Prime CDL Training
Topic 22982 | Page 16
Thanks Splitter!
Our schedules have been so jam packed that all the first week PSD’s are walking around like we are shell shocked. lol. Right now I’m sitting outside studying my PTI sheet and mentally going over what I am saw on the pad yesterday and getting ready to do laundry if the machines are open. We have roll call at 1300.
Yep! I know exactly what you’re feeling right now. Basically the repetitive speeches on the PTI I used these acronyms to help me memorize them. ABC = Abrasions, Bulges, Cuts for rubber components. CBB = Cracked, Bent, Broken for metal components. WTDR = Worn, Torn, Dry Rotted for seals & wipers. For the speeches about the lights & in cab brake tests, I wrote them over & over again until I had them down to a tee.
Also, I followed the same sequence from component to component every time. This would help me when I would forget a component, I’d be able to notice it & go back to that missing part of that sequence.
PSD:
Prime Student Driver
Prime Inc has a CDL training program and the first phase is referred to as PSD. You'll get your permit and then 10,000 miles of on the road instruction.
The following is from Prime's website:
Prime’s PSD begins with you obtaining your CDL permit. Then you’ll go on the road with a certified CDL instructor for no less than 75 hours of one-on-one behind the wheel training. After training, you’ll return to Prime’s corporate headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, for final CDL state testing and your CDL license.
Obtain CDL Permit / 4 Days
- Enter program, study and test for Missouri CDL permit.
- Start driving/training at Prime Training Center in Springfield, Missouri.
- Work toward 40,000 training dispatched miles (minimum) with food allowance while without CDL (Food allowance is paid back with future earnings).
On-the-Road Instruction / 10,000 Miles
- Train with experienced certified CDL instructor for 3-4 weeks in a real world environment.
- Get 75 hours of behind-the-wheel time with one-on-one student/instructor ratio.
- Earn 10,000 miles toward total 40,000 miles needed.
BTW, I’m sitting at Thermo King on the other side of town. I’ve been dealing with an ongoing APU issue since I was issued this truck. Fingers crossed that they can finally resolve this saga.
If I get done early enough, I’ll take the shuttle over to campus inn, unless you’re going to millennium after roll call.
APU:
Auxiliary Power Unit
On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.
Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.
From what I understand we will be doing more class time after roll call here at Campus Inn. That’s what people that are a week ahead of me said. I guess we will find out. I’m not sure how long it will last.
Good luck with getting your truck fixed.
From what I understand we will be doing more class time after roll call here at Campus Inn. That’s what people that are a week ahead of me said. I guess we will find out. I’m not sure how long it will last.
Good luck with getting your truck fixed.
Just got back to millennium after not having a definitive answer to the issue with the APU. I met the other Kim while ordering my meal. I’ll be heading out after a shower & nap. Have to deliver a load in Lubbock, TX tomorrow.
One other acronym that I forgot was PMS = Properly Mounted & Secure
APU:
Auxiliary Power Unit
On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.
Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.
Yes, I’m have nightmares about PMS and not the female type either. LOL
I will get it but it will take time and lots of studying. I’m getting there. I’m going through the PTI sheet they gave us as well as Daniel’s pre-trip post that has the pictures. That really helps when I can’t visualize the part I’m reciting.
I keep telling myself to breathe and that I can do this. Failure is not an option.
Yes, I’m have nightmares about PMS and not the female type either. LOL
I will get it but it will take time and lots of studying. I’m getting there. I’m going through the PTI sheet they gave us as well as Daniel’s pre-trip post that has the pictures. That really helps when I can’t visualize the part I’m reciting.
I keep telling myself to breathe and that I can do this. Failure is not an option.
If you’re having nightmares about it then you’re doing just fine. If you weren’t then I’d be concerned. Just means you care that deeply about getting it right & the more you practice the better your chances for success.
That said, failure is an option. I failed my backing twice. I failed my road test twice. Each time I dug deep & found a way. Failure is not a death sentence. It just means you have to try harder.
Take your time, take deep breaths, think about what you want the trailer to do, if you’re not sure? Get Out And Look!, when backing use baby steps. Turn the wheel left & right easily as you watch the reaction of the tail with each input. You’re on track to be out here in no time. Count your blessings & move on to the next step. It’s ok to be nervous just don’t let it paralyze you & obviously, you’re well on your way.
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
What I meant by failure is not an option is I’m going to do everything in my power to do this. Yes, I know there is a chance that I can fail, but I’m going to study, ask questions, watch others, and do whatever necessary to lower the odds of failure. If I fail I’m going to try again. I’ve waited at least 45 years to drive a truck and that 10 minutes on the pad on Friday doesn’t cut it.
Splitter, thank you for your advice. I definitely take it to heart. Be safe and I hope they got your truck fixed.
For anyone here at Prime, I'm presently here in the milinium building if anyone wants to come by and chat.
Ernie
I wish I had seen this earlier. Had Sim class at 1300 then Stephanie K and I walked to have dinner. I may catch the shuttle over in a little while, I’m wanting to study pre-trip some more before we hit the Plaza in the morning. Stephanie just got here yesterday so she’s not allowed at the Millineum yet. Donna is out on TNT.
Hopefully I’ll get to see you later today.
TNT:
Trainer-N-Trainee
Prime Inc has their own CDL training program and it's divided into two phases - PSD and TNT.
The PSD (Prime Student Driver) phase is where you'll get your permit and then go on the road for 10,000 miles with a trainer. When you come back you'll get your CDL license and enter the TNT phase.
The TNT phase is the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with an experienced driver for 30,000 miles of team driving. You'll receive 14¢ per mile ($700 per week guaranteed) during this phase. Once you're finished with TNT training you will be assigned a truck to run solo.
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Thanks Splitter!
Our schedules have been so jam packed that all the first week PSD’s are walking around like we are shell shocked. lol. Right now I’m sitting outside studying my PTI sheet and mentally going over what I am saw on the pad yesterday and getting ready to do laundry if the machines are open. We have roll call at 1300.
PSD:
Prime Student Driver
Prime Inc has a CDL training program and the first phase is referred to as PSD. You'll get your permit and then 10,000 miles of on the road instruction.
The following is from Prime's website:
Prime’s PSD begins with you obtaining your CDL permit. Then you’ll go on the road with a certified CDL instructor for no less than 75 hours of one-on-one behind the wheel training. After training, you’ll return to Prime’s corporate headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, for final CDL state testing and your CDL license.
Obtain CDL Permit / 4 Days
On-the-Road Instruction / 10,000 Miles