Another Prime Inc. Training Log (Springfield, MO)

Well I'm set to go to orientation on July 24th! I've been looking at a career in trucking for about two years now, and have finally decided to pull the trigger. My last day in my human resources job is just 6 days away, then I'm headed to Springfield, MO for Prime Inc's CDL Training program. I appreciated the training logs from others so much, I knew that I needed to write one out myself for others to read and return the favor. After literally years of research here and talking to drivers, I decided on Prime because of their excellent and in depth training program, high starting pay, reputation for safety, and good equipment.

I already have a class B with airbrake/passenger/schoolbus since I have a weekend job driving a shuttle bus. I'm really glad I took this job, both for extra income, the experience driving something bigger than my SUV, doing pre-trips, and taking cdl tests and exams.

It wasn't easy to make the decision to leave my desk job... but I every time I'm driving down the road I look at truckers with envy, picture myself driving that truck, and My current employer offered me a 5%, then a 15%, then a 40% raise to stay - and I turned all the offers down. The 40% raise was tempting though, for sure, but I know I can still make more than that at Prime, and be happier day to day not being stuck in an office. I don't have a family of my own, and I love travelling, so OTR sounds more like an adventure than a job.

Thanks to everyone on this forum for all the information and help you provide! I'll be updating as I have time, and hope that this will help others.

Congratulations, that's awesome. I also feel the same when driving down the road and seeing the big rigs.

I'm with you Jacob. I'm more like 12-18 months away from making the jump but that's down from 24 months. I envy you but also share in how nervous you are to be leaving your current job. Been there, done that and I know it's a huge mix of emotions. Please do a training log as time allows... I know I'll be reading it and I'll pay it forward and do one when my time comes.

Jacob H. I'm looking very forward to reading your training log! I'm planning (hoping) to start Prime training in Springfield in 3 months. Since I decided on that timeline, I have seen a female driving a truck every single day! LOL! I really can't wait to get started! Wishing you the best!

I've had a great week in training! Since I already had a class B with airbrakes, I only had to take the combination and tanker tests at the DMV. I also opted to take the double/triples test just for kicks, passed all 3 the first try. Made a 100 on my sim training, and that was with the instructor being nit picky because in his words "he knew I was good" lol.

Had our first day on the pad today, the guy who took a group of us driving around the pad came up to me and said "you know how to drive, I want you as my trainee" so I take that as a good sign I'm learning well. Shifting came very easy to me, I haven't had any problems whatsoever. Glad I chose Prime, and I leave out Monday morning with my trainer.

Congrats! Best of luck!

Jacob

I am also considering changing careers. Sounds like you will be fine out with your trainer. Good luck and keep us posted. Scot

Been very busy! I was out with a trainer two weeks, came back and passed all three tests on the first try which got me a $250 bonus. My trainer was happy too since he got $875 for me passing on the first try instead of $550 for just passing. Been out team driving for a week and a half now, loving it so far.

Great job and congratulations! Glad your enjoying your first few weeks.

Scot

Awesome job following your dreams! I'm right there with you -- drove a cab all over San Antonio years back and again recently in Oklahoma City, and every time I took a trucker to and from truck stops I quizzed them on the job...was so jealous. Kind of felt like they had the career while I had the fry cook job. So I'm finally going for it myself--be at Prime on Monday! I'll keep up with your journeys.