Preparing For Prime PSD

After a couple months of research on trucking. I decided to take the leap. I'm approved for Prime orientation in Springfield, Mo. I'm just making sure everything is taken care of before I get on the bus. So, there are no surprises when I get there. Please let me know if I'm leaving something out.

The recruiter called me the same day of application around 6pm. After that, contact has been hard to get a hold of late in the day. Best to call with persistence in the morning or early afternoon. The recruiter has been helpful and knowledgable to get the paperwork pushed through. Make sure you disclose EVERYTHING on the application. Once you complete something by request of recruiter always follow-up.

I did have almost a 1.5 yr gap in employment. But, it was overlooked because my job prior was 15yrs. My current job is 1yr employed prior to applying with Prime. They verified my past employer and I had excellent references.

I'm taking blood pressure and cholesterol meds as I see my doctor regularly. I've been self checking/recording my BP throughout the day to make sure I'm under the requirement of 140/90 and receive a 1-yr medical certificate during the physical. You may be able to ask the Medical Examiner to take multiple readings if you have abnormally high BP due to White Coat Syndrome. I may need clarification on this. The recruiter is setting up a phone call to go over meds with their medical staff/Trinity Healthcare. Recruiter does not want to go over any medical conditions. I can say drinking Naked bright beets juice and eating a banana and not necessarily together will help reduce BP temporararly. Not sure if they make you fast before the physical. Since, there's no blood test involved.

I'm currently living in an apartment and I'll be moving everything into a storage unit. Great to not have that expense and save $. I do have vehicle as well. You can't drive to Prime as long term parking is limited. You'll be given a free bus ticket on Greyhound 10-days before you arrive at Prime.

I was referred to TT by a YouTuber. So, without this website I wouldn't have been able to make the leap. I've always been interested in trucking. Just didn't know anything about it.

I need to start studying the High Road!!

Thanks to Brett, moderators, and all the members for contributing and passing along their experience.

Curious as to the name of the Youtuber....

Two things that catch my attention right away with your post.

The BP meds might come into question as Prime has some very strict ideas that their insurance company says are go or no go. If you are denied do to this its not a big deal. You can have your doctor change BP meds to something that works for you and that Prime approves of. It might be an issue or might not. Just wanting to make you aware of it before had.

Now the recruiter may or may not be concerned with the 1.5 year gap in employment but it also might become an issue. Just in case it is I would get a signed and notarized affidavit from friends and family stating what you were doing during that time period.

These are the only two things that might be an issue that I can see. Just remember things that a recruiter thinks and believes that aren't issues often become issues once you arrive at orientation and HR has a chance to review you full application once you are on their property.

Recruiters only do a surface check to see if you are cleared for hire according to that companies set of preliminary hire guidelines and HR does a deeper and more in depth check once you arrive at the company.

Not trying to scare you but I want you to know up front what as happened in the passed to other people.

That's great to know. I was hoping they'd tell me if my meds are cleared or not If I talk to Prime's medical staff/ Trinity Health care is who the recruiter is having me speak with. I was wondering if my doctor should write a note. I'll have the notorized letters as well.

YouTuber: Prime Driver Jacob. He was the only one that mentioned TT out of any trucking vids I've seen.

Curious as to the name of the Youtuber....

Two things that catch my attention right away with your post.

The BP meds might come into question as Prime has some very strict ideas that their insurance company says are go or no go. If you are denied do to this its not a big deal. You can have your doctor change BP meds to something that works for you and that Prime approves of. It might be an issue or might not. Just wanting to make you aware of it before had.

Now the recruiter may or may not be concerned with the 1.5 year gap in employment but it also might become an issue. Just in case it is I would get a signed and notarized affidavit from friends and family stating what you were doing during that time period.

These are the only two things that might be an issue that I can see. Just remember things that a recruiter thinks and believes that aren't issues often become issues once you arrive at orientation and HR has a chance to review you full application once you are on their property.

Recruiters only do a surface check to see if you are cleared for hire according to that companies set of preliminary hire guidelines and HR does a deeper and more in depth check once you arrive at the company.

Not trying to scare you but I want you to know up front what as happened in the passed to other people.

I would definitely get a letter from the doc about how long you have been stable and list any medications that might be comparable. That way you already have it in writing of which MeDS could work for you.

Also be sure to bring ALL paperwork with you despite having sent it already. A CERTIFIED birth certificate from the state with a raised seal...many were sent home for the hospital copy. Bring the letters from doctors, your social sec card, w2, a few most recent pay stubs, a voided check for direct deposit of your pay. Even after I sent it to recruiter prime asked for it all again two times once I was there.

If you search my comments you will see I have posted a ton of info on prime. I have a thread "my prime PSD experience" but my phone is acting up and I can't post the link.

You can search it in the search bar.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

If you get sent home due to meds..do not get uoset . we have two prime drivers on here who were in the same boat. Once the meds were changed and the "banned" meds were out of the system they came back and all worked out.

And they don't make you fast for the physical.

I agree with the statements above after going through orientation week.

The trinity healthcare nurse from Prime called me and cleared my medications so there isn't any issue with them when I got there. I did receive a 1-yr medical card. My first BP reading was perfect. They will take multiple readings and even lay you down so you can relax.

I suggest a doctor or minute clinic (CVS or Walgreens) to read your BP. They can suggest what needs to happen next. This should be taken very seriously. The BP reading should only be done on your upper left arm as the wrist readers are very inaccurate.

Plus, no issue with the 1.5 yr gap in employment. I gave excellent references and they verified the unemployment.

I took the greyhound bus and arrived Saturday night. Gave me time to rest and to get prepared for orientation to come on Monday 7am. Every step of the way has been great.

Some students don't understand orientation is a week long interview and that you're a guest at Prime. Bring your "A" game and be ready to work for what you want. They will be testing you every step of the way and you won't even realize it.

Its worth every bit of it. ;). Congrats!!!