Prime: Orientation and Training?

I don't think any of us are really interested in explaining what will be the subject of more classes in Springfield than you'll really want to attend. Not to mention all of the handouts, and practical experience you'll be getting over the next few months. TIP: A "macro 16" on a Schneider thread is something different than a Swift thread, or what it is over here.

Only if you drive for a bunch of lying SOBs - that being said, if its on the QualComm you can take a shot of the screen for documentation. What's said on the phone is on the phone, unless you record it; whether that is legal or usable depends on the state you're in at the time and the laws of whatever state you might want to go to court in. Personally, I've never had that sort of relationship with any of my FMs at Prime. The QualComm is the quickest way to get in contact with your FM, and all of your load information, PO numbers, etc. are downloaded through it. The manditory live dispatch and live load calls into dispatch, emergencies to Road Assist are pretty much what you want to leave for the phone.

If you keep up with the elogs program as you run you'll not have to worry about logs at all. The paper logbook is required backup, and if you don't have one on a DOT inspection you'll get written-up and collect some CSA points. Not good to get written-up for stupid stuff - especially if you want to make a career of this.

You're welcome.

 

Can anyone tell me any way to get the pretrip down better... you know hints to remember it better?? Other then Study Study Study LOL

 

Just get out there and do it everyday during your training....then do it in your head when you are in the jumpseat. Start with one section at a time (front of tractor back to the trailer). Repetition will make it second nature.

 

Sounds like a dumb question BUT could a person create a checklist to follow everyday? In real estate as a Realtor, Loan Officer, and as a broker I am responsible to know everything about a re file and the compliance but it helped to make checklists for each time I went through a file to make sure I checked everything.

This might seem like a dumb question as there might already be forms to follow and/or other stuff..... I have no idea. I just took and passed the CDL Class A permit written... I have yet to arrive at PRIME and begin. So I know NOTHING.

 

Fresno when you going to prime?

Let's just say your checklists and mine prob looked a lot a like.

Lets just say I filled out a lot of 1003's in my day

 

Directly from the confirmation email I received from my recruiter:
(She is off today or I would ask her directly)

Seat Class Assignment: D
If Unable to attend scheduled date, Please call or email me so I can adjust the orientation list.


· A Seat -- 7 + months current OTR

·

· B1 Seat -- 5 or 6 months of OTR experience.(will need to run 2nd seat for 15,,000 miles )

·

· B2 Seat -- 3 or 4 months of OTR experience.(will need to run 2nd seat for 30,000 miles )

·

· C Seat -- student graduate up to 2 months OTR experience.(will need to run 2nd seat for 40,000 miles)

·

· D Seat (student program) - No experience. (get 100 hours w/ an instructor $200 advance per week. Then run 2nd seat for 30,000 miles guaranteed minimum $600 a week or @ .12cpm (whichever is greater). Once you complete the required miles you will become an A Seat driver . As an A Seat you can either stay as company driver or become an Lease driver - IF you are a D seat, there will be a $100 non refundable entry fee. Also if you are getting your Class A permit in Mo., an additional $32.50 will be required to obtain the Mo. Permit. If you hold a class B lisc. you will have to bring an Additional $50 ( Cash or Money Order Please)

.· R Seat ($100 non refundable fee) after driving assessment goes out with a trainer for30,000 combined miles


*Road Test for B1, B2, C & A seat drivers*

(End of email excerpt)


I have 2 questions........

Prime's website states 60,000 miles must be completed during training (10,000 mile credit during PSD phase and 50,000 to be completed during TNT) in order to become "A seat", solo driver. According to the above quoted email, I count 45,000 miles.

Question #1......Is this a recent change that has not been updated on the website. When I initially spoke with my recruiter, 3 weeks ago, she stated 60,000 miles must be completed.

Question #2......Other than 15,000 miles, what is the difference between a B2 and a B1 seat driver? I assume these are both during the TNT phase of training.

 

1. During the instructor phase (no cdl), you drive 75 hours minimum for around 3 weeks or so. Their is no initial 'mileage' requirement, just hours. After the 75 hours, Prime credits you 10,000 miles.

After that you do 30,000 miles with a trainer, up to 50,000 total.

Prime just cut down the hours and mileage this month, used to be 100 hours in instructor phase and 60k miles in trainer phase.

2. The difference is amount of experience.

 

Clear as glass now. Thank you.

Is there a limit to the amount of miles a student (no cdl) may drive per day?

[/QUOTE]After that you do 30,000 miles with a trainer, up to 50,000 total.[/QUOTE]

The previous policy stated that a pay raise was granted upon completion of 80,000 miles (the last 20,000 could be completed solo or with a trainer). Has that changed as well?

 

No mileage limit to student drivers, as long as it falls under there 11 hours. Most the instructors I talked to slowly raise your hours over time. Might spend the first day or so just observing, then 5 hours for a day, 6 for the next and so on.

Depends how comfortable they feel with you I would think. As I said in an other thread, I met an instructor today who said his trainee knocked out his 100 hours in a week and a half because the instructor just ran him hard.

Really you just do the 75 hours minimum then its up to you and the instructor to decide whether or not you're ready to take the cdl test.

I'm not totally sure, but I believe the raise is granted if you go past the 30k and do 50k total.

 

Sweet. Great info.

Is the cdl test a combined written and driving skills test or just driving skills?

I am getting a DOT physical tomorrow so I can get my cdl permit here in my home state. One less thing to worry about once I get to orientation.