Prime Training

Is there anyone that cam give me their experience with the Prime Training program and their opinion?

Is there anyone that cam give me their experience with the Prime Training program and their opinion?

Ask any questions you may have. There are lots of folks here that have gone through Prime's training program. Not sure what it is you are asking for unless you ask questions. Just because I've been through Prime's training does not mean a thing unless I know what information you want/need to know.

Ernie

Is there anyone that cam give me their experience with the Prime Training program and their opinion?

Ask any questions you may have. There are lots of folks here that have gone through Prime's training program. Not sure what it is you are asking for unless you ask questions. Just because I've been through Prime's training does not mean a thing unless I know what information you want/need to know.

Ernie

How long from training to solo?

Would you give it a positive review?

How long from when you started training to your first home time? How about typical home time during the post-CDL training?

Hey Jody. We have a ton of information on Prime that you can find here:

Prime Inc Paid CDL Training Program Review

You will also find a lot of conversations, including some journals from people as they went through Prime's training here:

Prime Inc Forum Conversations

1) How long from training to solo?

2) Would you give it a positive review?

3) How long from when you started training to your first home time? How about typical home time during the post-CDL training?

1) I did my training with Prime in 2011, not much has changed as I understand it. I started in Oct 2011, was upgraded to Solo end of Jan 2012. So about 3 - 4 months is about average.

2) Yes, I had really good luck with the training personnel I dealt with.

3) Home time during training is about loads and where your trainer is located and your home (at least that was my experience).

I did not get any home time during the first phase of training (about 4 weeks at the time because of several issues with the truck), but again it has a lot to do with factors totally out of your control. Prime company drivers earn 1 day of home time for every 7 days you are available to drive. You are limited to a max of 4 days at home with a minimum of 3 weeks out between home times (at least that is what it was when I was a company driver). Rainy D and some other company drivers will chime in I'm sure and be able to give you the updated info about all this. I'm a lease operator, so home time is what I make it.

Ernie

1) How long from training to solo?

2) Would you give it a positive review?

3) How long from when you started training to your first home time? How about typical home time during the post-CDL training?

1) I did my training with Prime in 2011, not much has changed as I understand it. I started in Oct 2011, was upgraded to Solo end of Jan 2012. So about 3 - 4 months is about average.

2) Yes, I had really good luck with the training personnel I dealt with.

3) Home time during training is about loads and where your trainer is located and your home (at least that was my experience).

I did not get any home time during the first phase of training (about 4 weeks at the time because of several issues with the truck), but again it has a lot to do with factors totally out of your control. Prime company drivers earn 1 day of home time for every 7 days you are available to drive. You are limited to a max of 4 days at home with a minimum of 3 weeks out between home times (at least that is what it was when I was a company driver). Rainy D and some other company drivers will chime in I'm sure and be able to give you the updated info about all this. I'm a lease operator, so home time is what I make it.

Ernie

Thank you for the feedback. Do they gave detention pay and layover pay and any other incentives to increase your earnings besides the per mile amount?

1) How long from training to solo?

2) Would you give it a positive review?

3) How long from when you started training to your first home time? How about typical home time during the post-CDL training?

1) I did my training with Prime in 2011, not much has changed as I understand it. I started in Oct 2011, was upgraded to Solo end of Jan 2012. So about 3 - 4 months is about average.

2) Yes, I had really good luck with the training personnel I dealt with.

3) Home time during training is about loads and where your trainer is located and your home (at least that was my experience).

I did not get any home time during the first phase of training (about 4 weeks at the time because of several issues with the truck), but again it has a lot to do with factors totally out of your control. Prime company drivers earn 1 day of home time for every 7 days you are available to drive. You are limited to a max of 4 days at home with a minimum of 3 weeks out between home times (at least that is what it was when I was a company driver). Rainy D and some other company drivers will chime in I'm sure and be able to give you the updated info about all this. I'm a lease operator, so home time is what I make it.

Ernie

Thank you for the feedback. Do they gave detention pay and layover pay and any other incentives to increase your earnings besides the per mile amount?

Yes, they have detention and layover pay. But to be honest, driving the miles sure is better. But when you have no choice in the matter, at least it's something besides a kick in the back side.

Ernie

Yes, they have detention and layover pay. But to be honest, driving the miles sure is better.

Jmart, you just got some sage words from an experienced hand. Please allow me to elaborate just a bit. This is a performance based business. We get paid for how much we can accomplish. Part of being a Top Tier Driver is your ability to learn little tricks to keep yourself moving. This is where so many people fall short in this business, and the major reason you see so many new truck drivers whining and complaining online. They all want to blame their dispatcher , their company, or even their customers for the fact that they are sitting around not getting anything accomplished.

Take a look at this thread which gives some great insight into The Strategies For Success at Trucking. Follow the links in the thread and read the article referenced also. You'll get a real life perspective on how professional drivers handle themselves out here. We make things happen for our selves. We don't sit around doing nothing and expect to get paid detention for it. We understand that we need to be producing something so that we can make a decent living at this.

Hi. i started at Prime on Sept 19th 2015. went thru the permit phase and tested out 10/30. I went home twice between that time and when i upgraded on Valentines day.

everyones experience.is different. truck issues, load issues, trainers home time all affect it. i went home 02/28 after going solo.

i LoVE LOVE LOVE prime. I found a lot of misinformation online about what being a company driver is like. we get great miles, are not forced into lightweights, and so.much more. I was told i would have to fuel where they tell me. I do for the most part, but i refuse to fuel at the Pilot in Birmingham due to it not feeling safe. No big deal, they authorize my fuel elsewhere.A brewery in Cincinatti is scary with junkies...i dont have to go there.

theres a ton of perks, including free jackets, rings, leather duffle bags, and "Prime rewards" points that can be used in the company stores, cafes, and hair salon/spas. we get lots of mpg, service and safety bonuses, as well as xmas and other bonuses. the health insurance drops nearly in half once you reach 1 yr.

i see the bonuses and detention as "extra". i dont track it. Run every load as if is the most important of your life and dispatch will be happy to load you up. Im always preplanned, but great communication and TRUST building is important My FM knows i will be safe and early. i dont complain about loads even if i have to sit a day for one as a favor. but next load? im rolling good. I trust he will route me to repairs and keep my pay straight Be reliable and responsible and you will get special treatment. lol

overall, when problems do arise at prime, it gets taken care of. you just have to talk about it.

check out the training diary section, theres a ton there.

Thank you all so much for your feedback and tips! I really appreciate it! This is a life-changing decision. I am narrowed down to Prime or CFI.