My Prime INC Experience. (A Running Log)

I'll try to get to it this weekend. For new drivers... you don't have a clue about the business of trucking, let alone class 8 tractor maintenance, driving, fuel economy, etc. You need to do an apprenticeship on the company side where total financial disaster isn't in the cards. The industry (I've been told) has a 90% failure rate on lease/lease-purchase contracts, and Prime (according to leasing) is up around a 75% failure rate, most of which is in the first year. That points to inadequate preparation. The deck is stacked against you - you guys don't need no stinkin' truck lease - yet! Figure this stuff out before you jump in the deep end!!!

 

1 year for those going through their CDL program.

 

Just make sure that you check with Prime about driving tanker they may have a similar requirement.

 

Thank you JB for the updates. I've enjoyed reading your story so far. I'm heading off to Springfield this Sat for my training experience and looking forward to it!

A few questions about some small details...anyone qualified to answer would be appreciated:

-Boots or Shoes for training? I am leaning towards a solid full support hiking shoe as opposed to a boot. It seems to me if you're spending 90% of your time in the seat, you need a comfy shoe to drive in.
-Some suggesting Sleeping bag instead of bedding for training, your thoughts?
-I haven't heard anyone talk about the new fancy gadgets you can get for Tandem alignment. Do they not talk about tools or gadgets to get before getting on the road? Anyone hear of "The Mark"? Or "VESTIL Tandem Locking Pin Locator"? The general impression I get is that lining up your tandems is a PITA and time consuming.

Thanks guys!

 

I prefer something comfortable to drive in myself. You'll always be able to pick up some steel-toed boots if you really need them. On the reefer side you don't need them for the most part - we don't load or unload our own freight.

When the truck isn't moving your bunk is the top one, but you're required to sleep in the lower one if it is moving - that means you're hot bunking, and a sleeping bag is much easier to deal with.

If you can't look out the driver's side door, and judge whether you've moved a foot or 3 inches, you probably don't need to be a truck driver. It's more of a need for the unfortunates with spring-loaded slide handles. We use air slides, and they mostly snap into place. If that stuff helps you, then by all means get it after you've got your own truck. It's just more junk to lug around until then.

 

Got my tickets today pretty stoked only this is a 13.45 hour layover in pa

 

just finished school in Oklahoma city, paid for myself. and am going to work for Prime! Any advice? anyone?

 

May I ask what the tuition costs were for you at Oklahoma City? Is Prime reimbursing you any of the tuition expenses? How long was your program? What "seat" in the training will you be starting out in at Prime...does educating yourself somewhere else cut training time and get you your own truck any quicker than the guys starting out new/fresh/uninitiated?