My original plan was to stay for 5 years and then look for another company that wanted 5yrs exp. But after 5 years or 7 of pay raises I wasn't really impressed with what was offered elsewhere, at least for what was needed to do for it. It was just an easy middle of the road job. I suppose it was because it wasn't about money, a personal preference.
I havnt moved on to another company yet. Im on extended vacation, might go back to work next year after winter. Even going back to Prime is an option not totally unrealistic.
Better off paying for school? IDK, some of them are expencive, propbably 2k more than company training. People don't want to get locked Into a contract for a year. A year isn't that long and you don't pay the full amount anyway. Whatever is left of the training cost is forgiven after a year. A separate school you will pay back the full amount, not sure who does that in a year. I think if you know of a better job that will pay more and offset the cost then maybe an independent scool or college would be better.
Yeah, all the sitting down is an issue, especially OTR. I like to lift my legs up and down with my toes to get some movement, it helps a lil. Not as good as getting out and walking around. It's a good idea to park at the far end of places so you can walk more to get there.
The truck and trailer is big. Quite intimidating from the start, that's normal. It won't be an issue for long, you'll get used to it. I think the biggest issue with that is when people try to avoid doing it, backing into tight spaces. They look for the easy spots, pull through spots too much and never try to back unless they have to. Not going to get a feel for backing doing that. Same thing when turning corners on small streets. Some people always turn as wide as they can but it doesn't show them how close or tight they can turn. They just avoid the situation always. Bieng new, that's ok, do whatever it takes to get through it without damaging equipment.
My biggest beef with Prime as a company driver was how they slpit the speed governer on the trucks. You can only do 58mph on the throttle and 62mph on the cruse. It's just a PITA to work with. Not that it really matters how fast you go, it's just easier to deal with rolling hills and passing slower people when you aren't limited to 58mph on the throttle.
I think the other companys like Jim Palmer or Will Trans that are in the Prime "family" don't do that. Might be worth looking into them if you are looking at more reginal , Eastern or Western, work depending on where you live. I was in the flatbed division so my choice of them was limited.
I want to chat w a Prime company driver...
Discussion in 'Prime' started by Rattlayitdown, Oct 29, 2018.
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Thank you for replying, hope you don't mind the Q's.
How much time during the week do you get to actually relax, workout, go for a walk, etc. Little things that make a big difference for you mentally/physically?
Are you able to realistically keep legal by the books and still get your work done, and get required sleep?
I like to go to the gym regularly, walk, hike, bike. Was wondering how often you get to do these things, when you park your truck at a stop or yard for reset or days off, how do you get around? Are you far away from civilization? Can you bring a bicycle on the semi? Is there plenty of room in the sleeper?
I'm currently living in my Chevy S-10 by choice, so I'm used to sleeping in the bed of the truck. -
Rattlayitdown Thanks this.
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Not to say you need to run hard all the time. Ive seen lots of people that drag thier feet and move in slow motion and not run into problems with job security. I think they can just make enough that thier fleet manager can pay for the truck fuel and wages and not loose money. The driver may not make much, but they can squeek by.
NoBigHurry and Rattlayitdown Thank this. -
Thank you, awesome information. Most won't answer these questions. I appreciate your time.
skellr Thanks this. -
Rattlayitdown Thanks this.
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NoBigHurry and Rattlayitdown Thank this.
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Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
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