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

Really about the only way to know for sure is to apply, I would fill out the online app and just put in a note about it on the app. I don't think it would matter as long as you were/are not hopping from job to job.

 

yeah, i agree. It's not like this is a business where drivers hop from job to job...lol

 

I don't see anything you've mentioned being a real issue. The key is that when asked if you've ever been terminated, say yes and explain why. Good luck, I'm sure you will do fine.

 

I finished orientation today & was issued my purple ID badge! Now the REAL work begins...

One thing I thought I'd pass along... I guessed (correctly) that I would be tagged for a sleep study because of my BMI. The cost of doing the BMI here is $500 out of pocket up front. Since I have health insurance through the VA I thought I'd save some money & get my own sleep study done for free. Now I worked with my recruiter, who said he checked with the medical team, & said that they would accept 3rd party sleep study results. Well let me tell you something. What they DON'T tell you is that they won't accept the results if the sleep study is performed at home. If your BMI is 39 or higher I would suggest losing 15 pounds or so to avoid doing a sleep study. Otherwise you will be paying $500 for the test then another $600 if they issue you a CPAP. This is all up from out of your pocket. If you already have a CPAP be sure your machine is capturing usage data because they will need to see 20-30 days compliance.

 

Just a few questions.
Can you get your CDL permit beforehand in your home state?
If you do will you still have to transfer it back to your home state after testing?
What are your costs for training?
Do they pay for your trans to school and put your up at a hotel?
Are you paid during psd& tnt?
Thanks

 

1)Yes. If you do, it takes a little of the stress off of orientation week since you will already have your permit. That said, your home state will likely require you to have a DOT physical before they will allow you test for the permit, so that is an extra expense.No. As corrected below.
2) if you arrive with a permit you will have to transfer it to MO during orientation week. After you test and acquire your CDL, you will have to transfer that back to your state of residence. It's a pain in the ###, but that's just the way it is. Blame the states.
3) $155 for application/orientation fees, DMV costs and eating on the road that (ain't cheap).
4) yes. Prime will book you a ticket on the dirty dog, or reimburse you the amount that ticket would cost if you make your own travel arrangements.
5) PSD- no. You can draw a $200 advance per week that is repayable at $25 weekly w/ zero interest once you come on payroll. TNT- yes. There is a $700 a weekly/$100 daily guarantee when you are on the truck available for dispatch.

 

I was told no, that it changed in January ...

 

Correct. Can no longer come in with out of state permit. State of MO changed in January.

You now must get permits in MO.

 

Thanks for the correction. I knew everyone had to change it over, didn't realize that MO wouldn't transfer OOS permits.

 

Also, your room & meals are provided while in orientation.

ChuckT covered the rest, just wasn't up to date on permit situation.

Got to cut him a bit of slack in his old age. The mind is a terrible thing to waste. He never listened to his Mama in days gone by, so he suffers the consequences of it today. LOL