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

You will have to complete a Physical by the Primes Doc's

 

Question for anyone: Regarding item # 5, 6 - 8 weeks of TnT training. I just got off the phone with a Prime recruiter and I was informed the 2nd phase of training is about 12 weeks.
But according to the website and from what I remember reading in this thread, it's supposed to be 40,000 miles. I have extensive previous experience although it has been awhile since I last drove. I think I will be able to pick up the basics pretty quick but I will still need to complete the full training (no problem) but I would hope I can accomplish the full training from day 1 to assignment of a truck in about 10 weeks. Is this wishful thinking on my part or is it possible to meet my goal give or take a week or so.

Also, the recruiter I spoke with informed me that max days off is 4 days. If I have some family affairs to take care of that will take longer then 4 days, has anyone ever heard of a company driver being able to turn the truck in and take off the necessary time and get a different truck upon returning? I am looking to bring my wife from the Philippines to the US after I complete all my training and that will take more than 4 days. Appreciate any input. Thanks

 

1. Training for TNT is 30k minimum, you get a 10k credit for PSD training. This is for students who get their license through Primes training program. If you already have your CDL then I believe it is 40k but ask Silent and Chuck to be sure.

2. If you don't have your CDL then figure 3 weeks minimum for PSD training, then 10 weeks TNT training. But it all depends on you, your trainer and the freight miles.

3. I think what you are talking about is a leave of absense. It has been done, you will have to work that out with Prime and your FM.

 

Both depend on the situation.

Sooner you get thru the training miles the sooner you upgrade. Can't put a firm weeks time on it. The single thing that you can do to speed things along is to either take no hometime, or at least the same time your trainer does. You can't control freight availability, breakdowns, or how much hometime your trainer takes.

know this, if you take hometime, and you trainer does not, you could be waiting. He's gonna keep running and only get back to go you as the freight allows. Could be your allowed 4 days, or as in one case with my trainee, 12 days when I got sent to Dallas from PA with him in MD after he'd already been home for 3 days.

as for extended break after upgrade. Stated policy is that you turn in your truck unless it's earned vacation. Have I taken more than 4 days yes. Have I taken more than one week earned vacation, yes... Two weeks. I'm a top guy on my board. There's flexibility it's really up to your fleet manager. I make deals. He's not making money if you're not producing, so you might have to run a bit to make a deal.

Worst case you pack up your stuff and turn in the truck and get a different one when you get back

 

Thanks Chuck. Sounds like I might be in decent shape.
From the day I arrive in Springfield for orientation (hopefully 27 Jan), I have no plans to take any time off until May.
I am probably going to try the flatbed division as I think it will provide experience I can use down the line.
Once I am assigned a truck, running hard is par for the course where I am concerned. As a company driver it will be all about the miles (lawful miles that is).
I intend to put my past experience behind me and try to look at this from a scratch rookies perspective (that may be easier said then done with 15 years of OTR experience behind me but I will try)

 

Thanks Highway
I think I can live with this just fine.
I was kind of figuring 3 - 4 weeks of PSD and 8 - 10 weeks for TNT so what you are saying falls pretty much in line with what I remember reading on this thread.
My only concern with Prime was the time off to bring my wife to the USA. And I can live with a "short" LOA. I'm confident that my FM will be pleased with my performance standard so I am not too worried about that part.


QUOTE=Highway101;3782310]1. Training for TNT is 30k minimum, you get a 10k credit for PSD training. This is for students who get their license through Primes training program. If you already have your CDL then I believe it is 40k but ask Silent and Chuck to be sure.

2. If you don't have your CDL then figure 3 weeks minimum for PSD training, then 10 weeks TNT training. But it all depends on you, your trainer and the freight miles.

3. I think what you are talking about is a leave of absense. It has been done, you will have to work that out with Prime and your FM.[/QUOTE]

 

My decision is made and if Prime will have me, I am heading to SPO
I will be looking for a Trainer and Instructor.
Here is some basic info on me
I am a 58 year old 5'4" nonsmoker.
I like all kinds of music as long as I can understand the words and it is not graphic. I tend to lean mostly to country music though old and new alike.
I have 15 years of OTR experience (1988 - 2003) (No US driving for 10 years and previous CDL and DOT Med card expired)
I served in the US Navy from 1973 - 1976
I worked in Iraq from 2004 until last month (convoy truck driver, dispatcher, transportation operations, and logistics.
I am hoping to begin Orientation 27 January.
I prefer to go with the flatbed division as much as I can.
Any takers?

 

I really like the set up that Prime has when training you to get your cdl. I have 2 questions, first is when you do go otr with a your instructor for the first couple weeks before you get the cdl then when you come back and test what backing maneuvers do they test you on cause it different in other states?

Also, I made an application to Prime school but I got fired from my last job and I forgot what the recruiter told me but he said either I had to wait 6 months before I can go the school or I had to find a job for 6 months then reapply...? Well it's been over 6 months and can't find a job so can I reapply again?

 

Backing: You will be tested on the straight back and offset back (next space alongside where you start; they will tell you which to do). You will have to do one of three: Alley dock, driver's side parallel, or blind side parallel. You will not know which you have until you are being tested.

You will be taking the MO driver's test, then you will transfer that back to your home state. (There are a few exceptions.)

Check with your recruiter; it's probably the straight six months, but only they can tell you for certain.

 

Hello Easy Steamer. Would like to talk with u about training me. Please send me your # to discuss. Thank u sir!