Choose Prime Over Swift

So, at first I stated I would be a potential swift driver, well circumstances changed and I went with prime instead. The following is my review/diary of the prime training process.

I started my attempt to becoming a trucker by applying for knight, prime Inc and swift. Of those 3 Knight was the only one that did not contact me. The others contacted me within days of my application being sent. Of the 2 that prime was first since I actually contacted them a week before I contacted swift. However, even though I contacted prime first, I spoke with the swift recruiter much more often. The swift recruited was much easier to get a hold of and was more responsive to the messages I left and emails I sent. Had the prime recruited been more responsive, I likely would not have contacted swift.

Any how, the entire recruitment process from beginning to end, that is submitting the application to getting on the buss, took 2 weeks for swift and 3 weeks for prime. The prime program had originally appealed to me more but due to no contact during the second week I applied for swift as well. That last week though the prime recruiter did finally get a hold of me and I ended up having both companies try to recruit me. By the travel date I had gotten to the travel part of both processes and had to make a choice.

Obviously, I choose prime. The main deciding factor was pay during your initial training. I have not had a construction job in some time. Thus, pay was important. I also liked that you get real world training. What I did not like was the 30k miles needed with the trainer. I like my privacy very much, but every company has this type of requirement. Also, the contract you have to sign has some negative aspects to it. Assuming I read , and remember correctly, if you leave before one year you must pay back your training tuition at 70 bucks a week until you pay them back their money. There are also aspects, again assuming I read and remember correctly, that prevent you from suing them if you get hurt due to negligence during training (you slip and crack your head open on the bottom step of the catwalk) and that they have no obligation to pay you since you are not an employee. You are not considered an employee until you get your CDL and are placed on your own truck. Also, you are not required to have the hazmat endorsement to go to the school, but it is required once you obtain the actual CDL and start working for them.

After a 2 day bus ride I arrived at Campus Inn Monday afternoon. After getting off the bus, the group I was with was ushered into the Campus Inn. There we were given out initial program instructions. This consisted of getting our room assignment, a property map, site rules and an application packet. At this point I headed off to my room. Most people will have roommates. If you like you can opt to not have one but you must pay for the room yourself.

Now, prior to coming to Prime, I took the time to get my practice license. Having done this, I and those like me, were given an early assignment. This was to go to a room called the Sim Lab at a prearranged time to work on the truck simulator. Remember, it is vitally important that you treat this as a real truck. You will be chewed out of you don’t. Another thing to note is that the steering wheel does not have 2in of play making it overly response and there is also no gear grinding. The shifter will refuse to go in but you cannot feel it grind. You also have to fully press the clutch pedal all the way down every time you shift.

Tuesday was the first official day of class for my group and it started at 7am. Much of that morning was spent in a large conference room getting instruction on how the program would work. We also went over how the application should be filled out. Once this was done we had to fill out our medical history with the nurse guiding us on how to correctly do it. After that was done we had to get our fingers prints taken and receive our meal cards. The cards are good for three meals a day and are required to receive a free gift at the end of the program. Each meal is set at 4.25 for breakfast, 5.75 for lunch and 6.50 for dinner. If the food you get from the cafeteria costs more than the listed amount, you much pay the difference. I only did it a couple times. Prior to leaving the class you will receive week long class schedule.

GO SWIFT!!

10-4..hey how was the skills test? Also did you go lease?

I thought the skills test was not particularly difficult. If you get that far, you should pass. Unless those who taught you screwed up.

As for lease vs company, I went company. I want a real estate business not a trucking business.

Thanks so much, that was really insightful. I do feel a lot better but I am taking a DOT physical today outside of company just so I know if I should thet go to orantiation or I'd be stopped by it. Does anyone know if they still do a physical if you already have your card?

They will not take outside dot physicals. if you have the money and are concerned, i would say its a good idea to have a test run. Remember, you fail, they dont pay for the ticket home.

Ok, Is there another test before that? I notice you said "If you make it that far". Im done TnT headed to prime on monday

I took my physical and passed. The reason why I wanted it was because my state requires it before you can get a permit. I want to get my permit before I go to MO. Talked to req- said I should be going on the 10th. Thanks for all your help.

Okay well another question... How long are you out before you get home time? like when you go to school for them, when's the first time you'll see your family again? Once you get on a truck with a trainer?

Ok, Is there another test before that? I notice you said "If you make it that far". Im done TnT headed to prime on monday

Only skills & cbt tests. What I meant was that if you get to the point that the trainer says your good to upgrade, then you should have no problem passing. If they don't think your ready, then you should not be going back yet. They get extra pay, as i under stand it, when you pass. So it's in their best interest to insure you can pass before moving you on. Just do what you were taught, watch your surroundings, GOAL and plan what you will do.

Ok thanks..upgrade takes about a week right?

Okay well another question... How long are you out before you get home time? like when you go to school for them, when's the first time you'll see your family again? Once you get on a truck with a trainer?

Unless its an emergency you likely won't go home till after you get your MO cdl. So about 2-4weeks. once your with the trainer its between you, them and their fleet manager. And even at that point they will likely keep you out 2 more weeks at least. The reasions are to minimize the chance of you forgetting what you learned during psd and it can take time for the fleet manager to plan your trip home. So count on 6+ weeks. After your first time home I would not count on regular home visits until you get your own rig. At that point you can get home every 4 weeks.

Ok thanks..upgrade takes about a week right?

Yep. Hopefully they will have a rig for you at Springfield. If not they may have to pack you off to the Pennsylvania terminal to get one.