My Prime orientation experience

Discussion in 'Prime' started by youngclarkh, Oct 19, 2014.

  1. youngclarkh

    youngclarkh Light Load Member

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    I just completed orientation in SLC and wanted to share my experience. Keep in mind that the orientation in SLC is for those who already obtained their CDL beforehand.

    The first day is spent filling out paperwork and then going over to a facility that does the DOT physical for Prime. This is required even if you already got the DOT card previously. This took all morning to complete. The only real hiccup was for guys that were on the heavy side. They were forced to have a sleep study done and get a cpap machine. A few guys chose to not proceed because of the cost associated with this.

    The rest of the day and the next morning was spent doing computer-based training to learn various procedures and processes that all Prime drivers need to become familiar with.

    On Tuesday afternoon everyone did a road test (there is no simulator yet at the SLC facility). The road test wasn't difficult if you learned the basic concepts of manual double clutch shifting, how to successfully down-shift, and how to make safe turns. Surprisingly, there was no requirement to show any backing skills. There were a number of applicants that failed the driving skills test because their previous CDL training didn't sufficiently prepare them. They were sent home.

    By Wednesday, those who remained began to be assigned their TNT partners, except for a couple of experienced drivers who picked out their trucks and went out solo. This is also when we got our company cards.

    Overall, it was an excellent experience, professionally run.

    For me personally, now that orientation is over, it has become a very frustrating experience. All newly-hired drivers left days ago with their trainers. For some reason, my trainer got dispatched far away before being routed back to SLC. Therefore, I have been stuck here all weekend with no food to eat and no transportation. My trainer is due to arrive Monday afternoon but in the meantime I have been stranded here 4 extra days, making no money. Kinda lame. It is possible that I would have gotten out faster if I hadn't requested a non-smoking TNT. Who knows?

    I'm really excited to hit the road and get more training. I think Prime was a good choice.
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2014
    skellr Thanks this.
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  3. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Yup, PRIME Hates Fat Drivers, the sleep study is purely prime has nothing to do with DOT requirements.
     
  4. Buckboard

    Buckboard Bobtail Member

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    Probably right about having to wait for a non-smoker but you'd be worse off than you are now. Are you stuck at the terminal? Seems like they'd have a shuttle van running to take drivers/ students around (most companies do) to WalMart and back and forth to student housing/motel or to the bus station for the "go home" folks. There's a Micro-Tel out there by the airport a lot of companies use. Ask for a room voucher and check into the shuttle thing. Shuttle should take you there and pick you up. I'm not familiar how Prime does things so I could be wrong. CRE and Werner do I know. You shouldn't have to be stuck there. Keep in touch with your trainer and keep everyone advised of his ETA. Hang in there. I know you're excited to hit the road. Good luck driver.
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2014
    youngclarkh Thanks this.
  5. youngclarkh

    youngclarkh Light Load Member

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    Actually, I'm not at the terminal. I am at the Microtel Inn but food is extremely scarce. This is very isolated and there are no meal vouchers from Prime, like they have in Springfield.
     
  6. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    They don't want to get sued silly cause someone couldn't get enough rest and fell asleep at the wheel. Would you?

    They are just covering their butt.
     
  7. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You say "no food" do you mean no food available, or no money in pocket to buy food ?
     
  8. Buckboard

    Buckboard Bobtail Member

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    That Microtel has their own shuttle and I'm sure they'd be glad to take you to the Walmart for food. All the drivers I met were very cool...or you can walk about a mile to a Subway (a right out of there and then a left) or keep going to a place called Amelia's. Good food there. I know the place is isolated (been there four or five times) but talk to the folks at the front desk. Drivers stay there a lot and they know how to help you. You're at a good spot. Load up on the free eats they put out for the drivers waiting for the shuttle in the morning. Pastry, fruit, oatmeal, cereals, bagels, juice, coffee...enough to support life. You shouldn't be "starving". Make it happen and get use to winging it.
     
    youngclarkh Thanks this.
  9. youngclarkh

    youngclarkh Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. Once I get out there making money I'll be fine.
     
  10. woodlandman81

    woodlandman81 Bobtail Member

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    the person thats said the cpap mechines are to make sure they r resting not to be me ur wrong it s to help keep them breathing hun. do they normally singal out hevier drivers? my hubby has lost a lot of weight in the last 7 years well over 150 pounds n doesnt need a cpap mechine. he is still a little hevey but he has lost much weight he is about half the man he was 7yr a go.r u getting food hun? sound like ur in our boat u sure ur ok?
     
  11. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    Got a fridge in the room?
     
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