Prime in the NE

Well, there's freight to be pulled even during the holidays. Remember the recent one? Got a really good rate out of WA for some FL-bound freight last Saturday. So you can run if you choose (a good plan) and take your time off when the freight isn't as good.

1. Company drivers are usually given the choice of Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years' Day. Guaranteed one of the three. My FM always managed to get me home for both Thanksgiving (the one I chose) and Christmas. And yeah, its busy... especially with the massive decrease in the number of drivers available during the holidays.

2. Yes it will. If holidays are going to be REALLY important to you (more important than the career you are just starting) then you need to discuss that up front before you get on the truck. Bet that doesn't get you many points. If your trainer happens to live in the area you live in and is going home for the holidays - well, you're "In Like Flint," as they used to say. The breaks that your recruiter talked about are at a natural pause in the training cycle (at 6 weeks you should have a shiney, new CDL), etc.

As far as the "don't believe a recruiter" part is concerned...

First it's their job to sell the company to prospective recruits. I'd say that job probably sucks. I'd also say far too many people read exactly what they WANT to hear into the answers they get, vs what they're being told. My recruiter was very up-front, and I felt she was truthful. I never felt "lied" to, but then again I understand how things work and don't have some teenager's view of the world - black/white version of how things work. Recruiters aren't in charge of the operational side of ANY trucking company, and can only offer what they're allowed to offer. If the freight doesn't exactly work out the way you want it to in order to make YOUR schedule for hometime work, well... that's just the way it is.

Hometime during training will depend on your progress, the trainer you get assigned to, the freight that exists at that time, etc. Everybody involved will do the best they can to get you home when you need to be there. It doesn't always work. Then again, in my time at Prime, I've only been late for requested hometime once - by one day due to available freight. A couple of years ago, they deadheaded me bobtail 250 miles to get home for a holiday - at the company's expense. The "naysayers" can write all the trash they want to about this company, but I'll say that's beyond fair. I'll also guess that many carriers would say tough... you can sit at the truckstop until we get something for you to pull.

I trained across the holidays, and it probably stretched my training time out - my trainer also spent a lot of time at home and with his ex's. He also was very fair, and got me a motel room when we layed over while he played. Not all trainers are that fair. He wanted to be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, lived 10 miles from where I did, so it worked out. In other cases, they will get a load that goes near to where you live - you may have to either travel some, or have someone pick you up to make it work - then get arranged to be picked up again afterwords. Other cases, I've heard some trainers (aka #######es) took the trainee home, and told him to find another trainer. I would say, be hopeful - it will probably work out. If it doesn't this year - its an odd year in your new career because you're training.

My real advice is to put your new career first, and worry about a "perfect holiday season" another year. Unless of course, trucking is a stop-gap endeavor for you... and you aren't serious about it. If that's the case, you probably shouldn't step up in the first place.

 

Company first..............................

Your entire life doesn't really matter !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Awww... poor baby. Yeah, your life matters - more at this company than many others. It also depends on what your goals are. Spend exactly the days you want sitting on the couch - or getting on with your life.

And if you don't think that particular sentiment (Company first... Your entire life doesn't really matter !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) isn't true outside of the transportation industry, I invite you to try employment anywhere in this society. Unfortunately, it's the predominant way things work. Ask the folks who take home office work nightly, and are available for the boss's email 24/7. Actually, even in trucking, we have it better than that.

 

Actually, I never have trained. Don't feel as though my experience level is where I want it to be for that, and I value my privacy. I may in the future - I've done technical training in the Air Force, taught electronics for awhile commercially, and there is an economic aspect for me to consider now. Also, I need a specific, workable plan for dealing with the bodies...

 

Ya see... that's just it. Some jerk(s) have already been dumping around the interstates. That just frosts the whole idea for me. Now I was thinking... why not dress them up in cow suits, and sell them to the dude on the JBS thread???

 

IP gave you some excellent advice.

The other half started mid October and that had him training right through the holidays and winter. Before he left, we talked about him staying out as long as possible. His trainer planned 4 days of home time for Christmas. After being dropped off for his Christmas break, his trainer called him and told him that he was putting the truck in the shop and they couldn't get to it till after Christmas, when their home time was supposed to be up. Well, the shop managed to mess the truck up and it wouldn't run. After being home two weeks, for what was supposed to be 4 days home time, other half found another trainer because he wasn't puttin' the miles behind him sittin' at home. His first trainer ended up being home another week.

Through all of his training, the other half only had one home time break.

 

another bad idea is you and your trainer take home time at same time,make sure you live fairly close together and not him in the east a you in the midwest like I did.It was two weeks before we were back out on the road again making money.sometimes I am just not too bright!My fm said I could have got with another trainer but I was getting along with this so well I didnt want tip over the apple cart. but lesson learned on my part.