Prime Inc. Orientation Oct, 2010

I have a start date of 7 Feb 11 with one company, but also have been preapproved by Central and Prime. Each company has great parts and not so great parts. Trying to decide which company will be the right fit. Love the extended training with Prime (and the higher training pay), however, if you are with a trainer that is just not getting any miles, that 60K can last a very long time. When you are out for training, who decides home time. I personally would like to just stay out on the road and get the miles logged in. Is that possible?

 

Huh??? We've been running our tails off this year. You can certainly plan on 5,000-mile-plus weeks, although things will be a little slower the next couple of months - that's just the way it is this time of year. Home time for you is a decision you make, that is shared with your trainer and FM; if you want to run and get it done, then don't take any home time during training. Usually they try to get your first load out with your own truck as one that runs through the house so you can get the stuff you need to be on your own. Most trainers want to run as much as they can, and while he may need to take some home time its been my observation that most trainers take home time between trainees on board the truck.

 

What is a "duck walk"? I've had many DOt physicals and never heard that expression!!

 

Its to see if you can do what's physically necessary to get under a trailer and inspect it.

 

My husband started with Prime last July, he went in with his CDL from a school, so he just had to do the 60K with a trainer. His trainer did not hustle as much as we wanted, but he did finish it in 16 weeks to the day. Yes, it was a little long, but it was worth it. (DH was a driver 13 years ago and had let his license lapse - thus the reason for getting his CDL again.) Some people said they finished in 12 weeks, which was closer to what we were hoping for, but he and his trainer were able to work well together and learn from each other.

As far as home, we did not ask for hubby to come home during training. The trainer did, however, go home 3 times in that 16 weeks, but because hubby stayed with the truck he was able to still get the full weeks pay ($600), even though the truck did not move for 4 days.

He has been in his own truck since the beginning of Nov. and is doing his time alone to get to where he can start training.

The miles are there, some weeks better than others, but none so bad that we are dying here at home. We have his truck set up with a cooler/fridge, a microwave, and meals to eat and/or prepare so he does not spend to much in the truckstop. When he gets his trainee, hubby will offer space in the truck for the trainee to do the same, but if he (trainee) prefers truck stop cooking, they will work out a plan as such.

We have been together for 20 years, the first few he worked for KLLM, Werner, Dick Simon, as well as locals in CA, and now for Prime. Prime has proven to be a good company to be with, and to date, has done us right and been honest to us. I recommend them to anyone.

 

With my current trainee we are averaging over 5000 a week with the shortest being 3600, and the greatest being 7225. As far as hometime, you sound like the type of driver I like to have. I like to not take hometime while training, and then go home for 10 days when I'm done with a trainee.

 

You can pick your trainer to the tee. I do not smoke so I am requesting a non smoker...

 

Sazook also requires all his trainees to hate the Washington Caps... it makes it easier on his concience to beat the trainee into submission.

 

Thanks for the Info. I don't plan on taking any home time while I am training. My "sis" who is with another company, can't seem to get any miles. Maybe her trainer taking time off right after he picked her up pissed somebody off. They keep getting repowered and then waiting for another load.
I can't wait to get started with Prime. The good news about having to wait until February to start is I have plenty of time to study for my CDL permit.

 

Why do you have to wait until February?