Profile For Penguin

Zach, Don’t quit!!!! My experience was similar to yours. I also attended a private school. I had (and still have) challenges. The key is DO NOT GIVE UP. I failed my CDL test twice. I kept asking my school if can continue to “practice” with them. I passed my exam and I am now in TNT training with Prime. The most important thing I learned throughout my process was to NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!! Give yourself time to learn this industry. As my trainer would say “don’t be so hard on yourself”. I am half way complete with my TNT training. I keep telling myself “don’t give up”. Remember everyone learns’ at a different pace!

Good Luck, Penguin ~ Maureen

Thanks for everyone’s reply. Currently I brought my own phone to Straight Talk. I have been very happy with them for the past 9 months. Never had any issue and I pay $60 a month for unlimited.

Now that I will start OTR, I will have to reconsider my provider.

Also, T-Mobile purchased Sprint, so I will also look into their service.

I have had Verizon in the past, they are more expensive. I will have to weigh my options and see if Verizon would fit into my budget.

Thanks again. 🤔

What in your opinion would be a good cell phone provider for OTR?

Ok Kelby maybe we will see each other in Springfield. I have a rental car reserved and will head out on Saturday from SC.

Thanks, Maureen

Kj B,

I too am starting with Prime on 8/17/20 for TNT training. I also experienced some of the same feelings. I pushed through them and just keep moving forward.

The lawyers are the winners here. Not the drivers.

Agree wholeheartedly!!!

I just obtained my CDL and I am a 56 (I don’t feel 56 lol ) year old female. I look at it this way: My mother is 85 and is still living. My grandmother died at the age of 95. So based on that information, I most likely still have many more years ahead of me. Might as well do something you are interested in.

This lawsuit also applies to anyone going through CDL schooling at Prime from 2010 to 2020. We signed a contract agreeing to get the schooling for free if we stay a year. Our schooling with our permit includes driving the truck OTR with an instructor making deliveries. Although we were OTR and working, we didn't get paid.

So part of this suit is that the students were doing work and not getting paid. The $200 advance for personal needs is not considered wages. The lawyers argued that students should be entitled to all benefits of a company driver.

This is going to be distributed amongst 40,000 people over the last 10 years, in addition to the money given to the lease ops. Anyone expecting a huge payout can forget it.

And honestly, even if I am one of the so called winners, I will add it to the Meals on Wheels donations on my YouTube channel.

To answer the original poster..... I think we are automatically included.

I for one am offended to be included in such a suit. I had great CDL experience with a permit that exceeded what some companies give to CDL holders. It put me way ahead of some drivers. And having someone "fight for my rights" is like telling me I am too stupid to understand and agree to the contract I signed and agreed.

I don't mind being included in it. I had a somewhat decent experience. I had a good flatbed trainer and a decent reefer trainer. After training, I felt like I was just a number. I know that's how it is with all big companies, but I felt things could've been a little different.

I hated the fact that we weren't paid during the first part of training and had to repay the weekly $200. I don't know why Prime did that other than to save money.

I just found another article on the lawsuit. It says at least $14 million will be set aside to be distributed in full, with another $14 million available, depending on how many Prime drivers join the class-action settlement.

That right there tells me there may be something we may need to do to be included. Not sure though. It also states funds will be distributed based on tenure at the company and other factors. All members will receive atleast $100.

It may not be much but I was screwed over many times with Prime. My dispatcher would get my load wrong and I'd have to sit for a few days and he says he'll make it up. I get my check and there's an extra $20 on there.

Matthew, I attended a private school AND they did not pay me (lol). I actually paid them $4,500. And, the opportunity to make deliveries with my permit was not given.

“Our schooling with our permits includes driving the truck OTR with an instructor making deliveries“

I recently received my CDL through a private school. Before I attended school I did my research in regards to private school vs “paid CDL training. Looking back now that I have more knowledge about obtaining a CDL, I realize that during my research I had what I call “tunnel vision”. I only compared the financial side. IF I had to do it over, I would choose the “paid CDL training” because I would have loved driving a truck and making deliveries with my permit. With my private school training that opportunity was not an option. I think that kind of opportunity for training is priceless.

Thank you for everyone’s reply. I will keep you up to date.