Profile For Jay_Ohen

Hey Charlie T., I just received my orientation packet. This is what was in the packet regarding your questions: # All applicants are required to pass a DOT physical & drug test onsite (even if you have a current DOT card). # If previously diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, bring your CPAC & downloadable compliance info with you. You must be 70% compliant for the last 30 days to comply with Prime's requirements.

Charlie, Reyn hit the nail on the head. It’s no big deal, even students who have never had a test and are in need of one will conduct said test. Bring your CPAP with you and compliance info just as stated above. Good luck with your application, sir! Prime has been good to me so far and I’m sure they’ll be the same to you. Also, congrats to you, Reyn, for joining up! If you have any questions regarding PSD let me know. Good luck! You’ll do great!!

It is with great pleasure that I am able to return and announce that I successfully completed Prime’s PSD program and I am now underway for my 30,000 team miles with my trainer! This has been a fantastic experience and my opinion of Prime hasn’t wavered: I thoroughly enjoy this company so far! After about two weeks on the road as a student driver with my trainer, I returned to Springfield, MO to begin pad training for my CDL exam. My best advice for anyone is to study, study, STUDY your pre trip inspection! Run through it every day with your trainer or at least until you have it down to do it yourself. After all, the first portion of the CDL exam is a pre trip. I took my exam on Thursday, 15 February. You must be in the classroom no later than 0600 for roll call. If you are not there, chances are you won’t be testing that day. The test is composed of three steps: pre trip, backing skills, and road skills testing. You will be selected to perform either an engine compartment, driver side fuel area, trailer, or FULL pre trip inspection for this test. Everyone does the coupling area, light test, and in cab inspection including parking brake test, service brake test, and air brake test, no exceptions. If you haven’t already, I recommend downloading Daniel B’s pre trip inspection guide. It seriously helped me not only learn the imperative pre trip, but it also enabled me to pass my pre trip inspection test including in cab and air brakes! Remember: the air brake test is a PASS or FAIL situation. You cannot miss any steps. If you do, simply start from the beginning and move through the test again from square one. The examiner conducting roll call told us the current record was 14 restarts on a single air brake test! Once you have passed the pre trip test, you will move onto the backing test. You will be required to demonstrate a straight line back, either a driver side or blindside offset back, and finally one of the following three: driver side parallel park, passenger side parallel park, or alley dock. You are allowed two free pull-ups and two get out and looks (it may be fewer on the straight line back). You are allowed 12 points on this test. For example, crossing the out of bounds line is two points, blowing out the back of an alley dock is two points, etc. You have 15 minutes for each maneuver. I won’t lie, I racked up ten points on my alley dock alone simply because I misjudged my reference points. Don’t panic if you hear the whistle or you’re off the mark! It isn’t over until it’s over and the examiners know you’re nervous, at least I was! After the backing test you will conduct an on the road driving test. This consists of approximately 30-45 minutes of driving down a route explained by the examiner as you go along. You will be required to demonstrate proper upshifting and downshifting techniques, lane control, emergency stopping and merging back onto the roadway, ability to legally and safely operate a CMV, lane changes, and the ability to scan your surroundings and look for signs such as clearance signs, posted weight limits, and speed limits. The important thing to remember for this test: don’t hit anything and don’t roll the truck backward while starting from a stopped position! Bumped the curb? You’ll be taking this test again tomorrow. Rolled backwards while trying to start uphill? Same story. It’s not nearly as nerve wracking as it sounds...who am I kidding? It was the longest half hour of my life. However, you will be prepared for this test so long as you’ve already been safely and effectively operating the vehicle! You’re allowed 30 points on the driving test, failing at 31. I forget how many points you’re allowed on the pre trip. Thanks to the library of information available right here at Trucking Truth, the fine instructors at Prime, Inc., and my amazing trainer I am proud to say that I trifecta’d and I’m now hired on with Prime! What started off as a dream in my head a little over a month ago is now a reality. We’re currently taking our first load away from the cold and into sunny and warm California! To anyone wishing to chase this dream: do it! This is freedom. This is satisfaction. This is the first career choice I’ve ever been truly proud of. It’s tough, there are days you’ll want to pack up and go home, but it’s worth every bit of suffering to get that CDL! Again, I give thanks to Trucking Truth for guiding me and reminding me that dreams can come true so long as you’re willing to work for them. If I can help anyone in the same way I was helped I’d be glad to do so! I’ll answer any questions I can and I’ll always encourage people to never give up until it’s over! Good luck to anyone else entering this fine program or any other program out there!

