Profile For Joe Rayz

My issue has been knowing where and when to make the right moves to get in the whole. I know every place is different but I haven't been taught what to look for besides fitting it in... can you tell I'm still in training? 😀

Hi guys, long time no talk to... I have some questions about training that I wanted to get answered by some of the vets on here. I feel like my trainer is intentionally holding back from my full potential as a driver because of the benefits of having me as a team driver. ( I run hard!) in the beginning of my training which was in August he was telling me I would be with him until January sometime. I wasn't happy about that considering training minimum is 40k team miles. I eventually told him around week 5 close to 20k that I wanted to be done by 40 and I needed his help to get there cause I can drive a box truck And be home every night and make more than I am now in training. He said ok and said we would have to work on somethings to get me ready. Mind you I hardly touch the Qualcomm cause he does it before I can touch it and sometimes when I try to jump in he says I'm moving too slow and takes it from me. My main issue has been the backing mainly cause I'm never put in position to do it.

We both took time off and came back out a week ago and I thought we were still on the same page about trying to get me ready for my upgrade. He let me back in once this week and mind you I was rusty but because of that he goes back to his whole thing about me not being ready and rushing my training and that maybe around Christmas he would let me handle a load all by myself... which I feel like should have been doing weeks ago. I now have 10k left before I upgrade and am not sure what to do. I don't feel like my backing is where it needs to because I haven't worked on it but everything else is passable.

Kinda not sure if I should finish my ten k with him them jump on another truck... stay through the holidays or demand that he get me ready in 2-3 weeks so I can upgrade.

Guys aside from this I put up with a lot of BS from him but I do it with a smile cause I'm a student and I'm not even gonna get into it on here cause that's not fair. I say that though so you guys will hopefully understand that I'm not some crying complaining type of guy who just wants things my way. I just want my opportunity to make money like he is and I am in a tough financial situation that's not getting better unless I have more income and soon.

Thanks any questions or advice would be great.

Good Luck out there and be safe. I have a buddy that works for Werner and he is very happy there. Hopefully you will be too.

Whats up Trucking Truth?!

I am back with an update on my training journey with Prime Inc. I had a busy week of orientation that was full of Computer Based Training (CBT) Drug Testing, DOT physical and live training sessions. This first day was very hectic, but by Wednesday, we had settled into a routine and the rest of the week flew by.

I loved the (CBT) because it was go at your own pace, but I didn't like that some people were just trying to breeze through it as quick as possible. I actually had classmates telling me I was wasting my time by taking notes and that I should just skip to the quizzes... Nope, I think not! I feel like I actually learned something by taking my time, so I would encourage anyone going to orientation to do the right thing and absorb as much info as you can. One of the biggest hurdles we had was driving on the simulator. I was shocked when a classmate came out of the Sim saying that he failed and was being sent home. We didn't know that the Sim was a test to decide whether or not you could continue on with the orientation. I was nervous, but ended up passing the Sim and moved on, but two of the seven men in orientation with me ended up being sent home.

For anyone considering Prime, I have to give a little info on the Terminal I was in. Pittston, Pa was great. The facility looks and feels brand new. There were laundry facilities, a fully stocked gym, Drivers lounge with ample seating and pool table, clean private showers and large orientation rooms with new computers. The kitchen and cafeteria catered to all diets and we had stipends for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am a vegetarian, but I was able to have fresh made salads, rice and beans and even veggie burgers off the grill. The regular food looked and smelled great and there were always new things on the menu from day to day. Anyone i encountered was polite and seemed happy to be there and not in some false, smile for the recruits type of way. I am sure that there are many companies out there with terminals like this, but I can only speak on what i experienced.

By Thursday, I was finished with orientation and approved to work for the company. I actually lucked out when it came to receiving a trainer because he and I both live in the same city so I was able come home for the weekend before starting my 40k mile C-seat training. So, tomorrow morning I will meet my trainer at the TA near by and get started on this long awaited journey. The next time you all hear from me it will be from the road hopefully with a few thousand mile under my belt. Talk to you soon.

Joe Rayz

First off welcome to the Prime family, as a lease operator and certified CDL instructor I can assure you that 90 % off the instructors have your career in mind when teaching you at Prime. Our only mission is to teach, so you have the tool necessary to be a safe and reliable asset to the Prime family.

Speaking for myself, I have no horse n the race when I instruct a student whether they be a company driver or lease. I still will perform my instruction the same. The key is to have an instructor that is not only successful as an instructor but also as a driver. Both company and the lease side have many of them. The way instructors receive students has changed and we no longer pick like we use to. The company gives us one name and we only interview that one student to see if it's a right fit. Good luck on your journey

Hey Brian,

Question, do you have a trainee that your are working with at this time? Cause if not, I am in Pittston Yard ( reefer div.) waiting for a trainer and would love to interview with you. here's my email if its something you want to discuss and if not thanks for your hard work out there! jr.raysor@gmail.com

Congrats SnowBob! Good luck with your first outfit. Its pretty cool that you got picked up right away. good luck with orientation and start a diary to keep us updated.

Duh, Im on here so much I thought i was in the general forum!!!

Congrats SnowBob! Good luck with your first outfit. Its pretty cool that you got picked up right away. good luck with orientation and start a diary to keep us updated.

I Remember reading that Prime does both UA and Hair, but I am at Orientation this week and we all only did a UA. Just an update!

Joe Rayz

Thanks again Dutch for the helpful info! Today is Sunday, 8/14/16 and I am on the Greyhound leaving Baltimore. In a few short ( I hope) hours, I will be in the Lovely city of Wilkes-Barre checking in to my hotel!

Saying goodbye was really tough this morning. My wife cried silently the entire ride downtown to the bus terminal. My two sons were still asleep and I felt it better to kiss them and whisper in their ears a soft I love you than to wake them up. Still, tears aside, I am very excited about the opportunity to change my life by becoming a trucker and the financial benefits will pay off in the long run.

So long for now, I am going to try and relax as the bus cruises up I-83 and I look at passing by. I feel like I'm able to say goodbye( temporarily) to my home by taking this route. See you all in The Diamond City.

Joe Rayz

Dutch,

I can't thank you enough for pointing me to this post you made!!!! Absolutely awesome. So much pertinent info I am going to look over it a few more times before Sunday. I have also been considering a lease option and have been weighing the pros and cons of doing this. Can you tell me what your experience has been leasing so far? Again. Thanks for pointing me to your post and thanks for your service to our nation!