Staring Prime In Springfield March 23

After contemplating a career change a year ago, exploring several different options for second careers later in life, initially scoffing at the idea of becoming an OTR truck driver, but then coming to the realization that this might be the best second career for me, I am headed to Prime in Springfield starting March 23.

I applied last Thursday after speaking to a recruiter. I followed up with a telephone call Monday morning and by Monday afternoon my application had been processed and I was approved to attend orientation.

Thanks to the High Road Training Program, I passed all my written tests and will arrive at Prime orientation with my CLP in hand, including all of the endorsements other than passenger and school bus. There were some questions on the Missouri tests that I had not seen before either in the Missouri CDL manual or the High Road Training Program. I think that I got a total of three questions wrong on all the tests. For those taking the test in Missouri, you are allowed to skip questions, which is a good strategy because of the way the test works. You need to get 40 out of the 50 questions correct. Once you get 40 questions correct, the test ends. So if you skip a question you aren't sure about the answer, you may not actually need to answer it.

Also for those who may be going through the same process, you take the tests and then you obtain your CLP. It is really two step process. I actually had to go to a different office to get my CLP. BEFORE, you get you CLP, you must have your DOT medical certificate. I got mine at a Minute Clinic inside of a CVS $109 fee. If you plan to have the HAZMAT endorsement, you must obtain your threat assessment clearance letter from TSA before you get the endorsement on your license.

With regard to the application process, Prime has a pretty simple online application that takes maybe 20 minutes to complete. You get an immediate e-mail confirmation and generally a recruiter will call you after the application is submitted. I had already spoken to the recruiter the day before, so we didn't talk again until this Monday. If you are a veteran, they will need your DD214 so that you will have only a 9 month contract as opposed to one year contract. I e-mailed those to my recruiter immediately after I submitted my application. I also e-mailed her my W-2 for the last four years and my most recent pay stub on Monday morning. As has been stated on this forum, your interaction with the trucking company personnel is a continuous interview. I think that my responsiveness with regard to my DD214s and W-2s was a factor in her processing my application essentially in a matter or hours.

In addition, after I was accepted and I spoke with her regarding setting my orientation date, she said that she needed to schedule my DOT physical. I reminded her that I already had my DOT physical. Again, attitude being the key. She asked me to send her the full DOT physical form because I would "need if at the DMV for my license." First, you don't need the full DOT physical form at the DMV for your license. I know this because I already had my CLP and my DOT certificate is part of my driving record now. Second, I wouldn't need it at the DMV because, again I already have my CLP. However, I didn't argue with her. Rather, I went to the Minute Clinic, waited 30 minutes and had them print off the entire form. Even the person at the Minute Clinic asked why they wanted the full form. Regardless, I got the full form and faxed it to the recruiter that same night. She called this morning to discuss the next steps and confirmed me for the March 23 orientation class. I also reminded her that I had my CLP and will have my hard card by the time I show up for orientation.

Again, as is emphasized on this forum, attitude can make determine who gets sent home in orientation. I intend to continue my professional and patient attitude in dealing with Prime personnel throughout orientation, PSD , and TNT. While I'm sure my patience will be tried throughout the process, I intend to maintain because I am committed to succeed at this endeavor.

I will post the beginning of training diary in the next few days.

Woo-hoo! Congratulations on taking the plunge, Rob. The first step in an undoubtedly adventurous journey is perhaps the hardest. Wishing you nothing but the best of good fortune as you progress. It's going to be a fun ride. Thanks for bringing us along.

Congratulations on the big step!

Obviously, you did not use me as a reference!?!?!

Very exciting as the page turns, Rob! How great to begin a new chapter with the first week of spring. Wishing you premium adventures and prime experiences! Looking forward to your training journal, too.

Congratulations!

With your pleasant attitude, you will go far!! Good luck in your schooling!

Laura

Congrats Rob!!! I’m very happy for you.

Awesome news Rob. Judging off of our ride along, i have no doubts you have the potential to be very successful at this. I know you were, and probably still are very anxious about the trainers you are going to get. Just remember its all temporary. And you have Rainy and Turtle. Doesn't get better than that.

Good luck man. Exciting stuff.

Great news! I'm glad you've been accepted by your first choice. I look forward to reading your diary

Awesome!

I went through orientation at the Pittson, PA prime terminal about a month ago. I am currently in my second week of TnT training and loving it so far.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement.

I am lucky that I was accepted by my first choice.

I plan to take advantage of my luck and strive to succeed.