Mega Carriers Mentor Training Just Not Working For Me Looking For Small Fleet Owners
Topic 31878 | Page 1
So in 2 months you went from Prime to Butler to Knight. And the problem is with all of them?
A fridge is not required. I didn't have a fridge when I went solo for the first 18 months because I couldn't afford one. They cost over $600 at the time. And they are the property of the driver. Not the company. My first student broke the glass shelf in my $600 fridge. Is that fair? Trainers are not required to allow you to use anything that they personally paid for that is used for personal reasons. Sorry. I am also not required to let you use my $400 GPS, which again another student used and broke Not showering is indeed a good reason to switch trainers. But I have yet to find of any TNT who did not get paid while awaiting a trainer.
Pennsylvania is not the trucking capital as PA IFTA taxes, fuel and tolls can be very costly. Many companies try to stay out of there. So how much freight does Butler have there? That could make a difference, and how many drivers do they have? Butler has a total of 303 drivers.... Prime has almost 9,000. Why would you expect to get a trainer more easily at Butler?
News flash... Almost all companies will want a new DOT physical upon hiring. It doesn't matter if your last card was issued last week. Get used to it if you want to stay in trucking. I seriously doubt after a card was issued that Knight rejected you for health reasons. Anyone with a health condition, CPAP blood pressure etc will only get a 1 year card. The doctor cleared you so there is more to this story.
When it comes to small fleets.... They require the experience because they cannot afford the insurance for new drivers.
Your best bet is to try to go back to Prime. Every company you jump to is going to go on your DAC and make you appear to be a job hopper with no commitment. And you still owe Prime the $5,000 plus interest.
Apply everywhere and take what you can get. The longer you aren't driving the more likely a company will want you to go through schooling all over again.
Good luck
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
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.
So in 2 months you went from Prime to Butler to Knight. And the problem is with all of them?
A fridge is not required. I didn't have a fridge when I went solo for the first 18 months because I couldn't afford one. They cost over $600 at the time. And they are the property of the driver. Not the company. My first student broke the glass shelf in my $600 fridge. Is that fair? Trainers are not required to allow you to use anything that they personally paid for that is used for personal reasons. Sorry. I am also not required to let you use my $400 GPS, which again another student used and broke Not showering is indeed a good reason to switch trainers. But I have yet to find of any TNT who did not get paid while awaiting a trainer.
Pennsylvania is not the trucking capital as PA IFTA taxes, fuel and tolls can be very costly. Many companies try to stay out of there. So how much freight does Butler have there? That could make a difference, and how many drivers do they have? Butler has a total of 303 drivers.... Prime has almost 9,000. Why would you expect to get a trainer more easily at Butler?
News flash... Almost all companies will want a new DOT physical upon hiring. It doesn't matter if your last card was issued last week. Get used to it if you want to stay in trucking. I seriously doubt after a card was issued that Knight rejected you for health reasons. Anyone with a health condition, CPAP blood pressure etc will only get a 1 year card. The doctor cleared you so there is more to this story.
When it comes to small fleets.... They require the experience because they cannot afford the insurance for new drivers.
Your best bet is to try to go back to Prime. Every company you jump to is going to go on your DAC and make you appear to be a job hopper with no commitment. And you still owe Prime the $5,000 plus interest.
Apply everywhere and take what you can get. The longer you aren't driving the more likely a company will want you to go through schooling all over again.
Good luck
I was JUST gonna email you, mlady!
