Profile For Zach H.

Thanks for the link, that helps a lot. It's hard to say without having any experience if the LW truck is worth the extra pay... my gut says yes, with caveats. My understanding is that sometimes you don't get a choice, that you get whatever rig is available.

Thanks for the reply, I think I read somewhere there that some companies allow limited personal use of a truck but perhaps I misunderstood. I'm planning to speak to a Prime recruiter and hopefully get a tour of some of the facilities and equipment. I've looked at Prime's site but I don't see any info about what rigs they use (big or small), is there somewhere I can look to read up on the trucks? I'd like to be as fully prepared as possible to make the decision and choose the large or small trucks when/if the time comes.

It just occurred to me that this might not be the right sub-forum for this... not sure how to or if I can move the topic.

I'm fed up with corporate BS and being stuck in an office all the time and for quite awhile now I've wondered what it'd be like to be a trucker. I'm thrilled with this website so far and even more thrilled (and a little scared) at the prospect of taking the plunge and becoming a trucker. I'm in SLC, UT and really thinking of attending the Prime Inc school here. I'll list a few questions below, anything you folks can tell me would be most helpful!

1. If you live locally, can you go home at night or does Prime force you to stay onsite? 2. I'm a little fuzzy on the written CDL portion - you study for and take the test the first week of training? Can you pass the written test (in UT) before attending the school? 3. Why is there a CPM bonus for driving smaller trucks? Is it because they're more fuel-efficient? 4. How do OTR drivers (with no spouse or permanent residence) get mail? I would guess a PO Box or something, but perhaps there's a service or something specific to the industry that I'm unaware of. 5. Is there any way of getting internet on the road besides buying from a so-equipped truck stop or using a cellular hot spot? 6. Once you're through training, does Prime allow personal use of the rig while on hometime right away or is there a waiting period? I'd rather not pay on a car loan if I'm only going to use the car a week or two out of the year. 7. I have a condo and I would like to keep it and rent it out and just stay with family when I'm in town. Anyone have any experience or advice about this plan of action?

I'm sure I have a million more questions that I can't quite think of right now but this should get me started. Thank you in advance!