Hedging my bets...Second choice behind Prime?

Well considering where you live, Missouri, you must have a 1000 choices to pick from. So its just a matter of opinion which co to choose. Personally, now, what I would look at is the main area where a prospective co would mainly try and keep you in. Meaning, some companies only want solo co drivers, East of the Mississippi river lets just say. So going out west very far, is something you may never get a chance to do. I am not saying all, but some companies are like that. Average length of haul, is another question you should be asking and made aware of. It means, how many miles a dispatch has. Some companies have solos mostly do whats called, "short hauls." Loads less than 500 - 600 miles one way. Where as, longer loads, 1000 miles plus, require less work on the drivers part, and here's why.

You wake up you go pick up, you drive, you deliver, and the next day you start the whole process over and over again. Where as a driver on a longer load, 1000 - 1500, may pick up on a monday am, then deliver weds or even thurs, all he has to make is 2 stops, a pick up and a delivery. Not do both each day or on some kind of schedule that it is a constant cycle of pick up, drive deliver, over and over again.

Now mind you, that is in essence what trucking really is all about. But its the frequency of doing just that, that can mean enjoying what you do more; or being more exhausted and tired because of all the extra work and sometimes even stress involved each day.

I won't tell you who to pick, but just tried to help you think about questions about what situations you may encounter, and not having the regret or saying; "if I only knew to ask that question."

All the best to you, on what ever you decide to do.

don

 

Missouri does not have 1000 choices for somebody who needs training for a CDL. Experienced driver yes...

 

Here is a very detailed thread about the program
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...27-new-prime-inc-what-expect-springfield.html

 

Check out Millis Transfer

 

Oh, oh oh oh oh, ok.

Still however, you do have choices!

And actually what I should have said, the region or place you live in, is so central to so many trk'g co's, thats its unreal, the choices you do have to pick from. I am sure because of living where you do now, almost any, if not all trk'g co's would hire you. Thats really what I meant by having a 1000 choices.

To be honest, I wish you well, and sincerely do hope you get hired on by Prime. Its a great company to work for, and has lots of opportunities for its' drivers.

There is even a terminal here in Salt Lake City, UT. And yes, they do go everywhere, another plus to me.

Well I don't know a thing about how their program works, or anything very much about Prime.

So I am assuming you do not have your CDL right?

Well all I can say is, you gotta long road ahead of you, with a lot of up hill climbs and challenges.

But its all worth it in the end.

I just now read the info from the link you sent, it was very well posted and explained. I especially liked his advice and admonition, "that you are being watched and evaluated during the whole process." This is not to make you paranoid or afraid or anything, but to remind you that they (prospective employer) are going to intrust you with a great deal of responsibility very shortly, and they want to make sure your the right person for the job.

Yes, conduct yourself very "smartly", dress well casual but neat and clean. Watch what you say, be polite, respectful and friendly, don't swear or be a joker or class clown, be one of the quiet ones who listens to whats being said and take notes. Most importantly, stay awake! That may seem like a stupid thing to say. But sitting in a room all day in a class room enviroment can make one quite sleepy. I remembered hearing how ones companies orientation would expel , fire right then and there, anyone caught falling asleep in orientation, so be aware.

If you smoke, consider making your own cigarettes, I do, I have a machine, empty tubes and buy the one pound bags of pipe tabacco and make my own. His advice about the money is important. Being broke sucks, and try and watch every penny you spend.

The DOT physical is important. Its a general overview of your physical condition. What counts the most is your BP numbers and your weight. I wouldn't worry about filling in every detail on the medical questionare, you'll see what I mean.

My only advice is. Don't give up, I am sure they will give you the chance, why not? But think, giving up, failing, is NOT AN OPTION! Once you start, commit to the process, no matter how hard or difficult it gets or becomes. Because yes it is a real challenge, believe me it is!

So when will you find out from Prime? Soon I hope