Jim Palmer Training

Hey guys, Zaxby here.

As promised, I will give an update about my experience at Jim Palmers trucking school. For starters, below is a little information about them. This has been posted before so I won't go into too much detail, but I do want to make a few things more clear.
-The fleet is 2014 or newer 579s and Cascadias.
-APUs, Inverters, and direct TV.
-Haul Reefer for PRIME (JP DRIVERS ARE NOT PRIME EMPLOYEES!!!)
-Open pet policy

About the training process:

http://www.jimpalmertrucking.com/class8.php

Let me clear up a few things:
-The $200 advance does not kick in until you hit the road with a trainer
- Lodging, transportation, lunches, DOT physical, and permit fee will be provided.

My time line:

I applied early June, and received a call from a recruiter in Springfield MO. The application process, phone interviews, and getting approved took about a month. I decided to attend the August first class so I would have time to get some things lined up before I left.

8/30/2016
Left on a bus from Colorado to Missoula MT. It took about 24 hours.
3/31/16
Arive to the hotel, hangout for the evening (you have a roommate)
8/1/16
Get picked up in the morningt the hotel by one of JP trainers.
-Meet all of the staff, including dispatchers.
-Do a bunch of paperwork
-DOT drug screen and physical
-Study for CDL permit
8/2/16
Surrender current drivers license, get a Montana drivers license, and take CDL permit test at the DMV.
Practice driving on the yard or studying for CDL permit if you failed a section
8/3/16
Practice more driving on the yard and or retake test at the DMV
Face to face interview with director of operations (mainly updating and varrifying application and paperwork.
More practice in the truck.

I really enjoy the family atmosphere. They had our names posted in the main entry way, welcoming us to JP. Instructers are friendly, yet firm in their teachings.
I will continue to update this as I move through the program. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

I leave this Wednesday hopefully, just depends when he can get this way. Most of the other guys from my class left over the weekend

I was told you can. However, if you haven't, I would suggest just waiting so you don't have to pay for it