Diving In With PRIME
Topic 4451 | Page 1
That's awesome! Good luck with Prime! I'm actually trying to decide between them and Roehl, I can't make up my mind!! haha Did you decide on August 11 or was that the first class they could give you? Once I get my CDL next month I'm hoping it doesn't take too long to get in Orientation. I'm ready to work! :-)
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.
Did you decide on August 11 or was that the first class they could give you?
August 11 was the soonest they could get me in.
It's really a month out? I need to talk to a recruiter
At first they told me that I wouldn't be starting till the 25th! I made sure to let my recruiter know that if an earlier spot opened, I would be happy to fill it. Two days later, and I had a spot on the 11th. So yes classes are booked up, and I would start the process ASAP.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Still waiting on my recruiter, I really don't like him heh. I've "recruited" myself more than he has.
I received a call from my recruiter today, they just had a spot open up on the 4th, and guess who got it. 
So now I just have to get done in 4 days what I thought I had 11 to do. But the one thing I keep hearing is that you must be flexible. Besides when I originally set things in motion, the 4th was my goal start date. So things worked out.
Now where to begin....
Made it to the second, and its now 10pm and I'm sitting waiting for my 11:25 bus. God I hate bus stations...
But here we go. 
Wow, when they say hurry up and wait, they are not kidding. After end of first class at 9:30am, I stood in one line after anouther till 3:45pm. Then it was right over to sims till 7:30pm. What a day, but I'm still here and that's more then a number of other people can say.
Very nice sir. I will be starting on the 25th myself. Good luck to you and stay safe.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Prime Inc Background Checks Choosing A Trucking Company Recruiter Issues
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
So my journey began back in April, when I decided that I was ready to be a driver. After working about 8 years in fast food industry as a manager, I was in desperate need of a change. I've always been more the loner type and have always dreamed of getting out and exploring the country and with no wife or kids, I will have nothing but time to invest. OTR sounds like a perfect fit.
I had looked into getting into trucking a couple years ago and had even applied to CR England. However at that time, I was simply not ready. Anyways, when I decided that I was, I started by searching for more info on CR England and that led me here. It turned out to be a very good thing it did. After reviewing the info here, it became clear that they were not the company for me.
I quickly decided on Prime for the following reasons:
1. Solo not team driving.
2. No charge for school if you stay with them for a year. Can't beat free. :)
3. Local activity. I see their trucks everyday.
4. Hands on training approach. I just learn better/quicker this way.
5. Good starting pay. Up to 0.42 cpm verse as low as 0.25 cpm elsewhere.
So after being delayed for a couple of months, lets say 'family issues', I'm now moving forward. So my progress so far is:
07/03/14 - Did my physical, and passed with flying colors
07/09/14 - Took and passed permit test with all endorsements except passenger. Thank you Brett.
07/10/14 - Submitted my application to Prime
07/12/14 - Called up Prime and we went over my app
07/16/14 - Received conformation and got my assigned class.
So now I'm just working to get all my ducks in line and waiting for 08/11/14 to arrive. I will try to keep this updated a I go through the process, however I will not be doing a day by day account, as others have already done so. I will try to fill in where there seems to be gaps in others accounts. Like the process leading up to starting orientation above. ^
OTR:
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.
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:
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated