Leaving for PRIME Springfield tomorrow afternoon....

Leaving for Prime on the 19th at 12:30 riding the dog from Indianapolis to Springfield.
So I wanted to list off the things I will be taking with me, just as a reference for other new drivers, and for the older guys to say whether or not I forgot something...
Compact briefcase that has all of my important documents in it, like my STATE SEAL birth certificate, social security card and direct deposit information. As well as a few notebooks for note taking (and practice log books, and keeping track of my miles and pay, and to jot down my trip info once it comes over the qualcom, and the ever important trip planning.)
One bag of clothes for roughly two weeks, considering the time of year, I went ahead and packed nothing but cooler weather gear. Since I live up north but grew up in the south (Jacksonville Florida) I am pretty comfortable with wearing jeans everywhere, including when its 100F in the south. Also packed in some long johns (this is long underwear for those that don't know..) because they can help keep you toasty in the cold and take up a very small amount of space in your bag.
Sleeping Bag. brand new, freshly bought for a whopping $15 at wally world.
Small bag with my shower stuff + two towels in it. Also the ever important shower shoes, not into getting any type of fungus.

 

It's not a hardshell briefcase, completely compact and soft (i can break it down and stick it under a seat if theres not much room and what not, or under my pillow to save space). Better yet I do have a laptop backpack that I could actually fit the *briefcase* into and pack even more stuff....hmm

 

I will never do a lease purchase program with any company. Granted I am not saying anything bad about Prime's lease program or any other companies for that matter. My belief is that in order for said programs to work for you, you have to understand how to run a business and operate your truck like it is a business or else you will fail. Don't care who you l/p, if you don't run it appropriately you will fail.

That and when I have been a company driver for 2-3 years or so, I'll just buy a used rig for $20k and save myself the $400-$900 a week payments and actually own my truck.


Again though, this is just saying I AM NOT FIT NOR HAVE THE EXPERIENCE for a l/p with any company.

 

Ok so I got into SpringMO at 1030 last night, called security and got a ride from them to the campus inn.
Which by the way I was pleasantly surprised with the hotel. Also wasn't unhappy with the deli dinner they had ready for me when I got here. Wasn't bad at all for your basic ham sub, bag of chips, water bottle and cookies.

This morning I got up early and grabbed another good hot shower and then headed to the cafeteria for breakfast and socialize with the people at the smoking area. Have gotten a ton of information from drivers that are new to drivers that have been driving since before I was born (I was born in 83 btw).

Also checked out the sim lab and the classrooms here at the hotel. All of the staff and the other drivers and newbies have been very nice and easily approachable.