Hi. I am a new member. Just put my welcome post up about 30 minutes ago. No recent experience, day cab (Mack R300) in NYC 30 years ago for 2 years thankfully without incident. CDL A, Tanker, Hazmat, Passport. After viewing this forum for about 2 years and talking to various recruiters, I am very interested in Prime. Job goes overseas in 4 months. 53 years old. All records clean. Don't ever want to work in an office again. I know I will need a refresher and time with a trainer.
I see this as a lifestyle choice and therefore my main questions center on lifestyle at Prime:
How is the schedule at Prime. Lots of middle of night deliveries, lots of waiting, or is that just propaganda posted by anti refer members?
Recruiter has promoted NE regional. Is there enough miles there for a company driver? Am I better off asking for National OTR?
I like having an hour or two at night to watch TV to unwind. Is portable satellite feasible to have on a company truck, or are you generally so tired that it is eat, shower, lights out? Are there other wifi/data options I am not aware of that provide programming to a PC?
I also know that 11 in 14 is not easy. How long does it take before most drivers are comfortable with that type of day?
How demanding is the temp monitoring? Any other refer specific requirements I should know about?
Last but not least. Training period at Prime is long. I was told I would have to do about 40k miles with a trainer. For me, since I am safety focused, the longer the training, the better. However, I am concerned about sleeping while someone else is driving (trust and and noise/road factors). I asked my wife's cousin who was a trainer with a flatbed OTR company for 5 years and now drives regional for a steel manufacturer, how he did it. He said, lots of coffee and chocolate bars and not much sleep. Some of your feedback would be welcome. I am really concerned about this because I cannot imagine driving 11 without a good night of rest.
Thanks!
Questions about life at Prime
Discussion in 'Prime' started by SteadyEddie, Nov 5, 2014.
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lakerized805 Thanks this. -
Thanks very much for your advice. I do live near the DC in Newburgh NY but I would have no place in my driveway for an under load stop. Bobtail yes, tractor and trailer, no. Given my NE location but with no opportunity for an under load stop at the house, am I correct in concluding that OTR48 is best? Also, I know Prime allows drivers to take their company tractor trailer home. If I only have room for the tractor, what arrangements are normally made for the trailer, or can they not be split?
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Good to know. Thanks again!
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BTW... if I wanted to maximize my income, I'd be wanting the OTR48 gig.
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Thanks for confirming. I know NE Regional starts at a higher rate, but I believe that will compensate a bit for the congestion and likely shorter runs, but will not necessarily enrich a driver that is paid by the mile.
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That 5-cpm was simply to even out the income potential for folks staying up in the NE region.
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Clear. Makes sense.
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Just to make sure you are clear on the training. Every mile turned no matter if you are driving or you trainer counts towards the 40,000 miles. So that is usually take around 8 weeks or so to complete.
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