My Prime Trucking School experience 12/9/2013 Springfield, MO

Eh.... No.

Prime isn't struggling for anything. Class of 77, maybe 10 tops will make it through the selection process.

It is very much like boot camp.

 

That's still a lot of drivers they are going through in a year. Do not take what I said for more then it is. However unless you have been through military boot camp I don't think I can stress enough there is nothing that any of us who served will ever encounter in civilian life that can compare to the trials and challenges we experienced in the military. Not even close. Now don't get me wrong I am in no way belittling Prime or its training program which is top notch and as such is my choice for pursuing my dream. But to compare it to military boot camp is definitely like comparing apples and oranges. Being on time, attentive, and being able to conform to the rules and regulations of your employer is not military like but instead normal everyday expectations that the younger generations seem to no longer value.

 

I believe you're the respondant who made the comparison to military boot camp. No it isn't. However, you can plan on being sent packing if you screw up... and many are. All training companies have a high turnover in the first-year cohort. There are a lot of expectations that are way overblown, stress that can't be dealt with, home sickness, etc. This isn't a job it's a lifestyle, and many just aren't cut out for it. If 10% make it through to solo-qualified in their own truck, I'd be surprised if there are more than half of that are remaining into their second year. That being said, there is a large, experienced cadre of drivers at Prime. Over half the total drivers have more than a year's experience at any given time. I know many folks with over 10 years driving at Prime.

 

My only intention was to dismiss some of the negative outlooks that were being pushed onto the OP about how he viewed his experience thus far with his training at Prime. The guy is simply relaying his own personal views and was in return being told he needs to take it more seriously. When as far as I can tell things are going pretty well for him. Doesn't really seem to constructive to me.. I appreciate the collective experience of everyone on these forums but when you are dealing with people who are putting their whole lives on hold and putting themselves out there trying to do something good for themselves. Being beseeched by a bunch of people with a year or two in the industry about how high the failure rate is and how every little thing is going to get them shown to the door hardly seems productive to the industry or beneficial to the company trying to put good people in the seats of Prime trucks.

 

I went through boot camp. I was a submariner for seven years. I don't really appreciate your inference, or rather your implication that I don't know what goes on in the military.


There are plenty of differences, but Prime operates like a MEPS station or P Days in boot camp. I often compare this industry to the military, and find that deployment experience helps.

Also, there is a lot of hurry up and wait. My personal experience with Prime's orientation dredged up a lot of memories of leaving home for something new and exciting; the anxiety inherent to the whole situation is very very similar, particularly for those going through PSD. As for FMJ, he'll be fine. He has the right attitude and bearing. Knowing him in person has helped me to come to the conclusion that he will succeed. Many do not.

 

Ahh... OP not being discouraged here at all if you just read. Actually, being given decent advice. All pretty accurate based on ACTUAL experience here.

And, guys with year or so experience? Assuming a lot with that statement. You know what they say there. Unfortunately, you were incorrect.

When & if you get here, you will be in a much better position to tell folks what to expect. Till then, you can only speculate. Know you meant well, but your comments will likely be taken a bit different. Kinda coming off like you know it all. Definately will not help you much here.

OP doesn't need a savior & is doing well due to his attitude & desire to learn from these folks you deride. And this is from First Hand knowledge of meeting him and being here.

Giant,
Sure your having fun on the pad. You'll probably be an early snag by instructor. But, if not...patience. Won't be long at all. Peace Brotha & good luck.

 

I know the folks in the training department well enough to understand that they are serious enough about what they do to take a flip attitude by a student the wrong way. And yes, small things will get you sent packing because this carrier is serious about the image it projects at the customers door. You wouldn't know anything about this because you've never set foot on the property... but I do notice that you feel familiar enough with Prime to set yourself up as an expert. Why is that?

If you want to take a shot at someone's comments here, at least have the courtesy to do it straight out.

 

Well.. My last intention was to start a flame war on this guys thread. But being as I have gotten as many thanks on my comments as naysayers I will go ahead and support my comments.

First of all I am not sure how I could come off as a know it all, I never expressed knowledge as a Prime associate in any way, nor have I at any time told people how to conduct themselves while on the road to becoming long haul truck drivers. Allow me to give a cliff notes version of what I have expressed just so future readers can have a slightly clearer view then those convoluted ideas you guys have found to attack.

