Thinking About Driving For Prime And/or TMC

Okay folks, new guy here. I am debating between Prime Tankers and TMC Flatbeds. I've done the research, but I would like to hear from those that are in the field. Pros and cons of each. I know Flatbed is very hands on (tarping and securing, etc.). If I were to ask where is the need; the flatbed company would say flatbed and if I were to ask the tanker company, of course they'd say tanker. It really boils down to what I want to do. This is a major change in career path for me; I am a 30+ year electronics technician getting out on the road. Constructive comments are appreciated.

Okay folks, new guy here. I am debating between Prime Tankers and TMC Flatbeds. I've done the research, but I would like to hear from those that are in the field. Pros and cons of each. I know Flatbed is very hands on (tarping and securing, etc.). If I were to ask where is the need; the flatbed company would say flatbed and if I were to ask the tanker company, of course they'd say tanker. It really boils down to what I want to do. This is a major change in career path for me; I am a 30+ year electronics technician getting out on the road. Constructive comments are appreciated.

As a driver without experience, tanker is not the best option. I would definitely say go flatbed, if those are the only two options that you are willing to consider.

In my opinion, I wouldn't dive straight into tanker. Some would disagree, but liquid surge and a brand new driver is just not a good combination. Prime Inc also offers a flatbed division. I've been with the company for coming up on three years in the reefer division, and they treat us really well. We offer company-sponsored CDL training, and paid on the job training following that. During the on-the-job training, what we refer to as TNT , trainees are paid a weekly guarantee of $900. I believe Prime also has a restricted hiring area when it comes to our tanker division, so your location may play into that.

Both are solid companies. If the goal in open deck is to broaden your horizons, TMC offers more options into specialized areas.

Both great companies, but I would look into other ones as well because they're both very picky. Having options C D and E isn't a bad idea.

All options are open! I am not tied to an "either/or" situation

All options are open! I am not tied to an "either/or" situation

Howdy, Scott E. ~!! (aka: Scotty, LoL!)

Did you try this? Apply For Paid CDL Training.

Also, start here:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

If you want to learn more about flatbed, read some of Old School, Turtle, and Chief Brody's diaries. Old School drives for Knight, other 2 Prime; our flatbed guys. (Turtle is now with WMPF.)

Tanks, look at some of PJ's posts. So many more on BOTH ends of that spectrum; just the few that came to mind.

Wish you well!

~ Anne ~

Howdy, Scott E. ~!! (aka: Scotty, LoL!)

Did you try this? Apply For Paid CDL Training.

Also, start here:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

If you want to learn more about flatbed, read some of Old School, Turtle, and Chief Brody's diaries. Old School drives for Knight, other 2 Prime; our flatbed guys. (Turtle is now with WMPF.)

Tanks, look at some of PJ's posts. So many more on BOTH ends of that spectrum; just the few that came to mind.

Wish you well!

~ Anne ~

Oh yes, Anne, I have seen these posts. Nothing like the feeling from those that have "been there and done that" for an honest answer to your questions. I wouldn't be adverse to reefer or dry goods; I was just looking for where the "needs" were and go there. I can agree that the new guy shouldn't necessarily start out with tankers given no experience, I can respect that. What I would like to go is talk with Prime drivers and talk with TMC drivers (not necessarily recruiters).

Scott 'E' (sorry!) ...

With the economy, some would swear you should go drive for JBHunt .... container major. Port Logjam, .. nawh.

It's SOOOO TOUGH to say what's the 'best way' to start out right now; dry van actually being the 'safest' for starting, just imho. Loads are continuous, stable, often preloaded, mostly no touch. Often, Drop & Hook. No other engine (reefer) to consider. (Sorry, Primates!)

Tanks.. yeah, the surge. Some tanks are seasonal, also. We hauled asphalt . . hot, not hazmat....6122 & 3257 .. low viscosity. Winter job; had to pull flats in the snow. Either or, neither nor. They may not 'buck,' but ... they 'drag.'

The tank with the 'phalt would shove blatantly. For instance; Granville, Ohio into Thornville Ohio... 37E to .. either 224 or 70 .

Look it up for fun. The exit was around a 15% down, and close to same up. If I couldn't maintain 4th gear down .. and up ... I'd have rolled over people. Backwards. Yeah, a manual.... but still.

Personally, I wouldn't play with tanks even with 'my' bit'o'honey experience. Had the hubby not been with .... to coach me through the white knuckle, .. yeah..

Winters, we hauled for United Precast. Concrete barriers ... Jerseys/Lennils (sp?) .. Yeah.. we were clueless. Just thrown into a 'winter wonderland' .. and Tom had YEARS of driving, but never learned securement.

Put it this way . . . how is food going to be delivered, without packaging?!?!?

Food is Reefer / Dry Van .. paper goods always! (hubby hauls packaging.)

I hope I helped a bit, man! I know, I get 'verbose,' haha!

Best wishes; I'm just sharing what I've got!!

~ Anne ~

ps: Re: Prime; start here! TruckingAlongFun@gmail.com or: Kearsey/Prime

Share what you've got Anne! I'm listening!