Not Strong Enough?
Topic 32514 | Page 1
I have recently got my cdl and am now on tnt with prime inc. My problem is I am 5'4 and 120lbs I have issues with the landing gear and release handle are there any tools that would give me more leverage?
Hi. I'm a PSD/TNT trainer at Prime. There are 2 gears on the landing gear. The lower gear takes a lot more turns of the handle, but uses less strength. For the release handle, there are pullers you can buy at trucks stops or even on Amazon. When it comes to closing the handles on the back doors, I sometimes bang them with a hammer.
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.
PSD:
Prime Student Driver
Prime Inc has a CDL training program and the first phase is referred to as PSD. You'll get your permit and then 10,000 miles of on the road instruction.
The following is from Prime's website:
Prime’s PSD begins with you obtaining your CDL permit. Then you’ll go on the road with a certified CDL instructor for no less than 75 hours of one-on-one behind the wheel training. After training, you’ll return to Prime’s corporate headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, for final CDL state testing and your CDL license.
Obtain CDL Permit / 4 Days
- Enter program, study and test for Missouri CDL permit.
- Start driving/training at Prime Training Center in Springfield, Missouri.
- Work toward 40,000 training dispatched miles (minimum) with food allowance while without CDL (Food allowance is paid back with future earnings).
On-the-Road Instruction / 10,000 Miles
- Train with experienced certified CDL instructor for 3-4 weeks in a real world environment.
- Get 75 hours of behind-the-wheel time with one-on-one student/instructor ratio.
- Earn 10,000 miles toward total 40,000 miles needed.
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.
Thank you for the advice I will be sure to pick one up
Hi Kelly, There are some amazing lady driver's I've seen and others I've spoken with; older ladies and very small ladies out here. So, don't worry you got this. First, if you don't have one already pick up a pull bar; as suggested. Second, not all 5th wheels are the same. Some have a notch. Take a look at your fifth wheel. Is there a notch where you need to lift up the handle over it before pulling. If so when pulling with your handle turn the handle to the right lift and pull forward and out. Third, sometimes you may need to push your truck back a bit for the release to work. Forth, spray (PB blaster) the hell out of the moving part on the landing gear and grease the leg of the landing gear. PB Blaster is not water based unlike DW40. Landing gear is always a pain in the spring and winter if not taken care of.
Tips: Never set your trailer breaks in the winter, they will lock up and you will be out there with a hammer. When sliding tandoms, look at your pins when they don't go in all the way. Chances are the slide is tight on one side of the pin. Move the truck a little with the trailer brakes still set; you'll hear the pins pop in. Moving the truck backwards puts more weight forward. You likely know some of this stuff already or heard it and forgot, there is a lot going on sometimes and pressure is on to hurry. Take your time and think about what other people are telling you to do. I've gotten into some real jams trusting other driver and workers at companies "helping out". There is good money out here, so keep your record clean. If you can't do something, stick to your guns. Stay safe and look around, even durring the day. Hope thos helps out
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Hi Kelly, There are some amazing lady driver's I've seen and others I've spoken with; older ladies and very small ladies out here. So, don't worry you got this. First, if you don't have one already pick up a pull bar; as suggested. Second, not all 5th wheels are the same. Some have a notch. Take a look at your fifth wheel. Is there a notch where you need to lift up the handle over it before pulling. If so when pulling with your handle turn the handle to the right lift and pull forward and out. Third, sometimes you may need to push your truck back a bit for the release to work. Forth, spray (PB blaster) the hell out of the moving part on the landing gear and grease the leg of the landing gear. PB Blaster is not water based unlike DW40. Landing gear is always a pain in the spring and winter if not taken care of.
Tips: Never set your trailer breaks in the winter, they will lock up and you will be out there with a hammer. When sliding tandoms, look at your pins when they don't go in all the way. Chances are the slide is tight on one side of the pin. Move the truck a little with the trailer brakes still set; you'll hear the pins pop in. Moving the truck backwards puts more weight forward. You likely know some of this stuff already or heard it and forgot, there is a lot going on sometimes and pressure is on to hurry. Take your time and think about what other people are telling you to do. I've gotten into some real jams trusting other driver and workers at companies "helping out". There is good money out here, so keep your record clean. If you can't do something, stick to your guns. Stay safe and look around, even durring the day. Hope thos helps out
Patti, You're too smart to only post on here once after being a member for more than three years!
I agree with all of the above tips.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I have recently got my cdl and am now on tnt with prime inc. My problem is I am 5'4 and 120lbs I have issues with the landing gear and release handle are there any tools that would give me more leverage?
I also having same issue, if you got any proper solution please tell me .
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.
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.
The landing gear has a high and low gear. It will take more turns to move the legs up. But the handle will be easier to turn. Also.... Try connecting the air lines and push in ONLY the red valve. This will allow the trailer to rock a little and release some pressure from the legs. It can make cranking easier after the first couple of turns.
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I have recently got my cdl and am now on tnt with prime inc. My problem is I am 5'4 and 120lbs I have issues with the landing gear and release handle are there any tools that would give me more leverage?
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.