Hello all newbie here got my CDL training through Prime graduated March this year. The schooling is great had no issues until I did the over the road trainer with the mentor. Due to company policy trainers are not required to share any space beside the top bunk ok understandable however this trainer refused to stop to shower along with that (something I refuse to go by) among other things. I had to purchase food EVERYDAY because the trainer would not allow me to use her fridge or any space only the top bunk for all my things me included. This got to be extremely expensive. I also had a cpap machine and she made me buy a inverter because she didnt want me plugging it into the truck keep in mind this is a company driver. I explained to my FM that i would need a new trainer but since none was available had to return home without pay and wait until one becomes available so after 3 weeks of waiting I decided to leave. Got hired at butler transport went to Kansas city completed orientation was sent back home because they didn't have any trainers available again not being compensated while waiting this went on for 2 weeks also so I called them and was told that they had to terminate me because they just could not get a trainer up my way REALLY! I live in Pennsylvania, the trucking capital (close to harrisburg and carlisle). The issue is here alot of the local companies want experience which I have a very little bit. I did one long drive from PA to kennesaw Ga with Prime. I contacted Knight transportation attended orientation even though I already have a current DOT they insist on another as hiring process I agreed. Well I am a diabetic so my sugar was slightly high that day of the DOT. the doctor extended my card another year expiring on 3/2023 and knight tells me "well we don't feel you are healthy enough to drive our trucks" so that ended. That brings me to today. alot of the companies that does training swift, roehl, schneider, will not hire because of background. This is the reason I pretty much don't want a mega carrier looking for small fleet if possible. I don't want to rant but this is my life goal and I don't want to give it up.
Alisa C., if you could add your location, I might have some suggestions; but... idk.
Have you followed Kearsey, on YouTube? If not, you should: Trucking Along w/Kearsey!
It's really more about the industry, women, and training, and prospering. Not necessarily Prime.
I'm almost wondering if you might do better in a dispatcher position? New hires with CDL's in the office are a pretty desirable commodity, don't ask me how I know!
Wish you the best, however.
Without location, couldn't really say...but being a female wanting only female.... I'd suggest Western Express, WestSide Transport, Raider Express, and Pride Transport. Smaller companies. Won't suggest my 'Ohio' diamonds, because I don't know where you are, and female trainers are scarce. Anyway, there's a few. Oh, Millis comes to mind, as well.
Best to ya!
~ Anne ~
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Over The Road:
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.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Dispatcher:
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.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.DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
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.
She said Carlisle PA. Off I 81. Knight and several others have terminals there. But unrealistic expectations won't help
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.
She said Carlisle PA. Off I 81. Knight and several others have terminals there. But unrealistic expectations won't help
True, True. Shame she gave up so quickly. With 'just getting' CDL and no training, things are limited.
Marten is out there also, but maybe dock to driver would help, with an LTL nearby? OD, ABF, Saia ... all in the vicinity.
Thanks as always, Kearsey!
~ Anne ~
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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.
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
Nope not saying that the problem is all them. prime doesn't have a problem taking me back its just not for training. Which i kinda had a idea they knew I would not advance anywhere else. Also they are already paid off literally 2 weeks after I left so that debt is satisfied. Butler told me they had trainers available not my fault. As far as Pennyslvania being "the capital" what I meant is they are few far and between trucking companies that DON'T come through here unless they are far far out west. I myself can probably count on one hand maybe two about how many companies who dont come here plus i live very close to major interstates here. As far as Knight I was approved for one year at their expense and to be told im not healthy enough is BS as far as I'm concerned because if I am not "Healthy" their Doctor would not have approved it but oh well my original expired in december 2021 I definitely appreciate the extension until March thanks to knight expense.
So in 2 months you went from Prime to Butler to Knight. And the problem is with all of them?
A fridge is not required. I didn't have a fridge when I went solo for the first 18 months because I couldn't afford one. They cost over $600 at the time. And they are the property of the driver. Not the company. My first student broke the glass shelf in my $600 fridge. Is that fair? Trainers are not required to allow you to use anything that they personally paid for that is used for personal reasons. Sorry. I am also not required to let you use my $400 GPS, which again another student used and broke Not showering is indeed a good reason to switch trainers. But I have yet to find of any TNT who did not get paid while awaiting a trainer.
Pennsylvania is not the trucking capital as PA IFTA taxes, fuel and tolls can be very costly. Many companies try to stay out of there. So how much freight does Butler have there? That could make a difference, and how many drivers do they have? Butler has a total of 303 drivers.... Prime has almost 9,000. Why would you expect to get a trainer more easily at Butler?
