Orientation

He is hired after he gets his class a but prime doesn't waste money training if they are going to send him home. They make sure everything is in line the first day of student orientation. If he gets his permit and goes with an instructor he is in assuming he can drive.

 

Some common reasons ... applicant wasn't honest or upfront about their background or employment and something is found out when they're in orientation ... a failed drug or alcohol test ... can't pass the physical. I heard some companies are now requiring sleep apnea tests for drivers who are overweight (don't know the weight threshold) and those whose neck circumferences exceed a certain size (again, don't know the measurements used). These are some of the more common occurrences why folks are sent home.

 

Theirs a few other Prime wives running around.

He might have to take a Sleep Apnea test if he is overweight, if he fails that he will need to get a sleep apnea machine or Prime will DQ him. (you pay for the machine in weekly payments)

Everything else sounds fine though providing he was honest and didnt do drugs before going. He'll be officially hired after he gets his CDL.

 

What they said above. Other things are prescriptions our doctor has heartburn over... might have to go home and come back in 30 days; injuries, and the like. If he disclosed all of the things you mentioned to his recruiter, he should be good to get into an instruction truck. As everyone else mentioned, once he has his CDL he is hired on.

Encourage him to get along with his instructor and/or trainer... all he has to do is put up with it for 10 or 12 weeks, and he'll be in his own truck earning a paycheck. The best thing you can do is to be supportive, and not put pressure on him about things that he can't influence from 1000 miles away. Do communicate... that really helps.

 

He can take some hometime after his instructional phase. After he gets his CDL, he'll need to head home to transfer his license some time in a 30 to 90-day window, depending on your state. He can arrange something with his trainer at that point. After he upgrades is another point that will work as well- most folks get a load "through the house" so they can get their truck set up. After that, it's no more often than every three weeks... or as frequently as your finances can bear some interruption.

 

Have you read this thread yet?

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...27-new-prime-inc-what-expect-springfield.html

No, he doesn't HAVE to take home time, and yes, if he's not available for dispatch (sittin' on the couch at home doesn't count) he won't be paid. The wheels have to be turning. 48-state OTR company guys in a lightweight tractor get 41-cpm plus a variable fuel bonus that's paid weekly. Miles can vary from 2400 to 2800 on the average... it's all about averages, and the yearly freight cycle can put you either below or above that level.

Do put some money in the bank to help get you through the slack weeks, help cover your expenses when he's not getting paid- home time, training in Springfield, maintenance down time, etc.