a tad bit long, however, with zero experience, at least I will feel more comfortable being solo after 5-6 months. Now with Stevens its 3 weeks for the CDL and then 6-8 weeks with a trainer. OF course the BIG DOWNSIDE is that you have to essentially work for them 3 years to pay back the schooling. So I have made my mind up. Prime seems to be for me.

Now the question I have for anyone who works for Prime now.... How are the instructors patience for a newbie? What I mean is, I never really driven a manual tranny and I know I'll grind the gears. Just didn't want to be booted for not getting it right away. Also, I know backing is huge to obtaining your CDL. Especially offset backing and possible parallel parking. Any info on that would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and one more thing. I reside in Baltimore off the I-95 corridor. I've seen a fair number of Prime Trucks. I dont think getting home would be an issue. Are you allowed to park your truck at home? Cause with Stevens you have to park it in a secure yard and then find a way home. Sucks. Thanks guys again for all your honesty and info.

Keep safe and hopefully soon, I'll see you all on the road.

 

Welcome aboard! To answer your questions, instructors usually have a lot of patience when it come to learning how to drive a truck. I've been an instructor for over 2 years and have a 100% pass rate on my students, including 2 that had never driven a manual before. We realize that you're going to grind the gears, and are prepared to deal with it. As far as backing, the most important things are to learn as much as you can out on the road, and listen to your instructor when you practice on the pad.

As far as hometime, getting to Baltimore shouldn't be a problem. I live right down 95 in Richmond, and have never had a problem getting hometime in 4 years at Prime. I was one day late for hometime once, and that's it. As far as parking the truck at home, it won't be a problem. Prime will have you drop the trailer at a drop yard or at a customer, and you can bobtail home. If you're a company driver, once you get home you aren't allowed to use the truck as a personal vehicle though.

On the trailer drops, I'm not 100% sure where around Baltimore we have customers or yards that you can drop at, the closest 2 places that come to mind are in south Jersey and Philly, but, as I often find out, I don't know everywhere where out trailers sit.

 

Thanks Sazook....
I appreciate your honesty. Also thanks for welcoming me aboard. I am just waiting for everything to be approved. Recruiter told me 3-4 weeks and I'll be set. I have a clean MVR, no accidents since 2002 and a speeding ticket in 2003 and one in 2006. The only question that remains is previous employers. Maryland is an at-will employer and you can quit/fired for no reason, etc.... 2 of my previous jobs I quit due to the fact I was going to be fired. Nothing criminal... just typical BS.... I didnt know if Prime would take that as a bad remark or not? Any ideas? I know to be upfront and honest about everything...

Again thanks....

 

I see Prime Flatbed trucks from time to time. So you are saying that the Prime Flatbed drivers are brainless?

 

The flatbed side has begun to switch over, I believe. I've seen two of the lightweights pullin skateboards in the last week.

 

Just a joke I have with a couple of friends doing flatbed... you know why all flatbed drivers get issued "drool cups" don't ya?



Besides... i get to pull on notarps beard. He opens himself up to it!

They changed that man... its back to you get to pick what you want on the company side. Went through a long discussion on that with my FM yesterday. Incentive to go lightweight is the additional heavy loads they are the only competition for. The regional guys up in ME are running them too. I know some of the lease guys have opted for the lightweights too...

 

I just wanted to make sure that you did not cast a wide net in your attempt to get back at No Tarps! LOL

I pull a flatbed and I think I am pretty intelligent

I have lost so much weight, that my pants are falling down...I guess I need to get some suspenders!

I actually almost pulled a flatbed for Prime. I was at Charlotte pipe and I backed up to the Prime trailer that was next to mine! That would have been a real mess!

 

ARRRRGGH!

No not that! Flatbedder without suspenders showing #####-crack, followed by a full moon!



The horror of it all!