New to Prime INC - What to expect (Springfield edition)

I am looking at the qualifications on the Prime website and it says must provide no less than 10 years of driving work history... what exactly does that mean? Haha sorry I am new to this but really interested so I may be asking a lot of questions

 

It's 10-years of driving history for experienced drivers. Students and inexperienced drivers need to provide a 5-year work history. Don't leave anything out.

Prime does it's best to get all trucks equipped with an APU on the company side... sometimes you may have to wait a bit to get one if the supply from the APU manufacturers dries up.

It is suggested that you do your written tests for the CDL permit at home before you come out to Springfield. It takes some of the pressure off of you during the first week. At the end of the instructional period, you'll take a road test with a Missouri state driving inspector, and receive a Missouri CDL. You have 60 days IIRC to get that transferred back to your home state. Most places its just an administrative thing, and all you have to do bring an acceptable form of proof of your home address and your CDL. Colorado was happy with my DOT medical card the last time I renewed my license for proof of address. Some states, Illinois for instance, require you to retake the tests if they're done out of state. Prime will get you back to your home state with your trainer to get this done. If you have to redo the driving test, you'll use your trainer's truck for that.

 

Killer detailed info... Thanks for it. I was wondering if there would be any value to getting my cdl-a through a local school (C1 in fort wayne), assuming I get a grant and it's free or close to it, and then coming to Swift orientation/training? Mostly I fear that swift may find this school questionable and require a redo, so to speak, making it a waste of 4 weeks. Ultimately a cdl is a cdl, it's all about the hands on training to follow, which is where you and yours would come in. My motivation is not to skimp on training, just to have a calmer environment while getting the license. Of course we can't always get what we want and I'm prepared to do what it takes.
Appreciate any guidance on these questions.

 

The thing about prime is that day one of training is anything and everything but a calm environment.

 

I'm guessing you're right. They'll proudly admit it's tough I suspect. I was wondering if I would be able to get cdl through C1 drivers school locally (and study at home after classes) and then go to orientation then straight to otr truck training with mentor versus the preliminary 3-4 weeks yard and road work prior to this step.

 

It has been done like that. There was at least one guy in my orientation group that started. With a CDL that he obtAined via a school( I don't know which one). Anyhoo it is not unheard of to start training while being fresh from a school

 

I think im coming to Prime around January in with my permit. but I have a few questions to ask

(1.) - On hometime where will the truck be parked? Some companies dont allow drivers to take their equipments home so I needed to know this info

(2.) - My recruiter told me that drivers average 2300-2800 is this true?

(3.) - Does Prime has forced dispatch on loads to Canada because currently right now I cant go there

(4.) - Starting out solo how much can I expect to make out on the road weekly, hometime dont really matter. And also when do drivers get paid?

(5.) - Question on the lightweight trucks, how fast can a lightweight truck go, and do lightweight trucks give you a hard time driving when under a heavy load?

(6.) - What are the advantages when it comes to reefer and flatbed. I like them both

 

only a couple of these I can answer. If you have room to park it there you can take your tractor home.

in regards to the speed of a lightweight , it's my understanding that all of the company trucks are governed @ 62mph

 

Thanks and also I had a one last question, what is the mpg requirement again. Back then I remember that they had one cant remember though

 

Is there any particular reason you are asking about Swift's training program on the Prime forum's, or did I miss something