First and most importantly, Timeliness, Attentiveness, and being serious about achieving your goals in life are common place in life. Thats called being an adult. Honestly if you have to have your hand held to that extent then there is no hope for you in the first place.

Secondly for the average aspiring trucker if you have made it to driver training without lying about your background or having done drugs, or anything else particularly stupid. My suggestion is that you relax a little. You are on the right path, don't be stupid..but as long as you have a brain between your ears, can act like an adult, and have just a little common sense you will be fine.

And third, not everyone is cut out to be a truck driver. It is a hard and lonely life, it can be stressful and monotonous. And it should be treated as a lifestyle because its definately not a 9 to 5. But that is all common knowledge that anyone who has put any time into researching the industry should already know.

Now all that said I am in no way speaking on behalf of Prime Inc. or its drivers. Instead I am speaking on experience gained in my own life, as well as morals that I feel you should have obtained growing up and becoming an adult. You are making a huge commitment to your goal of becoming a truck driver by leaving your families, and going out into the unknown but if you are reading this you have done the research to know what is expected of you, and hopefully are self aware enough to be able to decide for yourself what you can and cannot do. The last thing anyone needs is overly opinionated truck drivers telling you the failure rates and how everything you do can get you booted.. common sense applies here you should be able to figure out how to conduct yourselves as an adult. My only goal in all of this is to express that the way to success is to keep your eye on the goal and know that you can do it. The last thing you need climbing behind the wheel of a tractor is to be scared of messing up, and fearing that the first time you make a mistake like stab the brakes on a tractor and just about put everyone through the windshield of the truck because you have never driven a vehicle with air brakes you are not going to be sent packing. (air brakes can be touchy lol I have had many a new driver slam me into the seat belt )

Positive reinforcement is what aspiring drivers need. They are not behind the wheel when reading these forums for advice they are trying to get a handle for what is involved and to be given the impression that this is overly difficult and only a select few will be privileged with an opportunity to drive with these chosen few is absurd. And apparently the naysayers in this forum have a fairly dim outlook on humanity if this is how they feel. That being said the company does have enough idiots coming in to be relatively picky. But as long as you can find a way to not be a complete idiot, Prime or any trucking company for that matter does not ask anything of you above and beyond what is doable by the average guy or girl.

My thoughts here come from a personal wealth of experience in life, the military, and as a 9 year tow truck driver. I have driven everything from a 2 ton truck all the way up to a 35 ton wrecker and have towed many a tractor trailer. (you dont know fun until you have tried to back a wrecker towing a truck with doubles into a impound yard from a cul de sac. lol. 6 axles on the ground and 3 pivot points.. think about it lol) I have trained multitudes of drivers from zero experience to be efficient tow truck operators and how to deal with risking their lives every day, outside of the safety of the truck in inclement weather. And if you think all tow truck drivers do is what you see on the side of the freeway or in your driveway you are sorely mistaken...I did 4 years in the US Navy from 1999 thru 2003. I was a Hospital Corpsman stationed with 1st Div out of Camp Pendleton, Ca. I have seen and done a lot in my life and I can tell you that my personal drive and confidence is what carried me through every challenge I have faced in life.

My opinions here are just that, personal opinions, and as such are just as valid as anyone elses on this forum. Im sure you can learn far more those who are currently working for Prime but be aware although educated they are just opinions as well. Life is not this complicated you have nothing to worry about as long as you know what you are getting yourself into and are aware of your own limitations. Apparently trying to shine a little sunlight on the endeavours of those striving to achieve their goals is frowned upon here.
ALL OF THIS SAID.....lol I still plan to pursue becoming a truck driver with Prime and I hope there is no ill will between all of you truckers and myself. I am not trying to take away the "year or two" of experience you have gained and not really discrediting your views. Just simply putting out a little bit of positive in a sea of "you can get booted for every little thing you might do wrong if your an idiot." Not trying to be anyones savior here lol.. Just having a positive outlook on life, and my fellow man or woman.

 

wow... what happened to my paragraphs..?!?! I am so sorry for the wall of text.

 

I started reading that. Got about to the tow truck part before I realized I was reading a Tolkienesque novella.