New to Prime INC - What to expect (Springfield edition)

Please disregard Dynomite's comments. The info in this thread is reasonably up to date. Re-read the first post... Prime houses new applicants at the Campus Inn, and does orientation at this facility. There's a cafeteria on site, and your meals are covered by Prime while you stay there. The $200 loan is only meant to help defray your expenses while you're on a CDL instructor's truck prior to becoming a paid employee of Prime.

 

You need to use the 200. For food and other items u will need. Don't send it home. If u have medical issues this too may delay u r getting in a truck.

 

Once you get past day one life does get a little easier for those of you with your CDL permit. If you didn't come with one, the heat's still on. Get ready to take the CDL written tests. They work with you if you fail your first tests. I have seen some people trying to pass the tests as late as Friday, but most people are sent home at that point. Study study study.You will need $50 to get your Missouri CDL permit. Once you pass your CDL written tests the shuttle will take a group of you downtown to get your picture taken, blood drawn (just kidding) and get your new Missouri CDL Permit.#DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR REGULAR LICENSE, YOU NEED IT#to drive with your CDL permit.Once you get your permit, are cleared by the medical team and the background check is good, you are now ready to get your ID card. This is done over at the Milleneum building, the jewel of Prime INC. The food is better, and it is the terminal where everything else happens. Once you get your ID card the cadre can start working with you on the maneuvering pad where you learn how to do the Pre-trip inspection and possibly get to do a little maneuvering in a real truck with a real trailer. Those of you who are still waiting for medical clearance or to pass your written tests will NOT be able to go with your classmates.After you make it through the orientation process and you get your ID Card, there will be $200 available to borrow each friday. (4 weeks max) You get this by using your ID card as an ATM card either in a machine or at Wal Mart. Your pin was set up when you made the call after getting your ID card at driver line up. Each time you take that $200 you are adding the amount to the total that you will have to pay back. This will be paid back once you get your CDL and become an employee. it is taken out of your paychecks at $25 per week. REMEMBER, when you come back to do the CDL hands on tests you will need around $100 to go get your CDL at the DMV.#Wednesday and Thursday are mostly classes on employment requirements such as Sexual Harassment and other gov't required classes. You will also have classes that will prepare you to become an employee. Thursday or Friday will be the days that you will probably be assigned a PSD instructor. More on that next...One thing I want you to know:#YOU ARE BEING INTERVIEWED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE ORIENTATION AND TRAINING PROCESS#so I would suggest that you DON'T wear t-shirts with cuss words on it, raggedy clothes, or have your underwear/buttcrack showing. I would suggest that you also conduct yourself as if your mom/grandma/grandpa/aunt/uncle is watching and grading you.The first day is hurry up and wait. Day two is the interview and nurse to check u out if u didn't already while u go through u r computer modules. And the simulator.

 

Thanks Iron Pony...

That info is a BIG HELP.

Also, I understand that while driving with a trainer, I will "be staying in his house"... how much space, on average, will I have? Will I be able to bring/use my own cooking/eating items? Or will I have to be resigned to t/s and restaurant?

Is there a list ANYWHERE of what to bring with me?

I have put in my application just this past Tuesday (12-23) but have not heard back from the recruiter yet... (I know... it's Christmas). So hopefully, I will hear from her soon...

 

Here is the checklist that Prime gave me. I will start orientation on Jan 19th. Most of it is common sense.

Clothing
Bring enough clothing for approximately 2 weeks on the road. Pack for both warm and cool weather.
Laundry rooms are available onsite in hotel and terminal

Bedding
Sleeping bag or blanket
Pillow

Supplies
Pens
Notebook
Highlighters

Hygiene items
Towel
Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
Toothbrush and tooth paste

Note: space is limited on the truck so please limit your packing to 1 or 2 soft sided bags.

 

As a PSD trainer I do try to give the student space to store there stuff, but there isn't much room in a condo for a lot of items. You'll most likely be sleeping with your items at the foot of your bed.

Don't try and pack the kitchen with you either. There just won't be room. I personally have a 3.1 cu ft fridge with a freeze, a microwave, a crock pot, and a toaster oven. I don't eat out but maybe a couple times a month. I cook all my own meals. Tonight I'll be having salmon on a cedar plank with rice, broccoli, and cauliflower. Earlier this week I made a pot roast with baby red potatoes, celery, carrots, and onions. My student enjoyed that very much and we had enough leftovers for a couple days. I'll also make an oven baked lemon chicken in the over and do some steamed veggies to go with it.

What I'm getting at is it depends on your trainer and what they might have on the truck. Just plan on food items that require very little prep work and maybe just hot water but if you're lucky your trainer will have a fridge and microwave.
Hope that helps and makes sense seeing as how I'm falling asleep as I write this.

Good luck to you!

 

Thanx RedOctober...

Thats good info to have... I hope to get into an orientation date sometime in Jan.... the sooner the better... cant be broke too much longer, lol.

About 7 years ago, I worked as an executive chef, and was in food service for 18 yrs... so I think I can be pretty emaginative when it comes to meal planning and menus... just trying to get a feel for what to plan for... if the student AND driver can share meal expenses on the truck, that helps...

Maybe I could start a cooking thread... that would be fun.

BTW... thanks for the pics of your rig setup...

 

Plan on truck stop food or what you can heat up in a microwave until you get in your own truck. You'll be too busy and tired to do anything else for some time. Its basic training, not a luxury cruise.

 

I'm used to working 12+ hrs strait for sometimes 21+ days in a row (NO days off) in the oil field, both on shore and off shore) and eating crap on the fly... if I'm not too physically active, my body doesnt need quite as much.

As far as basic training goes... I totally get it... was both Army AND Navy, and went through basic for both....

Microwave food is ok for me too, but I also have one of those 12V "lunch box" cookers, so I will bring that too....

 

Keep treating you students like that, your never going to get rid of them! :smt118