Advice on CDL Training and Employment *Noob*

Still need to know where home is to get a idea who to point him towards. I train or my company , but would not call it. Starter company by any means.

 

I've been worried about that myself. I don't know if the other guy is going to snore and fart but I for sure do.

I feel sorry for the fellow that I'll be bunking with.

 

When it come to contract I understand most of you do not like it. In my opinion if someone takes time and invest in you and you just want to job hop....I agree with the person being responsible for the bill.... In my case I am looking for a career! So a 1 year contract that pays for my training is a plus for me because I plan on making this my life. On the other hand I do have financial responsibilities so who ever would be the best and pay decently with the opportunity to advance is a win win for me.

Now..............

I have spoken to about every carrier that offers paid OTR training....This morning I had an amazing convo with a recruiter from Prime. She was very informative.... and what impressed me the most was that she didnt sound like she wanted to rush me off the phone to get to the next recruit.... and she knew exactly what the competition paid. Now I dont know if she was at a computer screen and it had all that info available to her, but it was impressive that she had the info available to her.

She stressed to me that Prime pays the best and has one of the better training programs....only thing is I have to take the CDL test prior to attending their training. They pay for hotel, food (3 meals a day).

Now every other company has the same "1 year contract" but the rest of these companies are paying at the MOST that I have found .27 cpm upon completing their programs. Am I missing something here? Prime pays that much more than anyone.

Below is the payscale I received from the recruiter from Prime.

Oh and I currently reside in Riverside CA

Starting Pay
· Reefer
o After training $.36cpm+$.05cpm for lightweight tractor= $.41cpm
o You may add another $.05cpm for NE Regional
· Flatbed
o After training start at $.38cpm
· Tanker
o After training starts at $.43cpm


Is this a good deal?!?!?!?

 

Prime is a good company,I have freinds that went there some are still there,2 impotant things to remember 1-keep an open mind,try not to buy into all the negativity out there,everyone always has somthing bad to say. 2- you get out what you put in.Prime has 3 divisions to chose from,tanker,reefer and flatbed,in my opinoin yes it is a good deal they many accounts and plenty of freight.the first year is the hardest. Good Luck

 

A responsible Man with a Family does what he has to do to further his Family down the road. Cant look at a short term, but must see the long term. A little rough now for better times later is Responsible. My opinion.

 

Entry Level Mr. Rick .. You have to do yer time, this is a tough business. After a year, he has everything open to him if he wants it bad enough. At 8 months, I decided to get my own truck. I love it and would not trade it for anything. I make great money and I love driving ... Maybe next Flatbed.

 

Much agreed.

 

From what the recruiter sent to you, I would say Prime is a good deal. Flatbed or tanker looks the best. I read somewhere Prime pays $650.00 a week while in training. If correct, that's exceptional. For the first couple of years, be a company driver and then decide if you want to remain a company driver or lease driver or owner/operator.

Ensure your blood pressure & sugar level is good before reporting for orientation.

 

All the opportuntiy after a year is the biggest myth in the industry . The turnover at the better paying carriers is much lower than it is at started companies .
Drivers with one year experience will be competing with drivers with 5 or more years experience that are also out of work .
That being said I think Prime is the best option and I'd go for tanker . There is usually much less wait time loading/ unloading and better opportunity to eventually move to a better paying carrier

 

Ok.....sorry I have been M.I.A today..... I have been cramming for this Class A DMV test. I got the book yesterday and I think I can take and pass the test today! Wish me luck..... I am trying to be on the fast track!

Again, thank you for the feedback!
Keep in mind I am highly motivated to make this career work for me and my family!
So all suggestions about a career path are welcome!

Thanks again all!