Exactly How Does Prime Training Work?

The nice thing good about schnieder is they tell you up front what to expect. Mid to high 30's. My brother loves them. He gets miles.

But I think paying for your own training is always smart. You are not a slave!!!!

I used to figure they cant fire you. You signed a contract to drive for anywhere from 1 to 2 years. WRONG!!!!!!
You cant quit or they will charge you lots more than 5 grand. And they can fire you and charge you lots more than 5 grand.

It sucks but it true!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

No matter what you do, you need to commit and stick with it until you are finished paying back for the school. I am a lease operator @ Prime, and one thing I will tell you is that you need to wait until you have AT LEAST 2 years experience on the road before you consider leasing or buying a truck. There is just too much to learn just to survive to be worrying about making payments. I know we have several company drivers that are quite happy. And it really doesn't take that long to go from a C seat to an A seat if you keep your driving record clean....watch what you're doing and don't hit anything or anybody. I know this sounds simple...and it is....but it's harder than it sounds. The company drivers here have all the same benefits as other company drivers.....Insurance, 401K, Vacation...and the good thing about starting out as a company driver is you can learn without all the financial pressure. I'd call every company that I'm interested in and ask them the same questions.....then compare and see which one you like the best.

Myself, I chose to come back to Prime after 11 years of being a Freight Hauler because there really is something about this company that fits me. I know others say they'll screw you over....but, honestly, I've watched people for a long time and more times than not, it's us(myself included) that make bad decisions and just look for someone else to blame it on. And the person(or company) that benefits from our mistakes is always the best person to blame it on.

 

Steve & Lo,

I have enjoyed reading your interesting posts.

I am seriously considering Prime's training program as a new driver.

Recruiter sounded up front and honest.

Sounds like you like them.

I am committed to putting my all in this new career, and as such have researched many carriers. I mainly seek honesty and respect and I in turn will return the same.

Prime seems to have their act together.

Can a new guy surrive with them for a year? (hopefully longer, much longer.)

Know anything about their trainers or the training program?

Any helpful info. is appreciated!

Thanks, and God Bless....

 

tichdaddy.....I hope this helps....and I mean what I say about their training program.....Practical experience means TONS more than driving around with 3-4 guys trying to get some seat time.

 

Watkins Sheperd is not owned by Fedex.......... Watkins Transportation out of Fl. is Now Fedex Freight National LTL......

 

Thanks for the helpful info.

From what I've heard Prime allows the new driver and prospective trainer to interview with each other prior to going on the road. Is this correct?

Sounds like a good idea to me as I have read horror stories about some trainers out there. Too bad I could'nt train with you, I know I would learn TONS!


Do the driver managers and dispatchers set company drivers up to win and treat them respectfully? (get you home when due, allow you to meet delivery times & run legally, help answer any questions/directions etc.)?

What kind of weekly miles should a new company solo driver expect after training?

New company drivers are out for how long?

Any dedicated or SE regional available? (I live in Atlanta GA area)

Overall does Prime treat you honestly and respectfully?

I am glad that I came across your posts as you seem very honest and tell it like it is.

That's what I need as I am about your age (39) and changing careers like this is one of the biggest decisions I have ever made, next to marrying my wonderful & beautiful wife over 18 years ago. If it were not for her being extremely self sufficient and a GREAT mom to our kids, there is no way I could even consider doing this. She has driven school bus for the last several years. She used to load freight for UPS. She totally supports me in this also so that in itself is worth everything to me. Maybe we'll team one day like you and your wife.

I've got 4 kids, 2 horses with acreage, 3 dogs, 2 cats, etc. and oh yes one wife- and like most of us , LOTS of financial responsibilites, so short of hopping in a Prime truck and riding with a driver, guys like yourself are all I have for the straight up on what I can expect. ( I do not entirely trust recruiters.)

I feel that I can trust your honest advice on Prime's training as you yourself are one. Training must be right from the start for me to make it.

Again thanks and may God bless you for helping me.

Be safe and please reply when you can.

 

Tichdaddy,
That is a great post with questions that all prospective new drivers should be asking. I am sure Steve & Lo will shoot you some straight answers. I would like to hear from a Prime company driver also who has been there several years to get the company side of doing business.

AL14,

 

Thanks Alamosa44,

I agree, I need to hear what I can expect as a Prime Co. driver as the lease deal will be a ways off for me.


Sound like Prime caters to the lease ops. more so than the co. drivers.

I am submitting my app. to Prime later today and will let you know what happens.


Thanks again...