And So It Begins…..
Topic 32570 | Page 6
Dennis wrote:
One benefit for Etch as a veteran is only signing a 9 months contract to drive for Prime to payoff the cost of CDL training rather than 12 months.
How is that beneficial? 
We never waiver from the emphatic advice of driving for the company that trained you for a minimum of one year. Minimum! This is regardless of any contractual obligation.
Kiersey has made a fantastic career for herself at Prime. It's her first employer. Same for Big Scott at CFI, same for Chief Brody, same for me at Swift... Do not be hasty looking for an exit strategy once the training commitment has been satisfied. These companies will absolutely do everything in their power to keep a good driver...especially now! Give them that chance...
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.
G-Town, I wasn’t suggesting that Etch move on at 9 months. He should stick out the full 12 and beyond if that is his choice as you all recommend.
It is just a benefit offered to attract veterans to work for Prime.
I know. My reply was for all readers (total newbies included), not just Etch. Encouraging everyone to read and consider all of the information based on lots of experience.
My other point was; if the objective is to stay for a minimum of 1 year, the benefit you mentioned is not that important. Just a nice to know "kinda thing."
G-Town, I wasn’t suggesting that Etch move on at 9 months. He should stick out the full 12 and beyond if that is his choice as you all recommend.
It is just a benefit offered to attract veterans to work for Prime.
The word of the day: Trifecta.
Nailed the test. Wasn’t perfect, but I passed. The time I put in definitely paid off. The extra hours on the pad, the extra time spent studying, the attention paid to the instruction given- all of it was worth it when I pulled in after the final phase of the test and the examiner shook my hand and said “congratulations, driver”.
Kearsey is a hell of an instructor and I recommend anyone coming here, or even considering it, to get up with her. Now I will say don’t come here expecting anything to be handed to you. You’re gonna have to want it. But she will match the dedication and work that you put in. You will get all the time you ask for on her truck.
So now I’m in a holding pattern waiting on a TnT trainer. I’ll probably give it a couple days before I head home and wait there. I’d prefer to get picked up here in Springfield simply so I don’t have to fork out airfare, but it is what it is.
Thanks to all here who have followed this diary and the words of encouragement. Thanks to all who have offered advice and wisdom. Special thanks to Kearsey for taking me on. I’ll be sure to send you even more morning sunshine messages!!
I’ll continue this thread through TnT for anyone interested in that. I’m sure that will be a more colorful commentary……
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.
Big Congratulations and welcome to Prime. I know Kearsey is proud of you!
Way to go! Congrats!
Congratulations!
Yes I am indeed proud. And this was well deserved and earned. One of my best students ever!
And thank you for the kind words. I was indeed sick and miserable and felt guilty about that.
And of course.... You are stuck with me now. I will be here to support you always.
Congrats
Good work! Congratulations!
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That’s what your trainer said. Guess she didn’t want any distractions, which I fully appreciate.