Prime Inc CDL Training Diary - Orientation, Local PSD, TNT Training

Damn, that's kinda jacked up.... "I'm gonna take home time, you stay in a flea bag hotel." (At least that's how it sounded)

Naww, it was an okay motel. He paid for it & I had the choice of eating at the truck stop across the street or a few very nearby restaurants. As it turned out, I ordered a pizza the first night then lived off of that and my dry provisions for the next two. I never left the hotel, did some laundry, stretched, rehydrated, read a good book. It was fine :)

I was just wondering how you were making out.

I'm doing great! I didn't get around to writing up the latest adventure referenced. Trouble is, we occasionally get loads that we're not supposed to share details about. On the bright side, these runs pay very well and though I'm only paid a flat rate while in training, I'm learning to do these great runs & our fleet manager is learning to trust me little by little. It's an interesting immersive-learning experience that it's difficult to convey. I'm glad I didn't let my fear of the unknown keep me from making the move into this industry. There's a lot to learn but that won't be a deterrent.

My trainer keeps a close eye out for my safety at truck stops which is a relief for a cutie like me ;j and for my partner who misses me terribly & worries. I hope that people looking into this career take into account how disconnected from family they're going to feel & to BE out here (mentally toughen dear self or prepare to waste a lot of time & wallow in Pure Human Misery)

Thanks for all the awesome info. I start prime on the 21. I can't wait. For the permit test how many questions is it? I've studied the high road but what sections should I study specifically? My recruiter said the email I receive on Tuesday will have all the info I need as far as supplies and studying etc.

Let's see. I can't remember exactly what was on the test, but the following is what I studied in the High Road program that stood me in good stead: Rules & Regulations, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Tankers, Pre-Trip Inspection, Driving Exam.

We received some excellent advice on test-taking methodology from Brooke Mosely which I wish I had followed more closely. She said that if we are at all unsure of the answer we should hit 'skip' & move on. She said it was difficult to explain why it worked, but the wording of one question might jog your memory or clarify one that you skipped, & you would definitely test better. What she didn't say but which I learned at the DMV: if for example the section is 25 questions long and you get nearly all of the first 21 correct, even though you had to 'skip' four questions, the program will simply forgive you the remaining questions BECAUSE you cannot possibly fail even if you get them all wrong. It will grade you on the questions you DID answer, & forget about the rest. Pretty cool, huh? This only applies to the Missouri DMV in Springfield so far as I understood things & I reserve the right to be mistaken, haha.

Congrats on your excellent choice!

I agree honestly the best training for the test is the high road training, it's quite lengthy but you have some time, dedicate yourself to it and you'll be fine, if you want to skip logbooks you can for now just to pass your test then come back because it can definitely be helpful

By the way, thanks for your support ladies & gents. I haven't always responded but I have always been grateful.

Thanks. Good luck.

Hey J Johns, are you the Prime driver that parks over by Annie's Bait & Tackle behind the gate?

In ... Myakka? No, I've never parked anywhere near there. Why do you ask?

Hey J Johns, are you the Prime driver that parks over by Annie's Bait & Tackle behind the gate?

"What she didn't say but which I learned at the DMV: if for example the section is 25 questions long and you get nearly all of the first 21 correct, even though you had to 'skip' four questions, the program will simply forgive you the remaining questions BECAUSE you cannot possibly fail even if you get them all wrong. It will grade you on the questions you DID answer, & forget about the rest. Pretty cool, huh? This only applies to the Missouri DMV in Springfield so far as I understood things & I reserve the right to be mistaken, haha."

It works the same way in Ohio for the CDL temp questions.

Thank you for posting about your experience! I'm trying to join Prime with no truck driving experience as I type this.

Where are you in your career now? Are you making a decent living financially? Did you go company or lease? Thanks in advance, and stay safe!

-- Walt