Prime: Orientation and Training?

You are officially hired when you get your actual CDL. You are credited with 10k miles for the permit phase of training.

You wont have to worry about Pre Trip your first couple days. I reviewed my Missouri CDL manual and here are the sections for the permit test

Sections
2 - Driving Safely
3 - Transporting Cargo
5 - Air Brakes
6 - Combination Vehicles

The following sections deal with the skills course, road test, and pre trip
10, 11, 12... these three sections deal with the final test given after your 100 hours out with the permit.

I just want to disclaim that this info is what I have, I know they changed the skills test back in October but dont know if they re-vamped the Manual.

One thing I remember is that the 3-4 review questions in each section of the manual, were of no help in determining what was on the permit test. Although I know the information, Im really no help in remembering what was on the test. I do know that there are multiple copies, so retests will not be the same (comparing notes with the students who failed)

The permit test is more than just a permit test... Prime will give you no help other than providing the sections to you to study for the PERMIT TEST! If you really want to be there, passing your PERMIT TEST will demonstrate that to them. If you fail the first time, you can take it again that day as long as the State testers are still there... if you get to day 2 and havent passed, you are behind while everyone else is getting oreintated and you have to catch a shuttle down to the DMV. Im not sure when they cut you off for retests, they may crack down no pas with the job market, but we had a guy who had to work the fuel Island over the weekend and then finally passed on Monday and we Tested tuesday I think.

 

There is plenty of time for pre-trip... if you get stuck on the pad waiting a day or 2 for an instructor that is 90 percent of what the pad instructors will have you do.

Yeah there is practical driving time, if you end up waiting... but the pad has a hiearchy of CDL exams, followed by Company upgrades, CDL new hire check rides, and students preparing for their exam. Then you have to wait your turn amongst your classmates for 2-3 trucks.

Honestly, I drove thru the terminal the other day... the new MO CDL course looks like it takes up 200 percent more space (based on all the cones out there) so I doubt they even have students drive the perimeter anymore like I did, where at least you could shift up to 4th or 5th.

There is a scheduled practice day before you leave with an instructor, Friday 3-4 students are paired off with the brand new instructor school graduates for backing in the morning and then shifting practice as you drive around an industrial park in the afternoon.

 

Okay Thanks! Btw, is there any other form of contact I can get from you so if I have a question I don't have to post it here?

 

what a great and positive story about your training at prime!!! actually, ive heard very few negative stories about them. also, i have heard that prime never takes a broker load. the owner of prime used to state that he has freight that his sales reps have developed why should he use a broker. what a grand concept. best of luck, thinking that when i graduate school prime might be on my top three to approach

 

That's the thing your going to hear negative and positive stories from a company. If there was one amazing company that didn't have any problems every other company would suffer. Most negative stuff I've heard about prime was the leasing program which I wouldn't worry about unless your actually going to take the plunge"not a good idea" . Anyhow, Good luck with your training and hope we will be driving for the same company soon

 

You can send me a PM, I dont need the hassle of anyone accusing me of recruiting. Just here to tell my tale.

As to what is new... Post Christmas was pretty average for miles. Last week was great at just over 3k, but this week is looking like barely 2k. So hit and miss right now at 50/50 for 2009...

We shall see how the next couple months shape up... Ive started to really pay attention to my finances and concentrating on being debt free soon. At the same time I am saving a chunk of my pay each week. Main goal for me is, Truck Stops are for parking, fuel, and bathrooms/showers/laundry... no dinning or shopping.

 

Can anyone tellme is PRime is good company to go to I am under application with them?

 

Here is the deal... things are pretty slow out here... Those lease guys that arent profitable are turning in their trucks...

From what I hear we are only hiring students and replacements... reports are there are decent size groups each week starting out... that means there are a decent size group of people turning in their trucks or getting the axe(company side)

I know that my FM is doing a review of our entire board and trimming the dead weight... accidents, Shutdowns, missed appointments, and fuel milage are the things that can get you cut. They are also going to look at productivity.

Its safe to assume that the rest of the company boards are going to do the same.

As far as the lease side goes, if you have any of those problems I mentioned above, its going to hit you in the wallet, run you out of business and turn in your truck.

Unemployment is rising, and I see alot of people that think Trucking is something they can do... all you do is hold a steering wheel WRONG!

I used to wait tables, another job where pay is based on productivity with the what the market gives you (think of waiters as trucks and customers as loads)... Hire 20 people when you really only need 10, the good ones will make money because they are good, and the others? well, their low pay because of poor productivity will eventually run them out the door... meanwhile they restraunt got some cheap labor to cover... (at least in VA where its $2.13/hr + tips)

Is Prime a good company... I have been treated fairly and have no problems, so I say yes... is business slower, yes... But I only have to support myself, and I can weather this alot better because its just me I have to worry about.

 

u2exit, They have been calling me and wanting me to come work for them, yes, I know they are doing there job in RECRUITING" but I am not getting the mileage anymore at my present job and hints of laying off!!!! the recruiter told me that they are doing well and I am going as a company driver I dont want to LEASE!. I like having these BLOGS to steer me in the right direction I was going to TMC but the shut the northeast off to hiring and froze my application. so here I am wondering what to do I need like you and everyone else.. so is Prime the way to go???????????
confused! ........

 

Hey U2Exit,

I've been looking at maybe joining the trucking industry.

I've really been looking around, and I was interested in joining Prime and their paid CDL training.

I was wondering if there is sometime I can talk to you on the phone or something and ask you a few questions.

I would really appreciate it if you can manage.

*I'd pm you but I'm disabled because I'm newer on this forum*