Sincerely, -Jay

Thanks to everyone for your feedback! Glad I was able to help others with any information. You won’t regret coming to Prime; I know I haven’t! Over the course of the weekend you’ll be getting calls from trainers. Always answer unknown numbers. Trainers often call from their personal cell phones. During PSD phase you may be assigned to a trainer in a different division. This is perfectly normal, and not a cause for concern since your first two to three weeks on the road are spent learning how to handle a large truck and trailer and not how to be a trucker, if that makes sense. I was assigned a trainer today in the reefer division although I signed up for flatbed. You’ll also be attending classes beginning at 0800 for the weekend and weekdays you spend waiting for a trainer. Don’t get discouraged! This is plenty of time to study your pretrip and possibly get some time on the practice pad. Again, don’t be late for these classes and make sure you show up. They do take roll call! Also worth noting is that your meal allowances end at breakfast time on the Monday after you complete the first week in PSD, or become void after your first dispatch. If you do not have funds for food then your badge is also a card that the company gives you a pay advance of $200 a week for living expenses. This money is not to be sent home for bills (although I don’t suppose they’d know, it would be hard to live on $50 for a week if you paid a $150 bill). I leave with my trainer tomorrow to go on the road for my first two to three weeks as a student driver. Again, if you’re thinking of coming to Prime do yourself a favor and call a recruiter. They’re all friendly and can answer any questions you may have regarding this possible career. Bran, Reyn, and Misty: I look forward to seeing you on the road soon! Best of luck in your journeys and if I can ever help in any way just ask!

Looking forward to seeing the two of you on the road, Misty and Reyn! As for your question, Reyn, you don’t have to dress nicely. Wear what is comfortable. The interview process mostly consists of showing up to class on time (early, remember that!) and showing eagerness to learn. There’s no need to dress nicely. Prime understands we’re living out of our duffel bags and suitcases but if you want to dress to the nines nobody will question it! I’ll update the journal as I can but right now I’m focused on studying pretrip and preparing for more training on the practice pad.

23 January, 0530: Courtesy wakeup call. Just like yesterday, class begins at 0700. Don’t be late! As we entered the class I noticed several people had already been sent home. The head of security warned people of attempting to cheat the drug test (really!) yet it seems some didn’t take heed to that warning. Shortly after roll call all female PSD students were sent for retesting due to evidence of cheating being found in the bathroom. Needless to say others were sent home. DO NOT LIE, DO NOT CHEAT! You’re only wasting Prime’s time and your time if you do. Hours of service class began at 0815 with an instructor teaching us the basics of hours of service such as driving time, on duty time, off duty time, and sleeper berth time. We were given paper logs to keep track of our hours of service during classes. It’s actually very helpful and teaches you what you need to learn in case your electronic logging device ever goes down. Pay attention! You’ll be learning a lot over the next week. After class ended at 0900, those of us who passed our physicals received our health cards and the shuttle began busing students to the DMV for permit testing. You can still test even without your health card, you just won’t be able to pick up your permit at the DMV. The shuttle runs at 0900 or 0915ish, 1100, 1300 1500, and I believe 1700. Thanks to the High Road Training Program I was able to pass all four sections (general knowledge, combination, air brakes, and tanker) in one go! Utilize the tools given to you on this forum and you have nothing to fear. You’re allowed two chances at the test per day. Make sure you’re going to test even if you don’t feel prepared. They’re watching! If you didn’t finish your physical, agility test, or file review you will be given time to do that on this day. Health and awareness class began at 1545. We were all informed of the great fitness program that Siphiwe Baleka runs here at Prime. As many of you know the trucking industry consists of, well, sitting and driving! Prime offers a great health program at a cost, all of which is reimbursed at the end of the program. This is available after hire. It may or may not be for everyone but definitely consider some form of activity to combat boredom and weight gain. Simulator lab ran from 2130 to 2345 that night. It’s rough but it’s only one day you have to go this late. Again, treat the simulator with respect and learn as much as possible. The prior day was upshifting. Today was downshifting. If you show enough progress you’ll be able to advance to skip shifting and prepare for your sim lab final. It’s great training, I can’t express that enough! Make sure you eat before you go. The cafe closes at 1900 on weekdays and 1400 on weekends. After a long day it was time for bed until the next morning.

24 January, 0530: Wake up call. Don’t lay around in bed, just get up and go get breakfast! Breakfast begins at 0900 and you won’t regret it. 0700 begins pre trip inspection class. Focus on getting your permit and completing your CBTs before studying the pre trip inspection. The Highway Diamond meeting began at 0830 for the female students in class. The rest of us were left to work on completing on site permit testing beginning at 0830. Students required to complete a sleep study were sent to review the requirements at 0930. They do this based on BMI and neck measurements. If you haven’t completed file review it will also be done today. File review isn’t so bad. Prime verified three years of employment for non drivers and needed five years of total employment history, ten if you’ve ever driven a CMV before. The shuttles run to the DMV at the aforementioned times. Sim class began at 1830. Most of us in my group completed the final today and were given the night off: a perfect opportunity to study your pretrip!

