Prime Trainer Program

Does Prime hire in Northern Cal.? Sacramento area?

 

I have delivered alot of loads in the area running team. Usually they would send us into the Southern Central Valley or the Monterey Penn for re-loads.

 

Thanks but I'm wondering if they have an kind of facility such as a terminal or drop yard in the sacramento area. I live about 20 miles east of Sac. off of I 80.

 

I'm sure we have a drop yard in the area... we seem to have one in most major metro areas. Never needed one there myself. We get empty, go find a place to park (truck stop, rest area, side of road when legal, etc) and get our next load; so we don't have the overhead of a "terminal" everywhere like some outfits.

If it's legal to park a rig at your home, you can take it with you - if you're loaded, you may have to sweet-talk your neighbors about the noise from the reefer. Otherwise the company will work with you to find a place to drop the empty.

 

I have operated as a trainer for two major carriers over the past 15 years. No matter which companies program you decide to begin your career with, you will be exposed to a great deal of negative feedback from other "drivers" that have been less than successful in their professions. Keep an open mind throughout your training, and form your own professional opinions about your carrier. Perform your job as if you are running a business, not just holding a steering wheel, and you will enjoy success. Take the not so good loads with the good, it is part of the job, and people will note that you are an effective and efficient operator. Do not become an "I don't go here and I don't go there" type of operator, or you will find yourself parked in truckstops more frequently than others. I have spoken to more people who do not go to New York, Miami, etc. that I am surprised these two metro areas get any freight delivered at all. You are behind the wheel to earn a living, and that means toughing it out in areas that may not be pleasant to drive through. There will be times when you will sit due to slow freight. This is especially true for solo drivers, and you will begin to notice that this occurs in certain areas more than others. Florida, SoCal, Arizona are a few examples. Major population centers mean a large quantity of inbound freight, which may translate into waiting for an outbound load due to the great number of trucks in the area. Don't be afraid to speak your mind if you feel that you are sitting more than you are comfortable with, but be respectful and professional. Give the company a chance to remedy the situation before losing your temper and quitting. Contrary to popular belief, most trucking companies do care about their good drivers. It is a huge expense to them to hire, train, and process new drivers; there is no good reason why any successful company would not want to keep good drivers. There are poor quality carriers out there, so pay attention to constructive criticism, and consider the source. Also, look into the carrier's history, years in operation, etc. Best of regards to you in your new career, stay optimistic and take the good with the bad, and control your on the road spending by purchasing necessities at home prior to leaving home. Truck stops can be very expensive. John

 

does prime still let you do east-west runs as a solo or are they keeping you more regional nowadays.

 

East-West loads are few and far between... those are mostly team. Thats not to say there arent long loads. Ive had Idaho-Virginia... Western Kansas to Mass... Washington to Minnesota... Minnesota to South Carolina.

Everytime I start to think Im becoming a regional driver, its when I get a load out.

Right now I am in Maine... its the first time I have been in the Northeast since Oct. I was running the west a little bit there... back and forth in the midwest north and south...

 

Hows the miles U2Exit ? Hope things are good for You. Will be in Pittson on the 19th.. Thanks for all the Help...

 

It pleased me beyond belief to see such a well written professional note about being a driver and going out and just doing the job he/she is being paid to do. Every point you made was valid and intelligent. Thank you so much.

 

Just luck of the draw dude... I get plenty of east/west runs, as well as some west coast as well. Pulled bannanas from Galveston to Sacremento last month, lettuce back to AR. Everytime I'm home (Denver) I get a load from one of the packing plants in eastern CO or KS back to the east coast somewhere.