Saying Goodbye To Prime.

Yup, you heard that right. Kinda unexpected huh?

As I write this, I am waiting to fly home from Bentonville, AR where I just completed an onboarding/orientation week for my new carrier. I'm super proud to say I successfully met the requirements, passed the tests, and jumped through the hoops to become one of the newest members of the Walmart Private Fleet!

I know this comes as a surprise, & I apologize for keeping you guys in the dark about this. It's been in the works for a few months now, and I wanted to commit my complete focus to it without distraction. It's kind of hard to get in this fleet. I've been hesitant to count my chickens before they hatch, but I'm officially in now.

I want to be clear about something. Here at TT, we often talk of how it's important to stay with your company through the first year and beyond in order to achieve the level of success we all want. That still holds true today. I've achieved top-tier success with Prime, and could maintain that success with them for the rest of my working career. Indeed, it's that level of success that opened up the possibility of joining the WMPF.

I love Prime, and have nothing at all bad to say about them. My decision to move on has absolutely nothing to do with them. The 48-state OTR lifestyle however, has run its course in my world, and I'm ready for a change.

This is a very bittersweet change for me. These past few years of traveling the country have been an incredible adventure unlike any I've experienced. Prime has been the perfect partner to facilitate such an adventure. But...

There's been a growing desire over the last year or so to get home more often. I do love the open road, but them grandbabies of mine are growing up way too fast, and I need to be there for them as my grandparents were for me. Hometime options have become increasingly important. But I need to find the right balance between home time and income.

I first looked within Prime for different options beside OTR. Some opportunities are there, but none appeal to me long-term. They produced options with more hometime, but unfortunately my income would take a hit. That's not something I'm ready to do just yet.

My home location is the biggest obstacle in finding a suitable opportunity within a primarily OTR company like Prime. There simply aren't a ton of options up in the sticks where I live.

Turning my search outward, I came up with a whole bunch of options. There are a few LTL companies, local flatbed companies, foodservice, etc. to choose from. I whittled the list down to two:

Ace Hardware DC

Walmart DC

Honestly, those two have been on my radar since even before I started trucking. I half-expected all along to eventually end up at one of them. Both are near home, and both have their pros and cons. I struggled with the decision for some time, but ultimately chose Walmart because...well, it's Walmart. When I learned that positions opened up in the nearby DC, it was a no-brainer for me.

Everything I can find about the company- driver retention, paid time off, benefits, pay package, and even the culture is all top shelf. It comes with a fair increase in pay as well. Bonus.

It pains me to leave Prime and my beloved flatbed. I love the company, and they've been absolutely great to me. My dispatcher first assisted me in trying to find something in-house to my liking. Upon the realization that I would likely go elsewhere, he graciously kept me on top of his board for my final month. (Yes, I gave him a month notice. Not that I needed to, but because I felt he deserved it.) Even upon my departure they treated me with the utmost respect, and I have an open invitation to come back whenever I want. They will always be first on my list of recommendations to people looking for an OTR company.

So that's where I am, kids. It's a major move for me, and hopefully the last of my driving career. I start the next phase of training Monday. Wish me luck.

P.S.

G-Town, through your writings, guidance and insights, I've gained immeasurable knowledge of all things Walmart. I stalked everything you ever penned on the subject. You have my sincere gratitude for your generosity in sharing what you know.

I'll be based out of Johnstown 6896. No doubt our paths will overlap at some point.

Congrats to you sir!!! We all go through the work life balance. You are an inspiration to many... I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your career and life. Grand babies are very important!!!

Turtle

Congrats on your success at Prime, and your future with Walmart. Change is hard, and sometimes prevents people from making change. I am happy that you will get to be around the family more. Can't wait to hear how you like it.

Best of Luck Chris

Yes!!!! That's awesome news. Congrats, man. Super happy for you.

From day one you've taken the right approach to trucking and you exemplify what a Top Tier Driver is. Now you're on one of the most elite fleets in the nation, right where you belong.

Amazing work.

You've been equally fantastic here at Trucking Truth with the help you've given to many thousands of people over the years, and I personally can't thank you enough for that. Awesome in every way.

Congrats, That's awesome news! You definitely deserve it. Aren't ya gonna miss slinging straps when its 50 mph wind and snowing??? That 60 foot walk to open your trailer doors is pretty brutal, itll have you missing flatbed!

Mic drop... Wow, didn’t see that coming...

Turtle I am sincerely happy for you and appreciate your kind words. I’d like to offer you major kudos, congratulations and best wishes for continued success. For the newer forum members; WMPF is arguably one of the most difficult jobs to land. It’s a very big deal.

And yes...totally certain our paths will cross...although as you are about to find out, running Walmart is a significant churn, things happen very fast.

We’ll be headed to many of the same places; backhauls. Have fun with the stores on the Island...!

I’ll post more when time permits. Fantastic news Turtle. Congratulations!

Wow! Congratulations!

I have no doubt you'll do really well over there under the Wal-Mart banner. It will be an adjustment for sure, but you've repeatedly showed in here how you understand this career.

That's awesome news, I'm really happy for you! Oh yes, I understand that Grandbabies thing. Mine are scattered across the country, so I enjoy getting to pop in on them unexpectedly. In fact I'm in Springfield, Missouri right now. When I finish here, I'm gonna ease down into Branson and spend a couple of days with my youngest granddaughter there.

That is awesome news 🐢!!! Congratulations!

Congratulations, Turtle.

Walmart is a great company to work for. As long as you perform, they'll always have your back. The benefits are awesome too. 100% match on a 6% contribution to your 401K after 1 year and a 15% match on the stock purchase plan up to 1500 right away. It adds up quickly.

There will be an adjustment period for sure, but you'll do great.

Will there be another diary?

Awesome !Now I don't have to keep it a secret any longer.

Very happy for you.