25 January, 0530: Wake up time! Benefits and wellness class began at 0700. They covered health insurance options available after 90 days of employment. At the end of class it’s important to stay seated as they do roll call AFTER this class. You will also be informed if you’re on the pending list before you’re issued a security badge. You’ll spend the rest of the day working on these tasks. Remember, CBTs were due on Wednesday by the evening! Don’t procrastinate on them. Take any free time you’re given this day to practice the pre trip. There’s a truck in the parking lot that’s available for use any time of the day. Right now it’s around 1345 and I’m awaiting the preliminary clearance meeting at 1500. DO NOT MISS THIS CLASS! You will be sent home if you do. I’m sure I’m skipping a lot of information but please feel free to ask any questions! So far Prime has been great to us in terms of accommodations, education, and eating! There’s a lot of good people here from all over the country studying just like me. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: the staff are here to help! Sim lab class begins at 1700. Until then I’ll be studying the pre trip. Again, the important things to remember are this: don’t be late, don’t lie, DO NOT cheat the drug test, NO alcohol whatsoever, give yourself time for the CBT videos, and keep up with any and all paperwork you’re given. You’ll need $100 for a seating fee and $55 for your Missouri license and permit fees. Again, feel free to ask me anything! Good luck to anyone coming for the next class. You won’t regret coming here!

Hello, TruckingTruth! On the 9th of January, 2018 I received confirmation of acceptance to the Prime, inc. PSD Program. I left Alabama by Greyhound (good luck to anyone enduring the grueling ride!) on the 20th to arrive in Springfield, Missouri on the 21st. It’s a Greyhound: don’t expect much and try to get some rest on the long trip!

21st January - 0930: Arrival at the Springfield, MO Greyhound terminal. You’re responsible for calling the Prime Shuttle to pick you up and carry you to the Campus Inn. Don’t make the mistake I made! Ensure you’re out front (the opposite side of bus parking) or the shuttle won’t see you. Arrived at the Campus Inn for check in at approximately 1030. At the front desk you’ll pay the $100 seating fee and receive a room key, a roommate unless they’re already there, and an application packet. DO NOT LIE ON THE APPLICATION! This company does not tolerate dishonesty and you will be sent home on your own time and money! The rooms are nothing to write home about, but the staff is super friendly and housekeeping will clean your room daily. There are televisions in every room and fridges in most. Don’t get too distracted, however: It’s important to study for your permit testing before you arrive because the class schedule is absolutely busy. The first day you arrive will consist of filling out paperwork and talking to your roommate. Leave the paperwork blank if you’re unsure of anything. You’ll also be able to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the cafe located on campus. You have $4.76 for breakfast and $7 for lunch and dinner, which is more than enough Feel free to walk to the WalMart about a block up the road. If you have the money, stop by Culver’s at least once: you won’t regret it! Make sure you get to bed at a decent time because...

22 January, 0530: Courtesy wake up call! Your class begins at 0700. DO NOT BE LATE! Early is on time, but on time is late! If you’re late it will be documented. This company is surprisingly lenient and allows at least two chances. Strike two and you’re out as far as I understand. Day one of orientation consists of, you guessed it, paperwork! The instructors will do roll call and begin discussing what is expected of you in your first week at orientation. This includes: green file review (application) confirming that the information given to the security team matches what you told your recruiter. Folks, I cannot stress enough that lying is NOT ACCEPTABLE. If you can’t pass a drug test, DO NOT WASTE THEIR TIME. On day one you’ll go over how to fill out the application, attend a urinalysis drug test and DOT physical, attend an agility test and conduct file review with a member of staff. You’ll also be given about 35 computer based training videos to complete no later than Wednesday evening. Time management is imperative. The videos take around 5 hours to complete and you will be incredibly busy the first week! Finally, you’ll wrap up day one with simulator training. Keep in mind that one simulator costs approximately $150,000 so don’t bring in food or drinks! It’s not a joke. Treat it like a real truck: seatbelt, no texting, and pay attention. It’s great training and gets you ready for shifting on the practice pad and CDL exam. Utilize what you’re given! Prime wants you to succeed. Pay attention to the group you are assigned and the schedules you are given. Lateness is forgiven but once, and absence is not acceptable! My day wrapped up around 1530 at the end of sim lab. Get to bed as early as possible. It’s important to rest in order to retain the great amount of information being given to you.

Glad to hear it. Are you currently training with Prime? How many miles are you averaging in a week? I’ll be headed up to Springfield on the 20th, looking forward to getting started!

Thank you for your input, Rainy! That makes me feel a lot better about the paperwork process. I have a transcript for my W2 from the IRS website at least proving I worked there. I’ll list it and explain if they have any questions. I hope everyone is as helpful at Prime as you are. See you on the road soon!

Just my own personal opinion. But if the time was super short and you where underage/ in high school..I'd not even bother reporting it. School at that time was your "employment" and full time commitment.

Just how I view it. Sure others will provide additional feedback.

Seriously considering it! I’m simply paranoid and don’t want to be sent home over something so trivial...

Prime asks for three years so you will be okay. If you already had a CDL they go back 10 uears for driving jobs.

good luck!!!

Thank you, Rainy. You drive/drive for Prime, correct? I gave them three years with verification already but the paperwork they sent with orientation info says they want 5 years of employment history. Do they only bother verifying 3 years and just need 5 on record?

Any chance you have tax records from that year still? I used an old W2 tax form to confirm an old employer with Prime.

The only thing I could find was a copy of my transcript from the IRS website. I've heard some say they only verify three years but I don't want to place any bets on that. I still couldn't find the dates of hiring and leaving. :\