Starting a new career in my 40's

Good start on credentials. I wish I could help you about Prime but my only experience was as a rookie a long time ago. They are all lease ops and I asked to see a copy of a typical lease before I signed on so I could see if that was for me. They wouldn't do it so I moved on. I'm not saying they are bad by any means. I just have no info. Might try posting your Q in the Prime forum. I'm sure one of them will be glad to give you the straight scoop.

Best of luck and be safe.

 

Hello; here's everything you need...

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...ime/94337-prime-orientation-and-training.html

 

If I'm not mistaken Prime only does food grade, not hazmat but to answer your question, the hazmat test can be a little tricky to pass, the written test that is, so make sure you thoroughly read up on it in the manual. It depends on the state if they will let you re take the test on the same day. Florida for instance will, but Texas won't.......Booooo. You have to come back another day. I certainly have had my fair share of challenges taking the test.
Good luck.

 

That's a rather old thread... more recent info, and by instructors/trainers is in this one:

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

Vehicles are new to three/four years max, or about 450,000 miles or so. Excellent maintenance, although you have to do your part as well. We have a large cohort of company drivers at Prime, and while there is a lease program, I heartily recommend you figure out what the heck trucking is all about for a couple of years on the company side before you take the plunge.

 

This is the single most important info you're ever going to receive my friend. Please heed Ponies advice,regardless of where you go or how you go about obtaining your CDL. The roads are littered with countless folks who didn't listen and in turn destroyed their credit and lives by finding out that trucking isn't what they thought it was going to be. Good luck with your endeavor!

 

I was a marketing manager for a high tech military electronics company in the 90s. Air travel, limos, high end hotels, restaurants, etc. Great money, respect and a feeling of importance. Gave it up and bought my own business. Was able to buy a lot of things I always wanted but could never afford.
Deep down I don't think I was really happy. Sold it all and got into trucking and I can honesty say,I have never looked forward to going to work like I do now. I make less than half the money.
You know, the most important thing is to love your work. After all, the people that enjoy earning money more than spending it are really the richest people.