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

Discussion in 'Prime' started by silenteagle, Dec 6, 2012.

  1. FatalPatronus

    FatalPatronus Bobtail Member

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    I'm hoping I get a nice trainer who has patience.
     
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  3. kevinbarcusprior

    kevinbarcusprior Bobtail Member

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    Sorry if I am asking anything that has been posted in the 240 pages as I know it probably has been. I am considering putting in an application for Prime and I am willing to relocate. Do we have a choice between Salt Lake City, UT or Springfield, MO? I live in California and I want this job so I can leave California. I would prefer to go to Utah since I am familiar with Salt Lake City and I can drive my car there easily. I have only been to the states around Missouri and that would be a longer driver for me. I have a clean driving record and I have no tickets or convictions of any kind. I don't want to get DQ'd for anything weird and have to drive back home. What are the health related things that get people DQ'd as I am about 250 lbs and 6-4. I don't want to be deemed unfit for duty. Also I was told by a co-worker who was a truck driver we under go evaluations constantly and I am hoping that they help us improve and not send us home for any random mistakes. I like traveling the country and I want to be a OTR driver. I am more than willing to put in the time to get this done. I do not have a CDL and I have never driven a truck. I have driven across the country by car multiple times. It's a big thing for me to give up my job and move across the country. I really want to make this work and put in the time and effort required. I tend to be the perfectionist type when it comes to driving and safety. I read online that the training is 3-4 weeks and then after passing and getting a CDL I would go on the road with a mentor for 30,000 miles and I would then start getting paid? Is this correct. I am looking forward to a great career and great opportunities. Any advice or help would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
     
  4. BQ Truck Driver

    BQ Truck Driver Light Load Member

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    I am not sure about choice in training location, very few come through SLC. Prime will provide you with a bus ticket to training as well as provide hotel and meal card during training. You will need to bring about $160 for registration costs and to transfer license, there is a Wal-Mart about 5 min away via foot as well as several restaurants if bring extra. Most students are only at terminal for orientation week then hit road with trainer for 2-4 weeks (Prime lends you $200/wk during this phase for food and basic items). You return to terminal to take licensing tests, upon passing you return to road for 30,000 team miles (paid 14cpm, guaranteed 5,000 miles/wk ($700)). If healthy (no scripts, some ok), there should be no issues, tho may be flagged for sleep study. If anything in past, be honest with recruiter and on app.
     
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  5. kevinbarcusprior

    kevinbarcusprior Bobtail Member

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    I tested negative for sleep apnea in 2014. I had it done before my insurance ran out. What about having trouble sleeping? Will they send me home for that? Will Prime have a problem with me driving my personal vehicle there?
     
  6. BQ Truck Driver

    BQ Truck Driver Light Load Member

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    They won't send you home for anything they don't know about so as long as trouble sleeping doesn't result in safety issues, you'll be fine (assuming you sleep enough to be alert). As far as vehicle, I am not a 100% sure with students from far away. A recruiter should be able to give straight answer and may ever be paid for mileage (likely no more than cost of bus ticket)
     
  7. UsualSuspect

    UsualSuspect Road Train Member

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    If you live in Cali you will be sent to Salt Lake City, when I was there over a month ago all the PSD's were from Cali. They will put you up at the Ranada.
     
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  8. kevinbarcusprior

    kevinbarcusprior Bobtail Member

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    thanks. I have done that drive many times. I have family in the area. My last question for everyone is my only prescriptions I have are for GERD (acid reflux). Will that be a problem? I don't think it will be but I thought it would be a good idea to ask.
     
  9. kevinbarcusprior

    kevinbarcusprior Bobtail Member

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    For sleeping issues I occasionally take something over the counter. I will stop. I am used to driving a regular car a lot of issues and I never had any issues with doing it safely.
     
  10. BQ Truck Driver

    BQ Truck Driver Light Load Member

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    Though possible, not a guarantee. There are some psd's (Cali, other western states) being sent thru Sprimo.
     
  11. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

    Those questions are best answered by a recruiter. As I've said many times elsewhere, be totally honest about your answers.

    If asked a question, answer truthfully. However, don't volunteer unasked information, unless it impacts your ability to drive. (And if it does, you should rethink your choice of careers.) It's better to be disqualified sitting in your living room, than escorted to the curb in Springfield, where you get to find your own way home.

    I went through Prime orientation twice (documented here), and the only people I've seen sent home were those who "submitted false information" (lied) on their application. And they *will* catch you; they verify it. I was called out on not listing a speeding ticket on my application, but was cleared when I pointed out to them that it was two months older than the time frame requested.
     
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