Seriously Thinking About Becoming A Trucker, Got A Few Questions

I'm fed up with corporate BS and being stuck in an office all the time and for quite awhile now I've wondered what it'd be like to be a trucker. I'm thrilled with this website so far and even more thrilled (and a little scared) at the prospect of taking the plunge and becoming a trucker. I'm in SLC, UT and really thinking of attending the Prime Inc school here. I'll list a few questions below, anything you folks can tell me would be most helpful!

1. If you live locally, can you go home at night or does Prime force you to stay onsite? 2. I'm a little fuzzy on the written CDL portion - you study for and take the test the first week of training? Can you pass the written test (in UT) before attending the school? 3. Why is there a CPM bonus for driving smaller trucks? Is it because they're more fuel-efficient? 4. How do OTR drivers (with no spouse or permanent residence) get mail? I would guess a PO Box or something, but perhaps there's a service or something specific to the industry that I'm unaware of. 5. Is there any way of getting internet on the road besides buying from a so-equipped truck stop or using a cellular hot spot? 6. Once you're through training, does Prime allow personal use of the rig while on hometime right away or is there a waiting period? I'd rather not pay on a car loan if I'm only going to use the car a week or two out of the year. 7. I have a condo and I would like to keep it and rent it out and just stay with family when I'm in town. Anyone have any experience or advice about this plan of action?

I'm sure I have a million more questions that I can't quite think of right now but this should get me started. Thank you in advance!

It just occurred to me that this might not be the right sub-forum for this... not sure how to or if I can move the topic.

I will try to help.... best person to ask about Prime is Daniel B. He is an instructor for them.

1. I think you can go home. I am assuming you mean while you are in school.

2. You will be much better off if you get your CDL learner's permit before you get to school. Study the High Road Training Program on here! It will make you way ahead of the game during school as well.

3. Yes, lightweight trucks burn much less fuel.

4. P.O. Box or a family members address. Use your mom, dad sister, uncle, brother, etc.

5. I use my phone to create a hotspot. Some places do offer free wifi but it is usually slow.

6. I don't know about personal use. I didn't think any major company would allow it.

7. Talk to a realtor or a management company. If you are on the road, you will need a management company to fix things while you are away. They get a % of the rent but who cares.

Thanks for the reply, I think I read somewhere there that some companies allow limited personal use of a truck but perhaps I misunderstood. I'm planning to speak to a Prime recruiter and hopefully get a tour of some of the facilities and equipment. I've looked at Prime's site but I don't see any info about what rigs they use (big or small), is there somewhere I can look to read up on the trucks? I'd like to be as fully prepared as possible to make the decision and choose the large or small trucks when/if the time comes.

Thanks for the reply, I think I read somewhere there that some companies allow limited personal use of a truck but perhaps I misunderstood. I'm planning to speak to a Prime recruiter and hopefully get a tour of some of the facilities and equipment. I've looked at Prime's site but I don't see any info about what rigs they use (big or small), is there somewhere I can look to read up on the trucks? I'd like to be as fully prepared as possible to make the decision and choose the large or small trucks when/if the time comes.

Here is what a light weight truck looks like. a lot of "newer" drivers from what i gather concider this small. lol i would call it normal because i spent my childhood on the road with my grandfather in trucks with an interior no bigger than this that you couldnt even stand up in. Plus my time in the navy has taught me how to pack stuff in a rack locker as we call them so i know im not gonna have a problem. i might leave the passenger seat in though because when able i would love for my fiancee to come along every now and then.

Sorry forgot to post the link.

https://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-2976/Page-1/prime-incs-lightweight-trucks-pictures-and-descriptions

Thanks for the link, that helps a lot. It's hard to say without having any experience if the LW truck is worth the extra pay... my gut says yes, with caveats. My understanding is that sometimes you don't get a choice, that you get whatever rig is available.

Ask Daniel B. He did a really good thread somewhere on here with pictures from a LW.

Your welcome zach. WT that is the link to the post daniel did of the lightweights. but yes from almost everyone i have asked on here and elsewhere prob the only three ways to get a fullsize truck is to really kiss ass with who assigns them, get lucky or have some special circumstance. i also heard flatbed gets fullsize.