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Johnathan T.'s Comment
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I'm looking at three companies and I'd really appreciate any information that anyone can offer on any or all of these companies. I need training to get my CDL and due to personal circumstances I'm going to have to go with a company that offers training.

The companies that I've had contact with are: 1). CR England
2). USA Truck (Through Driver Solutions)
3). Swift


I also submitted an application with Prime but it's been about two weeks and I haven't heard back from them.

I know that every company has good points as well as bad points. That's why I like the feedback from people actually in the trucking industry.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

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.

BMI:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:

  • Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
  • Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit

It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.

Anchorman's Comment
member avatar

I also submitted an application with Prime but it's been about two weeks and I haven't heard back from them.

Have you tried calling Prime to check on the status of your application?

BMI:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:

  • Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
  • Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit

It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.

Johnathan T.'s Comment
member avatar
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I also submitted an application with Prime but it's been about two weeks and I haven't heard back from them.

double-quotes-end.png

Have you tried calling Prime to check on the status of your application?

I haven't called them because when I heard back from the others so quickly I assumed that for some reason Prime wasn't interested.

BMI:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:

  • Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
  • Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit

It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.

Jopa's Comment
member avatar
I haven't called them because when I heard back from the others so quickly I assumed that for some reason Prime wasn't interested.

Johnathan, that is not necessarilly the case. They may have been so busy that your app "slipped through the cracks." If they are still of interest to you, call the recruiting line and ask to speak with a recruiter. Once they have your application in front of them they will go over various details and ask for more information with you on the phone. If you look like you qualify (no recent glaring problems like tickets, accidents or criminal or drug problems) they will ask for various things in order to confirm your last three years employment (unless you currently have a commercial license in which case they will want ten years of history). If everything looks goog to go they will offer you a spot in an upcoming training class. All of the big companies follow roughly the outline I just gave you. The most important thing is to be proactive and very responsive to any request they make of you. In other words, CALL THEM. Call any of the companies you have applied to and keep calling until they go over yout app like I described above. It is worth the effort, believe me.

Jopa

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Anchorman's Comment
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Check out the topic by Daniel B. titled Had a chat with a recruiter yesterday! . It will give you a little insight on the workload recruiters have. You should definitely give Prime a call!

Ken C.'s Comment
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Like they said Call Prime and ask a recruiter to check your status 800-224-4585

Brett Aquila's Comment
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Johnathan, choosing a trucking company to work for is really about finding a company that suits you well, not finding a company people have good opinions of. Follow that link I just gave you to a group of articles that will help you understand how to choose the right company for yourself.

Also, go through chapter 5 of our Truck Driver's Career Guide which covers how to find the right truck driving job.

Those resources will help you understand the different types of freight, home time options, pay & benefits, and other factors you should use to find a company that suits you well. If you turn out to be an awesome driver with an awesome attitude you'll do great at any company you choose to work for. So it's not a matter of finding a "good company". It's a matter of finding a company that offers what you're looking for out there.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

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