News flash... Almost all companies will want a new DOT physical upon hiring. It doesn't matter if your last card was issued last week. Get used to it if you want to stay in trucking. I seriously doubt after a card was issued that Knight rejected you for health reasons. Anyone with a health condition, CPAP blood pressure etc will only get a 1 year card. The doctor cleared you so there is more to this story.
When it comes to small fleets.... They require the experience because they cannot afford the insurance for new drivers.
Your best bet is to try to go back to Prime. Every company you jump to is going to go on your DAC and make you appear to be a job hopper with no commitment. And you still owe Prime the $5,000 plus interest.
Apply everywhere and take what you can get. The longer you aren't driving the more likely a company will want you to go through schooling all over again.
Good luck
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
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.
I didnt give up I would never give up. Although many probably would like to see that . I happened to be different which probably would be amazing once I do get the experience because the one thing that hinders me is I understand that its not all "my way" as a trainer or otherwise my student is combative. referenced on video you asked me to follow. and yes it would be a problem with me and her as well. I'm the type respecting the moment i walk in the door and kind of expect the same treatment. So I definitely appreciate your help with the companies but directing me to follow her is definitely not a good idea because every trainer is different.
I'm between harrisburg and carlisle pa and yes some of those require experience. Pride i spoke with they require 5 weeks out at once and they dont run east coast like that
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I don't know what you mean about unrealistic expectations but again your perspective which you are entitled to doesn't mean that's reality.
She said Carlisle PA. Off I 81. Knight and several others have terminals there. But unrealistic expectations won't help
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.
I'm between harrisburg and carlisle pa and yes some of those require experience. Pride i spoke with they require 5 weeks out at once and they dont run east coast like that
Alisa C.,
It would still help if you'd add your 'state' to your profile, for others to pitch in, without reading every post of yours.
However, you could DEFINITELY check out Dutch Maid Logistics; a state away. They have lanes in your area, through and TO your area.
Dutch Maid Logistics I've got two pals working there, still!
None of the LTL's would train you? There are SO MANY nearby! Look at Banks's diary, Delco Dave, and BobcatBob!
Another you could look into, is Witte Bros., Witte Bros. Truck Driving School & Company.
Both the training companies I mentioned, ARE smaller companies.
I can't speak for Kearsey, but I'll bet she will stop in, to answer other questions, and those that are Prime specific. Glad you stopped back; hope we are helping, somewhat!
~ Anne ~
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
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Hello all newbie here got my CDL training through Prime graduated March this year. The schooling is great had no issues until I did the over the road trainer with the mentor. Due to company policy trainers are not required to share any space beside the top bunk ok understandable however this trainer refused to stop to shower along with that (something I refuse to go by) among other things. I had to purchase food EVERYDAY because the trainer would not allow me to use her fridge or any space only the top bunk for all my things me included. This got to be extremely expensive. I also had a cpap machine and she made me buy a inverter because she didnt want me plugging it into the truck keep in mind this is a company driver. I explained to my FM that i would need a new trainer but since none was available had to return home without pay and wait until one becomes available so after 3 weeks of waiting I decided to leave. Got hired at butler transport went to Kansas city completed orientation was sent back home because they didn't have any trainers available again not being compensated while waiting this went on for 2 weeks also so I called them and was told that they had to terminate me because they just could not get a trainer up my way REALLY! I live in Pennsylvania, the trucking capital (close to harrisburg and carlisle). The issue is here alot of the local companies want experience which I have a very little bit. I did one long drive from PA to kennesaw Ga with Prime. I contacted Knight transportation attended orientation even though I already have a current DOT they insist on another as hiring process I agreed. Well I am a diabetic so my sugar was slightly high that day of the DOT. the doctor extended my card another year expiring on 3/2023 and knight tells me "well we don't feel you are healthy enough to drive our trucks" so that ended. That brings me to today. alot of the companies that does training swift, roehl, schneider, will not hire because of background. This is the reason I pretty much don't want a mega carrier looking for small fleet if possible. I don't want to rant but this is my life goal and I don't want to give it up.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Over The Road:
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.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
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.