Just Got A Call From Prime!
Topic 10441 | Page 2
No disrespect at all Daniel, I appreciate your insight, especially since you work for Prime and can speak to real-world conditions there. I realize that recruiters say what you what to hear--that's why I prefaced it with "the recruiter said." I agree that their away/home ratio is pretty much the same. Prime's website says 7/1 ratio or and I was told out for 3 weeks home for 3 days; Swift's website says 6/1 and I was told 2 weeks/2 days so it's the same ratio with the difference being away longer/home longer with Prime 21 / 3 days versus 14 /2 days. I think my wife liked being away for 2 weeks instead of 3 but, as you said, it's the same ratio and I know that my actual away/home time will depend on my manager not what the recruiter says.
Also, sorry if I mistyped, but my wife would not be on the road with me. She is just preferring Swift because they are closer for both initial training and have a terminal nearby. That's important because I'm in an HOA that prohibits commercial vehicles. With Swift, I could park at the local terminal on hometime; with Prime I'll have to figure something else out.
Certainly, nothing is decided at this point and that are good points with both companies -- that's what makes it so hard to decide!
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
No disrespect at all Daniel, I appreciate your insight, especially since you work for Prime and can speak to real-world conditions there. I realize that recruiters say what you what to hear--that's why I prefaced it with "the recruiter said." I agree that their away/home ratio is pretty much the same. Prime's website says 7/1 ratio or and I was told out for 3 weeks home for 3 days; Swift's website says 6/1 and I was told 2 weeks/2 days so it's the same ratio with the difference being away longer/home longer with Prime 21 / 3 days versus 14 /2 days. I think my wife liked being away for 2 weeks instead of 3 but, as you said, it's the same ratio and I know that my actual away/home time will depend on my manager not what the recruiter says.
Also, sorry if I mistyped, but my wife would not be on the road with me. She is just preferring Swift because they are closer for both initial training and have a terminal nearby. That's important because I'm in an HOA that prohibits commercial vehicles. With Swift, I could park at the local terminal on hometime; with Prime I'll have to figure something else out.
Certainly, nothing is decided at this point and that are good points with both companies -- that's what makes it so hard to decide!
And I just keep making the decision harder on you. Thats what I'm hear for!
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
No disrespect at all Daniel, I appreciate your insight, especially since you work for Prime and can speak to real-world conditions there. I realize that recruiters say what you what to hear--that's why I prefaced it with "the recruiter said." I agree that their away/home ratio is pretty much the same. Prime's website says 7/1 ratio or and I was told out for 3 weeks home for 3 days; Swift's website says 6/1 and I was told 2 weeks/2 days so it's the same ratio with the difference being away longer/home longer with Prime 21 / 3 days versus 14 /2 days. I think my wife liked being away for 2 weeks instead of 3 but, as you said, it's the same ratio and I know that my actual away/home time will depend on my manager not what the recruiter says.
Also, sorry if I mistyped, but my wife would not be on the road with me. She is just preferring Swift because they are closer for both initial training and have a terminal nearby. That's important because I'm in an HOA that prohibits commercial vehicles. With Swift, I could park at the local terminal on hometime; with Prime I'll have to figure something else out.
Certainly, nothing is decided at this point and that are good points with both companies -- that's what makes it so hard to decide!
I agree with Daniel. The recruiters job is to sell you on their company and get you signed. That's how they are paid and evaluated. Reality, the first couple of months of my rookie year I got 2.5 days of home time after 8 weeks. And not again for another 6 weeks. The Honeymoon ends quickly in trucking. Something else to think about though...(and I share this with great respect for anyone considering trucking as a career and for everyone participating on this website).
Initially (IMHO) home time intervals (unless there are extenuating circumstances) should not really factor into the equation. Being a truck driver is about performance. Either way, you are noticed whether you are a good performer or not so good. As a rookie driver you want to be noticed as a good performer by quickly proving to your employer (regardless if Prime, Swift or a company to be named later) that you will run your butt off for them (legally) and will get things done by moving the freight in their system. For the first several months of your tenure with any trucking company you want to be noticed for professionalism, availability, safety, and demonstrating consistent reliability. Taking frequent home time (when it's available) may not be the best way of proving yourself to them. By continuing to be "that" good performer, your experience with any employer is likely to be a good one and you will earn very good pay.
Yes it's very important to get home time, we all need that and I am not suggesting not to ask for it. But (based on experience) in the beginning, when you are "earning your stripes" show them you want to work. You will also master the challenges of the job quicker. Best of luck to you!
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Finally made contact with Knight. They were on my app showing they had received my application and I got an email from them but still no call so I texted the recruiter and asked if I could call her since I had some questions. She referred me to the email. I acknowledged that yes, I got the email, but I still had some questions. I called her and she answered a few questions for me. We talked for a bit. She said to call her back after I got my permit and physical out of the way.
She was the least forthcoming and seemed less friendly of all the recruiters I've talked to. After I talked to her, I texted her back thanking her for her time and asking one final question: "What would you say is the primary reason I should choose Knight Transportation over the other companies?" I'm curious to see what she replies -- if she replies at all.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
I'll be honest I didn't read all the replies vut I thought I should tell you starting pay went up another 1.5 cpm it's now .445cpm in a lightweight.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
Wow, this has really moved quickly! Got my permit today and let Knight and Swift know. Knight asked me the same thing that Prime did last week, "Would you like to start orientation on Monday?"
So, Prime, Knight, or Swift. I have some deciding to do....
Leaning to Knight or Swift just because they are closer...
Knight has a better rating on the FMCSA website -- maybe that means I wouldn't be stopped as much driving for them...
Swift has dedicated runs available after a while....
Anyway, looks like it's time to fish or cut bait...
Thanks everyone for your help on this site!
Dedicated Run:
A driver or carrier who transports cargo between regular, prescribed routes. Normally it means a driver will be dedicated to working for one particular customer like Walmart or Home Depot and they will only haul freight for that customer. You'll often hear drivers say something like, "I'm on the Walmart dedicated account."
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
David, just so you know, Knight generally has a lot of dedicated type runs at most of their terminals. Some of it is home every night, or home every weekend. Generally you will have to prove yourself OTR first before you even get to hear about some of that stuff that they give to their proven producers.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
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David, respectfully, I really don't care if you go to Prime or not. I'm not a recruiter and receive no compensation from Prime. But I think you're slightly mislead.
First of all, Swifts OTR fleet has the exact same hometime policy as Prime's OTR fleet. The only way Swift will get you home more often is if you land a dedicated or regional gig (which can be sometimes tough to get as a rookie).
Prime also has fullsize trucks, you just need a reason why you need a full size truck over a LW truck. You have a good reason by stating that your wife will want to come on the road with you. I just don't understand why every prospect thinks that they must go in a LW truck or else you'll be rejected. Prime's recruiters need to once again stop pushing the LW trucks on people. I can almost guarantee that you'll get a fullsize truck without much headaches if you just tell them that you need one for the wife.
Prime's starting pay for a fullsize truck is .38cpm which is still great.
Now the choice is yours. But I'm hearing a lot of "the recruiter said ......"
That sentence makes me grin. Recruiter's are nothing but salespeople for their companies and 80% are either liars or exaggerate the truth. This is true for every company including Prime and Swift. So stop drinking the Kool-aid because I'm spotting constant recruiter lies in your post that you think is correct information.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.