ask your questions about prime inc here

I talked to a recruiter today about that and she said that its like that if you aready have a CDL but if not and going in as a trainee then you just need three years

 

If you are interested in their training program or working for them I recommend filling out an application on their web site and be VERY ACCURATE. Don't forget, leave out, or lie about ANYTHING! When they check out your background, and they WILL, you don't want them to find any surprises. They hate surprises and if they think you are/were being deceptive you will be disqualified, kicked out to the street.

#1 - If you have drug or alcohol problems - CLEAN UP FIRST. Don't bother going any further if you have used drugs in the last 90 days or can't go without them. They test EVERYONE for drugs and alcohol use, if you fail the test (or attempt to cheat) there is no second chance, you get kicked out to the street and you go home on your own dime. It will go on your DAC record, and you can write off getting a commercial driving job ever. Alcohol is banned on ALL company property, this even includes mouthwash that has alcohol in it, hand sanitizer, alcohol based cleaning items, you get the picture. Multiple people have been kicked out already for alcohol and/or drug issues. There is ZERO tolerance for alcohol and drug use/abuse, you cannot drink alcohol on your down time, at night, at a restaurant while eating dinner - not even one beer. If you can't handle this, you won't make it.

Other key items are:
Have previous employment information and dates including self employment and unemployment (5 years back if you don't have a CDL and 10 years back if you have a CDL). Be prepared to explain ALL gaps and ALL unemployment periods. If you have any of those be prepared to provide references to back you and your character up. They don't like any gaps in employment - however they do have some wiggle room depending on the situation.

Driving history for past 5 years (all tickets, infractions, suspensions, etc.)

If you EVER had DUI or OUIs, no matter how long ago you must list it. (It may not disqualify you.)

If you EVER lost your license for ANY reason, you must list it. (It may not disqualify you.)

If you EVER have been arrested, received a summons, received a ticket, paid a fine, had to go to court for anything criminal related (misdemeanor or felony), guess what?, you must list it. (It may not disqualify you.)

If you can, get your class A CDL permit from your home state before coming. If you can’t or don’t want to then read and study the Missouri CDL manual, you can download it for free from the Missouri State DMV web site. Take all the free online sample tests from Christ CDL's web site until you know the correct answers to all the questions. Be sure you can learn the material, (specifically the general knowledge, air brakes, combination, and hazmat sections).

Have in your possession your state issued, valid, not expired, drivers license with your photo on it (no paper or temporary licenses), official birth certificate with raised seal listing the names of your parents (new federal requirement for getting a passport – if you don’t have your BC, order one from vitalchek, they have a website), not a copy, not laminated, not ripped up, not falling apart, not mutilated or spindled. Social security card if you have one (not a copy or laminated). Immigration/alien ID cards, work permits, etc, if you have or need them, Passport if you have one, any other documents you may need for employment in the USA.

Be prepared to be away from home for AT LEAST 6-8 weeks from the beginning of orientation to your first home time. If you can't do this, then OTR driving if not for you.

Start making a list of questions and concerns now so you are prepared when you talk a recruiter. If someone tells you something that is not on their web site, get it in writing. A lot of people have been told misinformation from recruiters.

If you make it to orientation and training, the entire process is a big interview. All of the company staff are watching you, including other truck drivers, including who you are interacting with, hanging out with, are friends with.

You need to be able to read and write, this includes being able to fill out forms and follow directions.

PLEASE don't be a slob! In my opinion this means: dress professionally (you don’t need a suit and tie but clean PANTS and a nice shirt would be good), have good personal hygiene (don't smell or be dirty, do shave, do get a nice hair cut, etc.), don't be rude, obnoxious, loud, a know-it-all).

I CAN'T BELIEVE how many people who are/were in my orientation class that are slobs! They are wearing dirty shorts, torn up pants, ripped shirts, muscle shirts, flip flops, stink of BO, are rude, can't go more than five minutes between chain smoking, or are just plain stupid (sorry if this offends anyone).

If anyone has questions I’ll try to answer them based on MY personal experience and observations. Please consider applying and talking to a recruiter.

REMEMBER, they are looking for QUALITY employees/drivers. If you are going to be an asset to them, they are there to help you through the process of getting your CDL and having a successful training and possibly a good career.

 

Very accurate...

 

Did you collect and unemployment at all during that year or time frame also if you were out of work and were looking for work do you have a way of proving that you were diligently looking for work, I had gaps in mine as I think most who were unemployeed do if they were unemployeed for any amount of time does this make sence.

 

I did not think i would be eligible for unemployment so i did not apply for it. and if i knew then i could get it i would'nt have hesitated to apply. i don't think you can get it if you quit a job.

 

Just wanted to add this includes whistling, ogling, flirting at/with members of the opposite sex. Prime takes sexual harassment very seriously, right up there with booze and drugs.

Oh yeah... be on time!

 

Does anyone know if Prime runs through Texas, if so how likely. i live in houston, and want to figure if i'll be able to get home time often or if im gonna be stuck one the road forever.

 

Unfortunately... yes! Could you guys turn down the thermostat a little?? That 110 degrees in the shade stuff gets old after a couple o' hundred days!

Got plenty of places to deliver to in Houston... know the darn place well. They get you a load home, you deliver, drop the trailer where you're supposed to, and bobtail to the house. Reverse the order on the way out...

 

Regarding the question of how Prime looks at the amount time being unemployed. I don't know if it was answered, but since it pertains to me too, I just called Prime recruiting. Here's what the person said:

If you do not have a CDL, you can not have more than 12 months of unemployment in the last 3 years.
If you do have a CDL, you can not have more than 6 months of unemployment in the last 3 years.

As always, information subject to change. YMMV.

Of course, it's just one factor in the overall mix needed for an offer of hire. Looks like I'll need to wait a while before they get my application. ####.

 

Know how this works out with students by chance? I'm a college student now and have been since 2008. I've worked jobs here and there since then when I could find one (college town's suck). Would they count me being in school as "employed" just need a copy of my transcripts or something?