Prime: Orientation and Training?

so from the time u arrive at prime allready with a cdl permit how long is it before you are in a truck getting your miles in with a trainer? Does prime drive NYC?

 

I was a lease operator at Prime for 18 months last year I made good money this year I'm on pace to make 30k, I know from a company guy mentality that might be ok but not in my book. I got sick of the up and down of freight and the rates. My advice to you is if you come to Prime come for the training program, which they are backed up getting students with instructors but it is the best training program in trucking. DON'T Lease with them, it is by far the worst lease program in the industry although no lease is a great deal some better then others but now Prime is a one sided deal, if you like pulling loads for 50-70 cents a mile and believe me there are plenty of them to be had and that includes fuel surcharge. If $500-800 a week is enough for you then go with Prime but go Company Driver only because you get benefits and the company side is not a bad deal if that's enough money. Keep in mind you'll be running paperless at Prime also on the logs.

U2Exit actually the company I'm going to is a Lease Purchase Company ONLY at the end of the lease it is a $1.00 buyout and my fixed cost there will be $325.00 a week less then at Prime and my variables are at least $250.00 a week less so that's a $575.00 per week raise before I haul a load compared to Prime and your right they do require 1 year minimum OTR.

 

Prime is charging their drivers $50 a night now, it was $32.00 18 months ago. And the hotel is not actually a first class place LOL.

 

yeah, but a room at the Oasis is by far better than the Campus Inn.

 

We get charged to stay at prime or the hotel or watever? More detailed please. I thought they brought us down and set us up or you referring to the hotel only across the street?

 

Your rooms are covered during training.

He is refering to drivers who come to the Terminal and want to get a room at the hotel, rather than sleep in their truck, or get a bunk room at ther terminal which is only good for one 8 hours period(maybe 10... Ive never used one)

Bunk rooms are like a mini hotel rooms... just a queen size bed and a nightstand... bathrooms with showers are right there, just not connected to the room. Like a European hostel... with a time limit and way cleaner

Your Fleet manager can re-imburse you for hotel rooms when your truck is in in the shop for extended repairs and various other things... but you have to ask, and then submit the reciept.

 

ok thx 4 clearin that up.

 

I only waited 5 days for a Instructor and there were six other drivers there when I left who were still waiting. The classes have been large recently and I can understand the backup. If you are a student, once you get your permit and are available for a trainer(usually friday) your com card is loaded with your $240/week (paid back at $25/wk interest free once you get your CDL) and you have a roof over your head at the hotel. You will spend your time on the pad practicing backing, pre-trip and shifting. You are also provided with meal tickets while you are waiting for your instructor. Frustrating waiting to go and longer from home but overall not too bad.

 

Ok, I want to thank all you Prime people for warning me that Applebees has a 3 drink limit. How was I suppose to convince the hot chick sitting next to me to go back to the Campus Inn with me on 3 drinks.

 

I talked to a recruiter a few days ago at Prime. She said they are not sure how much longer they will be taking students. I guess she meant from an outside school, not sure. My girlfriend is wanting to go to school and get her cdl so we can team. Prime says they dont train woman. How long has it been this way? Are there any exceptions that you guys know of? Vulcan.. You got a motorcycle? I have a 03 Kawasaki Vulcan 800.