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

Yes, you are correct you can get your permit in your home state, and yes in most states you are required to get a DOT physical before taking the tests and you will take another DOT physical from Prime's company doctor.

We (experienced drivers) recommend that you do get your CDL permit at home before coming to Prime. There is a lot of material that you must learn, and you only get three chances at passing the test once you get to Prime. If you don't pass the tests, you will be sent home. Consequently there is a lot of pressure on folks who come to PSD without a permit. If you're one of the folks who have difficulty taking tests, its even worse. Get your permit before you come to PSD if at all possible.

Yes, you will have to pass a DOT physical given by the doctor who is employed by Prime. Dr. A is an excellent physician. There are a number of reasons for this, even if you have already passed a DOT physical. First, there has been so much fraud connected with the issuance of CDLs and medical certificates in the past that this is one way that Prime protects itself from medically unqualified candidates. Second, employers are allowed to establish restrictive qualifications on employment candidates as long as those qualifications are directly related to the job description that the candidate is applying for and those qualifications are applied to all candidates - this is the case. Third, OTR driving is a stressful occupation, and Prime (as well as Dr A) wants to ensure that they aren't putting someone into a driver's seat whose health would be very adversely affected by such employment.

It is what it is folks.

 

I only have one clarification of what you said. If you take your permit test at home you don't actually need to get the physical permit until you get to school cuz if the hard copy does not come to you in time you will have to wait until you get it. If u take the tests for permit in MO you do not pay until u r ready to
get.your permit here in MO. 2 times per day per section of testing is allowed.

 

Some states you need to have your DOT physical BEFORE you can take your permit tests.

 

to answer your question I was taking a medication that was not allowed on the tractor I would just wish I knew had known in advance I would have been able to resolve that. The next hurdle was for my C PAP machine and that's a long story but that was an additional 30 days whatever you do anybody that has a CPAP machine make sure you have up-to-date data that has been documented uploaded whatever you want to say for 30 days if you have any questions call me I'll send you to the right place

 

is it true that your now required to get Tanker endorsement to be hired by Prime? Curious cuz a friend of mine drives for them an he doesn't have it an he just started back with them about a month ago

 

Do they still do training at the Pennsylvania site or do u have to go to Missouri ?

 

Pittston, PA

 

My recruiter told me that I had to come to MO because of where I live - the Pittston Facility is 3 hours from my residence and the MO facility is 15 hours. Not sure if there is some new requirement or what.

 

Yes. Surprised your friend does not have. Was required when I came in.

You need the tanker endorsement even for reefer due to some loads of liquid totes or barrels we may get.

 

If u domt have your license yet you go to missouri pittston is for CDL A holders