ask your questions about prime inc here

If you need a sleep test and it's positive, Prime works with their drivers to cover the cost in reasonable weekly payments. It's a very small cost if you take the test and are negative.

 

I think it might be $150 for the test. I just emailed the recruiter to ask when this will be due, like if it needs to be paid along with the $100 entry fee upon arrival.

 

No, it doesn't. You'll only be charged for a sleep apnea test if the doctor orders one.

 

I live in Evansville, IN. around the southwest tip of the state of Indiana. Any idea about opportunities getting home living in this location. I've read where some places are more advantageous than others. Just curious to know some how where I live in the country can affect my ability or inability to get routed home every now and then.

 

$55/week. Is the payments. If you pass it's 55+55+40.

If you fail and get issued a machine it's 55x36 weeks (give or take a week as its hard to recall)

I've had PSD students who where required to take the test the first week, and I've had students that were required to schedule and take it after they got their CDL. Either way it was determined at the time of the physical, the delay, if I recall, was necessitated because of a full schedule at the sleep lab.

now if Indiana requires a physical to get the permit, that's up to you. However that physical will not apply when you come to Prime.

BTW, there are quite a few things that can drag a trainees paycheck.

The first surprise is usually taxes. Everyone has them deducted, but I'm constantly surprised at each of my student's shock that their check is not $600 because of the taxman.

There is the PSD weekly loan. If you take any amount if the $200/week Prime offers to students as a loan (WHILE PSD) it is paid back at $25/week. Per week! Its rare, but if a trainee goes home for a week and there is no paycheck, the trainee can expect $50 taken off the next check. (New Company drivers forget this also when it comes to med/dental/life insurance payments on a zero check week)

you'll be required to apply for TWIC and a passport. Prime makes it easy and will take it out in 2 payments. Meanwhile the trainee usually forgets and sees a smaller check than they thought.

Some of this stuff like TWIC and passport is avoidable, and can be put off for a little while if you have a FM or trainer who isn't a ball buster about the details. However, if you go company, at some point the TWIC will be required and you'll have some explaining to do if you don't have it when you never should have upgraded without it.

Last is advances. I explain this to my students and they seem to forget the second they graduate to trainees. Swipe your card at the Grille for food in the terminal and it will be deducted from your next check. As a trainee, you will fuel with your card, it will offer you a cash advance (an amount that is determined by a percentage of what you'll be paid for that load) you take the advance, it will be deducted off your next check.

Give or take, and depending on your state tax rate, trainees getting the $600 usually net around 480-490 (minus just taxes and the $25 loan payment) take home.

 

Thank you. Very good information and all of it is duly noted.

 

Ok, I'm not understanding Prime's training process for new guys. Can anyone direct me to a post where I can read what the first week is like and where do we stay?
Also, what's this 'month long' interview thing? Thanks.

 

Yeah... SE just put this one up.

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...27-new-prime-inc-what-expect-springfield.html

The "month long interview" is this: The entire time you're in PSD - the initial CDL instruction program - you're being evaluated. Just because you made it in the door doesn't mean you're a lock to make it here. Unlike many company-sponsored programs, Prime has a fairly high washout rate. There are some pretty high standards you have to meet in order to get your CDL here. You aren't an employee until after you earn your CDL - thus, the instructional program is an extended interview.

 

Ok, I finally got a hold of my recruiter.

One gets to prime and immediately starts doing all kinds of paperwork and physical, and studying for the CDL permit. You get time on their simulator and also orientation takes place. If you pass the written CDL permit test, then you can immediately go out with a driver OTR. I think this is up to 3 weeks, not sure, though. This is not paid. One can get a $200.00 advance per week during this time. Once one passes the real CDL test, pay starts at $600/week. It appears that you have to team up with a trainer for a minimum of 3 months at $600./week. Don't know if this is really too much team driving or good necessary training....

Tell me, is it really necessary, in terms of learned driving skills, to have to go out with a trainer for 3-6 months?

 

Its 30k team miles. It's not optional for students and trainees, so yes it's necessary if you want to work at Prime