Profile For Michelle E.

Thanks to everyone who responded. I felt the FEDERAL background should take precedence over the state, according to the TSA directive. I'm guessing the local licensing office was unaware of the update.

I'm thinking of obtaining my Hazmat endorsement, I live in Florida.

I have my TWIC credential issued Dec. 18, 2020 the TSA states on their homepage that having the TWIC credential can satisfy the need for the background check.

Florida's Department of highway safety and motor vehicles website states a background check and fingerprinting must be done to obtain the HME and the process is done by the TSA but makes no mention of the TWIC credential as a way to save time on the HME process. Which I find confusing since my TWIC credential background check was done by the TSA

Does anyone have experience in this matter in regards to Florida accepting the TWIC credential?

My trainer has invited me to stay teaming with him. He is a lease operator and I am a company driver. What is a fair rate that I should expect? He gets paid 73% of the load revenue and averages anywhere between $7200-11,400 in gross revenue to the truck per week before his expenses are deducted.

I just want to be sure I'm paid fairly. I'm considered a co-driver since I have upgraded not a trainee. I handle my own shifts without any assistance from him.

Yesterday Saturday February 20th,2021. I'm at the Salt Lake City terminal having maintenance done on my truck (APU)

I'm in the brand new amenities building, in the driver lounge it's 5am. At about 6am Aaron came in and sat down. His Peterbuilt is having a wiring harness issue. He's hoping that they can get it fixed today because they are closed on Sundays.

So he's there and we start talking. He's a solo lease driver based out of Springfield, Mo. Has been with Prime 2 years. He lives near Kansas City, he is into restoring classic cars with his uncle, we spend hours talking about our backgrounds and experiences. I'm hoping the NorthStar grill will open so I can grab something to eat. Of course 7am comes and its closed.

I attempt to use the vending machines the food machine has a credit card reader and I'm able to get a snack. Then I move to the drink machine and its credit card reader is not working. I only have a 5 dollar bill and no change, Aaron offers me the 1.50 so I'm able to get a drink, I let him know when the company store opens I will get change and pay him back. Which I do.

Then at 1pm pizzas arrive from Papa Johns and he offers everyone in the driver lounge pizza which includes the shuttle driver. Aaron gets a call around 2pm his truck is ready, Aaron quickly packs up his laptop and he and the shuttle driver head out. We say goodbye.

About 30 minutes later, it occurs to me that Aaron and I have spoken for 7 to 8 straight hours. And I'm saddened that I did not make an effort to give him my facebook name or my phone number to speak in the future. I've always been shy around new people so it's no surprise.

My hope is that I run into him at a Terminal sometime in the future. He was fun to talk to. Yesterday was a perfect example of learning to seize the moment.

Thanks Kearsey. Thanks for your advice. I just want to do well.

Michelle

Hello Ladies,

I'm at Orientation at Prime in Springfield. I'm under mandatory quarantine until Covid-19 testing on Tuesday 11/3/2020. What worries me is the upcoming simulator training once cleared from quarantine. I do not know what to expect and I have never driven a commercial truck and I'm guessing at the time of simulator training that will still be the case. Should I be worried, what are they using the simulator exercises to determine? Any responses would be appreciated, Thank you!

Michelle

Yes....I get to have my sneakers! Thank you! 😁😁

I'm headed to Prime orientation next week and packing for the trip. I have many types of footwear, which I'm sure would be suitable. Which is the best and safest for the trucking lifestyle? My guess would be some type of Steel toe boot which provides some protection for the ankle for the rigors outside of the truck. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Michelle

Thank you, Kearsey for your response. i'm excited for the process.

Take Care, Michelle

Michelle further wrote:

This background came back at 7:42 am on 10/15/2020. These came up in the criminal background check portion of the report. These were both Speeding tickets. I have never been arrested. So when the application asked if I had ever been convicted of a Misdemeanor or Felony, I answered no because that is the truth and these were traffic tickets that I had received and either fought and lost and the 2nd one I paid. These speeding tickets are 13 and 17 years old respectively. These were provided to me today at 9:47am but I was also notified today at 4:23 pm via email that my application was moved to the employment verification stage of the application process. So I was wondering, am I still under consideration? I'm guessing I am. I'm confused.

Yes... They got past your record and are now verifying. Your employment history which is required. This goes in stages.

First ever post here. Love this site.

I'm studying to get my FL CDL permit. So I'm not experienced in big TRUCK driving. A couple of things grabbed my attention. Firstly, he had a serpentine belt break and his Qualcomm was not working. What?!? You are taught to do your Pre-Trip and Post trip inspections for a reason.

Normally, you are to observe your engine compartment components and belts, that they are not damaged, no abrasions, bumps, cuts or frayed and no more than 3/4 of an inch of play when you push on it. A serpentine belt should have shown some type of wear or damage (tell tale squeaking) before breaking on you. On a personal note, I had my serpentine belt on a Chevy Blazer break and the vehicle quickly climbed to high temp due to the belt not driving the water pump which in turn pumps coolant and water through the system. it can lead to a sudden loss of "power assist" for the steering system. In fact, if a serpentine belt breaks, the steering wheel becomes incredibly hard to turn. I was able to control the vehicle. I did not hit a guardrail, You shouldn't have either. Moving on....

NOW.....I'm not sure of your former driver status but I'm guessing SWIFT would have to be ELD compliant.

Most Trucks have a Qualcomm system. Were you aware it was not working? After all, this is only your ELD. I wonder if the DOT would be so accommodating when you mention your Qualcomm is not working? My guess would be, not really. I would have directly contacted my Fleet Manager/Home Campus of any discrepancies with my Qualcomm. These phone numbers would be stored in my cell phone and in my file box. No excuse not to call...using my best ET impersonation. "Know how to phone home" (company home)

Hopefully, this does not offend anyone I was giving my honest thoughts on the matter.

Michelle