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

We definately run up in OR & WA. Been to both couple times. I'm too new to say how much, though.

 

Thanks!! Good to know

 

We have a company reefer division that is based out of Salt Lake... runs the western 10 states almost exclusively. You can get up into OR and WA any time you like. We deliver to Portland, Sea-Tac, Spokane... do a lot of loads into the DC in Grandview WA, and that includes being dispatched from the 48-state OTR group as well.

 

Yesterday I discovered the "tanker-yanker" terminal in Decatur indiana. I have known we have one but have never been to it. I was sent there yesterday to drop my empty and pick up a loaded. It's gated and seems decent considering its size.

 

That's Awesome! Just answered a lot of questions.

 

this is a great thread for me to make my first post ... I did start at the beginning and marked around p. 13 to go back and continue reading ...

1) I am totally overwhelmed by all the info. I am at a crossroads in my life career-wise. I am a 55 yo school teacher, and have to decide if I want to continue teaching for a few more years (I can can get full retirement in two years) or take a chance and jump now into something new, exciting, and something I've thought of doing for many years. The benefit of changing now is that I can get 90% teaching retirement in 3 years, but also have those three years into a trucking career.
2) My driving record is clean, as is my work record, etc. I've already been accepted into Roehl's and Central's CDL schools. But I'm in Missouri, my kids are in Missouri, and in truth Prime looks like the best company to start with both as far as training and pay.
3) Ok main question to begin with is this ... I talked with a Prime recruiter and was told that I can't apply until I'm within 30 days of starting the training. I'd like to start in late May .. so that means I can't even apply until late April? Is that right?
4) Another question ... do you automatically start in the dry-van division or can you choose reefer or flatbed?
5) also ... and maybe this was discussed in some of the pages that I haven't read yet ... I'd like to split my hometime between Missouri and Michigan ... is that doable? Or is it just a matter of working with FM and/or dispatcher?

thanks guys!! As has been mentioned many times, there is great info here and it is much appreciated.

Oh yeah, I'm 55, a non-smoker, like fishing and hiking (not a hunter), like to shower regularly, don't snore, and am generally not a complainer. I'm also extremely excited and motivated about this opportunity (far more so than I have been for the start of school in many many years)!

clif

 

Stick it out for 2 more years, get your retirement, and then start driving, or you will be kicking your self when you realize you will be driving for 3 weeks straight before you get 3 days off, and you can forget the fishing and hiking, as you will be giving up your life. So get your retirement, then drive. This way if you don't like it you still have your retirement.
Driving a truck is work, and hard work, you will have your sleep schedule all screwed up, and the stress level is very high, God forbid you get in a accident because you are guilty till you can prove otherwise, even at the company level. You will be dropping a load at 6AM after driving all night to get there then be expected to pick up a load at 5PM.
I know I am painting a bad picture but I have seen to many guys think that trucking is romantic, and get slapped in the face with Reality. Want to experience what it is like, then jump in your car at midnight, drive for 12 hours at 55MPH, stop for 10 hours at a truck stop, park next to a truck that either has a running Reefer or has to Idle to stay warm or for AC. try to sleep, and get up and do it again till you get to LA. Then turn around and drive back to MO. Oh and do it on I 80 and if the wind is blowing inbetween Laramie and Rawlings you have to stop in Laramie until the wind alerts are down.
While you may think I am painting a bad picture, Im not, just the reality of truck driving.

Now to answer your questions.
Prime does not have a Dry van division - It has a Reefer, Flatbed and Tanker division. You will start in the Reefer Division unless you ask for Flatbed.
You can take your home time anywhere you want, BUT you must be out a minimum of 3 weeks before you can get Home time, then its 1 day for every week your out, not to Exceed 4 days unless you work something out with your FM.

 

Highway101 laying out the reality of the life. Definately a lifestyle, rather than job. Keep doing your due diligence before making your decision.

Second career guy, here. Nearly 50. Single w/absolutely no obligations & everything paid for. Early retired Deputy County Auditor after 26yrs. Early retired due to major issues at work. Would also suggest getting that full retirement if able. Wish I could have, but wasn't possible.

Worked at a truck stop couple years in college and did some runs with a few drivers here & there. Hung here at TR for months & haunted the truck stops. Stalked a few Prime drivers, too! Also, owner op of 30yrs I new took a few days w/me to enlighten me. So, thought I had a firm handle on what to expect. Turns out I was just prepared a bit better than most in terms of expectations. Even with this, whole lot more to the life than I thought.

That said, it's been a great decision for me. I thrive on it. You'll hear "it's a lifestyle, not a job" so much it seems cliche. However, you better believe it. Definately not for everyone, and more difficult the more obligations you have. Can be very difficult on families.

Keep up your due diligence, and be sure to think it through. I wish you the best whatever you decide. It is a good life & income IF it suits you, and I can't say enough good about Prime. Gave me an opportunity, and changed my life. You'll catch me from time to time saying "Wish I'd have done this 30yrs ago when I had the chance"

Peace

Hope this formats OK, & doesn't turn into a wall of text. Just finished my shift, and writing this on my phone while co-driver rolling through OH. Best out to you.

 

yeah well that WAS the original plan ... but circumstances* forced me out of my current job and I've been having issues landing a new teaching job (mainly due to where I fall on the pay scale) ... so ...

ok thanks ... probably knew that but have been looking at lots of companies. I think I'd prefer reefer to start in any case.

as to the rigors of the lifestyle, yes I'm at least mentally aware of the difficulties of driving long distances, being out for three to four weeks without a break, sleep issues while on the road, eating, showering, health, etc issues of the lifestyle and so on.

it's why I'm here asking questions and trying to learn all I can BEFORE committing myself

I am a Navy veteran (served on the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63, so know all about being away from home for long periods of time, and working long shifts with not enough rest), single with few obligations, prefer solitude, etc. In other words, if such a thing exists, a perfect candidate for this career.

* not to go into too much detail, but these "circumstances" mostly centered on a personality conflict with another teacher in which I was asked to resign from my teaching position with full pay and benefits through the end of my contract. The accusations made were mostly false, but I do own and claim making some stupid mistakes in that relationship. Anyhow I am currently on paid leave through the end of August. Starting driving now allows me some pay overlap which will be nice to help pad the savings account.

 

sounds like we're in very similar situations first-career-wise ... I'm 55 now and can retire from teaching at 58 (some weird "rule of 80" thing) if I start driving now. I'll make a little less on my retirement check, but I've worked the math, and by driving now for those three years (as opposed to teaching two more years) I'll come out ahead money-wise if I drive for a minimum of 5 years.

worst case scenario, I can drive for a year, and then go back to teaching after a year's hiatus ... it won't be any different finding a job next year vs. this year ... I suspect I'll still have issues due to where I fall on the pay scale.

thanks for the encouragement!