My Prime PSD experience.

Discussion in 'Prime' started by Sourdough, Dec 22, 2011.

  1. Sourdough

    Sourdough Light Load Member

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    Nov 6, 2011
    Tulsa, OK
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    Well, as I prepare to wrap up my PSD time on the road, I figured I'd take an opportunity to reflect on just how much this program has enriched me thus far.

    Starting out like everyone else in orientation, I sweated out the three days of grueling "hurry up and wait" while background, medical, and interviews were in progress. I really wasn't too worried about anything, but I was seeing some good people having to leave for various reasons. Naturally, even if you're an altar boy, there's just some circumstances that you can't control. So I felt fortunate every day I was there.

    It struck me from the beginning that maybe I could document the process to try to help other people who are considering this career move. As a result, I started the Sourdough Diaries.

    [ame="http://youtu.be/4zlE8_2aBuk"]http://youtu.be/4zlE8_2aBuk[/ame]

    As time on the road has been busy with getting super-solo runs complete from Kansas, to Pennsylvania, down to Texas, back up to New York and New Hampshire, and now finally back down to SPRINGMO, I haven't been able to produce more than the two videos, but I have about another 4 in the queue.

    I've been fortunate to have found a trainer who seems to enjoy the "diving head first into the deep end" approach. On my second day driving, I was pulling 40k+ lbs of pipe at night, in the mist, just below freezing. I was tense and nervous to say the least, but I pulled through it. With every challenge I face, it makes the next day easier. I couldn't imagine getting this kind of practical application going through a CDL mill.

    I'll be sticking with him hopefully thru TNT. His hygene is a bit questionable to say the least, but he seems to know his stuff. He's also quite a few years younger than me, but I respect his experience. We clash sometimes, but always ending up with a fist bump after the job is done. He's a good kid and will probably be a better instructor once he's gotten my under his belt as his first student/trainee.

    It's easy to get flustered. It's hard to rise above challenges. I've found myself on both sides of this spectrum and will be very happy when this is all complete and I get my CDL next week. Milestone achieved, I can focus on getting my A seat.

    Anyways, I'll be adding up more vids as I have time to. :) Be safe out there and enjoy the ride.
     
    da1, GSWx, harleysmith64 and 4 others Thank this.
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  3. MONT74

    MONT74 Heavy Load Member

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    Very nice, I look forward to watching this forum as it grows, I arrive In sprinfield Monday Night.
     
  4. MikeyB.

    MikeyB. Medium Load Member

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    Nov 21, 2011
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    good job man. keep it up
     
  5. GSWx

    GSWx <strong>Doc In The Box</strong>

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    Great job, Sourdough. What video camera are you using? The picture quality was great!
     
  6. MONT74

    MONT74 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 29, 2011
    Boise, ID
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    Lets see more videos!!!
     
  7. DenaliDad

    DenaliDad Retired Wheel Dog

    It's the Sourdough in you that makes you a better Driver Cheechako, bro. You're just flat out better prepared for anything. :biggrin_25514:
     
  8. da1

    da1 Road Train Member

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    Jun 30, 2011
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    Like the video can't wait to see more
     
  9. OpenRoadDreamer

    OpenRoadDreamer Road Train Member

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  10. Sourdough

    Sourdough Light Load Member

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    Nov 6, 2011
    Tulsa, OK
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    As soon as I get some hometime, I'll catch things up. Thanks for your support, I'll try to keep things interesting. LOL
     
  11. For My Familys Sake

    For My Familys Sake Light Load Member

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    Jun 25, 2011
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    Nice Job Sour,

    I have long wanted to sit down and write about my experiences through the training process at PRIME. Overall I think it is a good c ompany, keeping in mind that it is a ...

    "Trucking company that trains, NOT a training company that trucks"

    I have met some very good people and a few that I wish NOT to characterize as it would not be in a good light.

    I have had plenty of time to do this and have been remiss..but anything you do to document things for people starting out is a really good thing..it really helps

    keep it up, and I am pretty sure I have seen you at SpriMO
     
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