Prime TNT Upgrade Questions 2020
Topic 27389 | Page 1
Hi Montana, welcome to the forum.
First, congratulations on making it through the TNT phase! That's a big accomplishment, one to be proud of. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but you stuck it out.
The upgrade process is pretty much as you describe. A couple classes on company procedures, safety, etc. A simple SIM test, and just get on the list for a truck. Nothing to it, really.
The only costs for a company driver will be the chains and load locks. I was on the flatbed side, so my costs were different than yours. But I think the reefer costs are only $200- $300, if I remember correctly. It doesn't need to be paid upfront either. They will take $25 from your check each week until is paid off. Any other items for the truck such as anti-gel, wipers, bulbs etc are covered 100% by Prime. If you literally need anything for the truck, just tell the shop and they'll be on it.
Yes you get paid for the upgrade process. I can't remember the exact details, but seem to recall getting layover or downtime pay while waiting for a truck. Another Primate may have more up to date info on that.
Take any class that's available during the few days that you are there. The automatic transmission class on ascending/descending hills and winter driving tips is especially recommended.
Good luck and thanks for stopping in. Keep in touch with your progress.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
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.
Prime TNT Upgrade Questions 2020
Also I am going to start out as company driver
- What are the upfront costs for a company driver once you upgrade from TNT ? ( Mandatory costs that I will have to pay to get my truck like chains, chalks, load locks, seals, anti gel, and similar items or does Prime cover items for company drivers )
Chains, load locks, and the reefer locks/air brake cuffs are required for reefer. they will take out payments weekly.... ask about used chains they are much much cheaper. If you get new and keep them in the bag, you can sell them back when you leave. They wilk give you a list of things to buy such as flashlghts, hammer etc. those are yours and you pay.
- Will I have to pay for fluids, fuses, bulbs, wipers, and other similar items out of pocket while OTR or is that something that Prime covers for company drivers ?
You get these free from the parts dept at the terminal. If you buy them OTR, some go on the comdata card when fueling (wiper fluid, antigel oil, coolant up to $100 in 24 hrs).... others you pay for such as wiper blades, bulbs.. and you fill a macro and scan receipts to get reimbursed. email me at rainydal74@gmail and i will send you my company driver procedures and info.
- Do you know if we get paid while we are completing the upgrade process ? I’ve seen it could take a few days to around a week to complete everything and get a truck assigned.
To my knowledge, no you dont get paid during the upgrade. i didnt and neithrr did my students. However, they did allow those waiting to drive in rental cars to recover abandoned trucks to the terminal or pick up trailers locally to earn money.
- Is there a basic mechanic class offered or any additional classes you recommend me taking while at the terminal ?
yes for which you do not get paid and it is very popular. be sure to have the FM sign you up for it ASAP. it fills quickly.
Also any additional information that you think will help me prepare to upgrade, I should know about, or help me in this industry in the future will greatly be appreciated.
email me
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.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.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
Prime TNT Upgrade Questions 2020
I have recently completed my 50,000 miles and scheduled to come into the terminal to begin the upgrade process next week. From my understanding of what I have read of other drivers experiences and videos that I watched I will be going into the terminal taking some more classes, computer classes, sim test/ training, then get on list for a truck to be assigned to me . I’m sure I’m missing a few more things but those were the most common that I remember. With that being said I have a few questions and wondering if someone can answer for me and TIA. ( Yes, I know I can always call my FM and ask but wanted to see if anybody can help me out on here as I’m going to ask and speak with him when I get to the terminal )
Also I am going to start out as company driver
- What are the upfront costs for a company driver once you upgrade from TNT ? ( Mandatory costs that I will have to pay to get my truck like chains, chalks, load locks, seals, anti gel, and similar items or does Prime cover items for company drivers )
- Will I have to pay for fluids, fuses, bulbs, wipers, and other similar items out of pocket while OTR or is that something that Prime covers for company drivers ?
- Do you know if we get paid while we are completing the upgrade process ? I’ve seen it could take a few days to around a week to complete everything and get a truck assigned.
- Is there a basic mechanic class offered or any additional classes you recommend me taking while at the terminal ?
Also any additional information that you think will help me prepare to upgrade, I should know about, or help me in this industry in the future will greatly be appreciated.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.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.