PRIME NEWBIES~Any comments from orientation?

I can answer this I did the simulator today. It trakes how you respond to different driving conditions, children playing, someone pulling out in front of you, maintaining distance, staying between the lane lines, shifting, speed control, clutching, so as youcan see it is pretty sophisticated. That being said as a new driver their expectations are not as high. The expectations will rise once out with a trainer. Hope this helps.

 

Az Cats, Good to hear you made it to Springfield, Tell me how your flight was etc. Good to hear you passed the simulator. I forgot about this newbies thread I think this is a perfect place to put your remarks. Take Care. TD.

 

Yeah, the simulator isn't bad. Kinda fun, really. One thing that I think needs vast improvement is the shifting though. It really isn't a good shifting simulator at all, unfortunately.

 

I agree its weak spot is the shifting, otherwise very nice. Just need some more practice I am by no means good, maybe average but when has that eveer been good enough??? Not for me anyhow I want to do the best I can do and I know I can do better. T.D My flight was uneventful I flew out of Mesa, I had never been theere before always skyharbor, anyway Allegiant Air the only direct flight I could find.

 

Today was all paperwork and interview, not really an interview mostly checking how honest you were on your application. If you were honest you stayed if not well I think you all can figure that one out. My roomate was sent home for not disclosing some tickets, he was pretty bummed out kind of felt bad for him. Not sure how many went home but their were a few. Then the physical and drug test no big deal on either one. As long as you can touch your toes and reach over your head you will be o.k. The duck walk is basically just having you get down like you were going to inspect under the trailer. Not at all what I expected very easy. I am 5'11' and I weigh 195lbs my BMI was 29 so well within the limit. See what happens tomorrow, think I might check out that simulator. Take Care

 

Well today was all information. Sexual Harassment enough said. Health insurance and alot of other insurance, electonic logs, Safety a great deal of information all good. I just got back from dinner at the millineum cafe, when I was there a Prime driver came up to me and asked if I was a student........ Must stick out like a sore thumb...... anyway he asked if I would like him as a trainer. He had his daughter with him so he is a family man witch is a plus. Means he needs to keep movin to take care of them. He seemed like a really decent guy, so we are going to have lunch at 1:00 tomorrow. Can any of you give me some questions to ask?? I know the basics he has been a trainer for 2 1/2 yrs says something about him I think. I think the good Lord has answered my prayers once again.

 

1. Smoker/non-smoker?
2. How often does he take a shower on the road? Is he clean?
3. Does he eat out of the truck (have fridge and microwave on the truck),
or does he eat truckstop/fast food everyday?
4. How many students has he trained? How have they done on their tests
after he trained them?

Those are the things I would recommend asking. Someone else will probably suggest some other good questions as well, but that is what I would suggest. I went through the PSD program, starting in December. I got very lucky by getting a great instructor/trainer, and am currently doing great as a solo lease op.

Good luck!

 

DirtySideDown, Thanks for the questions all very good ones. I do know he is clean he said he showers everyday, at least that is what he strives for. I understand that it is not always possible but at least he is clean. I almost did not get him, I went to apply for my TWIC and then had to go and getr paired with a trainer. I told them I already had one and was told it does'nt work that way. And I had been paired with someone else. I understand that they need to pair people who live in the same geographical area. I met this trainer and he said.....
(still can't believe this) "I try and shower ever 3 days or so if I start to smell just say something"...... You have got to be kidding me!!! Anyway we go to his tractor and what a mess. I think you get the picture do'nt need to go into details. Well I went back in and said this is not going to work, why can I not get the trainer I asked for. I was told it does not work like that. I do not want to go into alot of detail on an open forum, but I ended up after a few phone calls, with the original trainer so all is good. IMHO it will benefit Prime and myself to have two people together that at least get along........ Again all is well that ends well.

 

I hope I did not offend anyone from my last post, that was not my intention. I think Prime is going to work very well for me. This is exactly the enviornment I was looking for. I hope I am profitable and believe if I am profitable the company will also profit, after all is'nt that what it's all about.

 

You did the right thing AZ, They paired me with an idiot when I started, lasted about 5 minutes, next one was only a jerk. Don Lacey had to get involved with his fleet manager. Oh yeh by the way, your fleet manager doesn't appreciate you calling Don L., ROTFL..... I endured though, and you will also I'm sure. I don't know if your new or used, but if your new, you may see me on the training pad, about every four weeks, I'm am the Grumpy One. Your just lucky you didn't get stuck with me, LOL....