Prime SLC Orientation/training - flatbed?

Discussion in 'Prime' started by narcolepticltd, Mar 15, 2018.

  1. narcolepticltd

    narcolepticltd Bobtail Member

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    Feb 27, 2018
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    Howdy folks!

    I'm scheduled to report to the SLC Terminal on the 27th of March, and wanted to start a thread here for questions...

    When I first started looking into Prime, I was interested in tanker - but my recruiter was very firm stating that they do not hire for tanker for anyone training out of Salt Lake City... So my choices are Reefer or Flatbed (I'm really leaning hard on flatbed).

    As I'm digging through threads (most of them older) trying to glean more info, I'm starting to get a little concerned over a lease being pushed on me. I've never worked in this industry before, and I absolutely do not want the risk involved in a lease while I'm still learning the business. After a year or 2 it is something I may consider, but is this still a thing I need to worry about, and is it even a thing out of the SLC terminal? If so, what is the best course of action to stay out of a lease w/o getting on the list of problem children? Just reading this paragraph makes me think it sounds paranoid - but I'm just trying to get information and look out for my best interest :)

    Any Prime Skateboarders on these forums dispatched out of SLC? I'm curious where you usually run - all 48/Canada, just western states? I'm cool with running anywhere - just wondering what to expect! Also, although PSD I'm sure is fine in a Reefer - is the company still very low on flatbed trainers? If I had to wait for a flatbed trainer, any idea how long the queue can be?

    Lastly - I know there are packing lists all over the place out there for this sort of scenario (new student heading to orientation), but if anyone has any pointers on specific attire you wish you'd purchased/brought with you when you started out it would be greatly appreciated (I understand I'd need to pack for all weather, but looking for recommendations on things specific to flatbed work).

    I'm pretty apprehensive about orientation to be honest. I don't have any skeletons in the closet and shouldn't have issues with the physical or urinalysis - I just have that little scenario in my mind where I show up on the bus after quitting my job and selling my car, and get turned out for something silly/obscure. I'm sure once I get passed orientation and the PSD portion (IE, get licensed and coded as an actual employee) I'll feel a lot better about this.
     
    Veryblessed Thanks this.
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  3. icecold24k

    icecold24k Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2015
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    Okay let me see what I can do to help answer some of your questions.I am currently with Prime I have been here about a year and a half. My first 8 months or so was spent in the flatbed division then I switched over to tanker.
    The recruiter is correct as you will not be able to run tanker being that far west. We mainly run a triangle between Chicago, Newark and Savannah Ga. Also I can assure you that you will not at any point have a lease pushed on you. The only time you will be asked is when you go in to upgrade and even then they will just ask do you want company or lease so that they can do the truck assignment.. That is all that you will ever hear on that subject.
    As far as the flatbed I ran out of Springfield Mo and I ran all 48. The miles were very good the only reason I made the switch to tanker is I didn't enjoy the work. I do here we have an unoffical west coast dedicated so that is something that you might could look into. You may have to do some of your TNT portion with a reefer driver but I got a TNT flatbed right away. Maybe I was just lucky I am not sure.
    As far as packing for training I brought the bare minimum and it worked out perfectly. Your trainers truck will have limited room so you want to pack light. Also just be 100% honest with everything and you will have no worries about being sent home..
     
  4. narcolepticltd

    narcolepticltd Bobtail Member

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    Feb 27, 2018
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    Thanks for the reply Icecold24k! I initially was all about tanker but as soon as I learned it wasn't an option I started digging deeper on reefer and flatbed - flatbed sounds like it's a better fit for me even with securement and tarps. Worst case if I decide later I want to do tanker, I can always swap my home of record to GA :)

    I went out today and bought some shower shoes (haven't owned flip flops since I left the army), and a couple decent pair of trousers that are comfortable, can work in warmer weather or colder weather if I have thermals underneath... I'm guessing I can just pick up work gloves at a walmart once I get with a flatbed trainer so I'll hold off on that stuff. I have one bag that should be just big enough to pack a few days worth of clothes and shower items + a small laptop, and I'm able to secure things to the outside of it if needed as well (used to packing light when I've traveled overseas).

    Can't wait! Still need to head to the DMV this week to test and get my permit... hopefully will be able to sell my car quickly as well so I don't have anything hanging over my head when I leave.
     
    Veryblessed Thanks this.
  5. narcolepticltd

    narcolepticltd Bobtail Member

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    Feb 27, 2018
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    I ended up pushing my orientation date back a week, as I'm still trying to sell my PoV before I ship out - good thing I did, because I'm running into a few other snags all of a sudden... First - apparently in WA State you need to have a DoT physical done or your permit will be intra-state only... I passed all the written tests w/o any issues but now have to shell out another $100 to a doc-in-the-box tomorrow morning - all told so far I'm paying about $180 for my permit here including the physical... sheesh!

    Second hiccup - 2 of my former employers apparently charge a prospective employer to verify work history, which Prime doesn't agree to pay (I don't blame them, because screw that noise). So now I have to dig up W2 information on both of those.

    All in all, totally doable situation... just stuff I wasn't prepared for out the gate, and listing it here in case anyone else is in a similar situation.
     
    Veryblessed Thanks this.
  6. narcolepticltd

    narcolepticltd Bobtail Member

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    Feb 27, 2018
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    Aaaaand sorted - I have a WA State CDL permit w/tanker endorsement that can cross state lines (and a DoT Medical). Recruiter has all the documents she was asking for regarding employment that didn't want to verify for free - so should be good to go for the first week of April in SLC... anyone in the puget sound area want to buy a 91 Miata? :p
     
    Veryblessed and Chinatown Thank this.
  7. icecold24k

    icecold24k Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2015
    Tullahoma, Tennessee
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    This is great to hear. I am sure you will be just fine at Prime. Keep us updated on how it goes and what division you decide to go with.
     
    Veryblessed and narcolepticltd Thank this.
  8. Subizzle

    Subizzle Bobtail Member

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    Mar 27, 2018
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    icecold24k Thanks for speaking up on your Prime experience. I am currently speaking to Prime and doing the initial paperwork.
     
    Veryblessed and narcolepticltd Thank this.
  9. icecold24k

    icecold24k Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2015
    Tullahoma, Tennessee
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    No problem at all. I wish you both the best of luck and definitely keep us updated on your progress.
     
    Veryblessed and narcolepticltd Thank this.
  10. narcolepticltd

    narcolepticltd Bobtail Member

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    Feb 27, 2018
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    first day of orientation today in SLC done - back at it tomorrow morning!
     
    Veryblessed and SHOJim Thank this.
  11. narcolepticltd

    narcolepticltd Bobtail Member

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    Feb 27, 2018
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    Welp it's Friday... got my badge and am officially a 'Prime Student Driver'! They're short on PSD trainers at the moment, and I didn't get one, so I'll be training locally - I'll figure out how that's gonna work through the weekend :)

    It's a smaller class compared to Springfield, but larger than they're used to seeing at this site.

    Next step is to get my CDL in the next week or 2 - Then I'll be employed!
     
    Veryblessed Thanks this.
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