Prime: Orientation and Training?

Its not quite like that...

 

Yeah I didn't think it was quite that that either......

 

Well I'm biased, having gone through Prime's training program, but I think you'd be much better off here, rather than some community college.

First, the cost. Prime, unlike most of the companies I researched, doesn't take your money up-front then dish it back out to you. Nor do they take it out of your check for a year then maybe you get it back over time. At Prime you pay nothing. After six months as a solo, half is forgiven. After one year you are free and clear.

Second, the level and type of training. Prime knows you are not going to learn to safely and successfully operate a big rig sitting behind a desk, crawling around on a training pad, or pulling empty trailers around town. You will learn by doing: hauling real loads over various terrain in all kinds of weather with an instructor right next to you the entire time (that first four to six weeks.) By then you should be a fairly proficient shifter (I wasn't, but that's me) have done a little backing and be able to get the truck down the interstate with only a minimum of supervision. This you'll do as a "B" seat driver getting paid a $600/week guarantee in a supervised team situation. I believe it is $500 if you already have your CDL.

I've been solo for almost a year now. Very happy with my choice of career change and the Company I chose to get me into it. Whichever way you decide to go, good luck man, and happy trucking!

 

I agree with you Emton. I am going to Prime and getting my CDL through them. I was going to comment on my 2 cents on what I thought was right, however, I wanted to wait till actual CDL drivers who drive for Prime put their honest opinions in before I put mine in. After much research, I decided that Prime's training was by far better than going to my local Community College and paying $4500 and not getting the "real" world experience you do with Prime. There was another school in my area that costs $9k that takes 7 months to complete which to me is a complete joke and waste of time. Ridiculous. So off to Prime I go October 12th. I am counting down the days. So to help the gentleman with his question, I say go to Prime and get the training hands on. To me it makes the most sense in the long run. Best of luck. Safe Trucking.

 

Well you got the Prime side. Now pay a visit to the community college and see what they have to say.

 

They'll say the same thing. "XYZ community college turns out the best-trained truckers since sliced bread."

Recruiters ARE Recruiters. They're all salesmen, and the dude on the used truck lot has more in common with a recruiter than someone with your better interests in mind.

 

Hmmmm. Can't say I've seen sliced bread drive a truck. OTOH I have been passed by what looked like a whole unsliced loaf holding on to the steering wheel while spewing crumbs into the CB!

 

Any one have an update as to what they are doing on handing out these light weight tractors? I would have as much a problem with the size as I would have with no APU. I am 6'5" and think it would be nice to stand up straight without having to go outside. But no APU would bother me. Also I don't understand why they put a smaller engine in these tractors. The same horse power would get better mileage with less weight. The smaller engine will have to put out more to haul 80k than the 15liters do. If you haul less weight the lighter tractor would have more reserve horsepower and would not to have to work as hard, this should translate to better mileage.

 

I'm gonna guess they went with the smaller engine to save weight.

 

I guess you are right sazook. I hope they do still plan to fit them with APUs. There are indications that after the November elections the EPA is going to unleash the dogs of war. Obamma has spoken about the tightening up of regulations because he wasn't able to get his Cap & Trade laws passed. He can get the same thing done through regulations. It's not going to be very pretty. I can see national ban on idling comming soon.