Considering getting back into trucking

Hi everyone! I'm in the same boat as Hollerider only I've been out longer and have done mostly flatbed, the question i have is if i go reefer division could i stay mostly west of the Missisippi or is that not an option? I havent driven OTR since 07 and i know it will be hard to get back in it with out a refresher course iand I would'nt try leasing without driving for 2 years or so to learn the ups and downs of freight . also JDSouza are you still with prime I think you were going to run out of SLC? I see a lot of prime trucks in ferndale (theres a drop yard in town) so.. i know the reefer division have loads coming here.My first choice woud be flatbed but if the economy takes a nose dive i would rather b pulling a reefer
thanks.

 

We run a company western regional division out of Salt Lake. Doesn't mean you can't get a load headed east if you want out that way - you just have to let your FM know about it. On the lease side, you can work out something with your FM to work a particular area - I'm a solo so I appreciate the shorter runs in the eastern half of the country. I spend a lot of time out here, but I do get to the Pacific Northwest and California from time-to-time.

 

thanks for the responce IP. another question, does prime have a refresher course or do I get that on my own before doing the 40,000 miles with a prime trainer

 

That's a question best asked of the recruiter. Give them a call...

 

When previous experience is involved, the recruiters are the best answer - each person's situation is a bit different. In general, the "refresher course" usually means running through PSD - the student driver course. That's 100 hours with an instructor - that should be a snap for you. There is another benefit in that - you'll get 10,000 miles credit towards that 40,000 miles with a trainer.

 

Translation: Prime asks you to give up your current CDL and start over as a student.

FYI: the recruiter won't call this route a "refresher course." It's simply Prime's current "solution" to a hiring policy that doesn't allow CDL drivers with no recent experience to be hired.

 

Stupid as heck, but it is what it is.

 

WhenI came to work at prime about 2 years ago. I had not driven in like 8 years. Prime asked me to take a refresher course. Which I did with a local firm for about $1500. I then went out with a trainer.
they never asked me to give up my CDL.

 

Depends on if you have the $1500 handy. PSD is free if you stay on for a year.

 

thanks everyone for the info, Prime is a company that i would like to drive for but I've had my cdl "grandfathered" to me back in the early 90's . having to give it up to get a new one would be hard to swallow. what if im not as good as i once was in taking the tests I'll just have to call recruiting tomorrow to double check. coming up with 1500 or so for a refresher course this time a year is hard to do too. PSD is like worse case scenario for me I'm gonna call FFE tomorrow also and ask on their requirements . I could pay my dues with them and come work for Prime in a year if it works out! thanks again everyone!