Comments By Garrett J.

At orientation for Prime today I took the honest route and put on my paper application that I recently (in the past year) had an at-fault accident in my personal vehicle. This is the only accident I've ever had in 12 years of having a license, but it happened when I had my class A. I feel like I might have just screwed myself and I'm really bummed... but I just figured I should be honest- based off things I've heard of recruits being sent home for not being honest about their driving record. Does anybody know what Prime's specific policy regarding similar situations is? Am I going to be sent home?Apologies if the info is already on the site somewhere, but I have yet to find it after much searching.

Garrett, did they not test you be fore you get to training? Seems silly that they would pay for someones travel and wait until they are there to test when every city in this nation has labs.

Anyway physical test info is useful as I just signed up with Prime Flatbed. My trining is set to begin August 2nd?

Thanks

Yes, I did a urine test in my home state last week. Although its unlikely, doesn't mean they won't hair test once you get there, right? They could just make you pay back what they reimbursed you for travel.

So, I thought I would include everyone in the process as it stands right now if you come to Prime as a C seat. Which means with a CDL but with little to no experience.

I got my CDL with a DOR Skills Test Waiver. Basically, I drove trucks in the Army for 12 years and I qualified for this program. I took the written tests and paid $100 to get my CDL A.

I came to orientation as a C seat so everyone who had their CDL already were separated from those going into PSD.

The first day we had some introductions, paper application and general rules and pay info. Then we got bussed over to the main terminal for a DOT physical. We did our file review after lunch. After that we were free to go to our rooms or classrooms to complete the CBTs. I completed mine that day.

The second day we did a driving simulator evaluation. Very easy. Just watch the signs. Then we took a logs class and automated transmission class. I also did the flatbed agility test which consisted of lifting a tarp off the ground, putting it on a 6 foot shelf and then putting it back down.

The third day we had our clearing meeting and got our badges and benefits info. It’s worth mentioning that as a C seat the requirement is 40,000 truck miles before you can upgrade. Apparently that changes from time to time.

They found a trainer for me the second day so I was already in contact with him. He’s from my area and we know some of the same people. We left out for Oregon with my first load the next day. Which brings me to my current situation. Stuck at a truck stop in Indiana waiting on my appointment time to drop my second load. Oh well…

Did they not have you do a "preliminary driving skills evaluation" since you already had 12 years' Army experience?

If that is a policy I haven’t been made aware of it. One of the Prime veterans might know better. I drive mostly during the day but that’s because that’s what works best for my trainer and I. He’s training me but it’s still a team drive so we have to do what’s best for the team.

If that is a policy I haven’t been made aware of it. One of the Prime veterans might know better. I drive mostly during the day but that’s because that’s what works best for my trainer and I. He’s training me but it’s still a team drive so we have to do what’s best for the team.

Gotcha. Yeah I'm just hoping I don't go straight into the night shift right off the bat... that would be pretty rough.

Did they give you a hair follicle test by chance? I took a couple puffs about 7 months ago and I stupidly put that I used an illegal drug in the past two years on my med card, so I'm stressing hard that they might hair test me. I know I would pass a urine test though.

So, I thought I would include everyone in the process as it stands right now if you come to Prime as a C seat. Which means with a CDL but with little to no experience.

I got my CDL with a DOR Skills Test Waiver. Basically, I drove trucks in the Army for 12 years and I qualified for this program. I took the written tests and paid $100 to get my CDL A.

I came to orientation as a C seat so everyone who had their CDL already were separated from those going into PSD.

The first day we had some introductions, paper application and general rules and pay info. Then we got bussed over to the main terminal for a DOT physical. We did our file review after lunch. After that we were free to go to our rooms or classrooms to complete the CBTs. I completed mine that day.

The second day we did a driving simulator evaluation. Very easy. Just watch the signs. Then we took a logs class and automated transmission class. I also did the flatbed agility test which consisted of lifting a tarp off the ground, putting it on a 6 foot shelf and then putting it back down.

The third day we had our clearing meeting and got our badges and benefits info. It’s worth mentioning that as a C seat the requirement is 40,000 truck miles before you can upgrade. Apparently that changes from time to time.

They found a trainer for me the second day so I was already in contact with him. He’s from my area and we know some of the same people. We left out for Oregon with my first load the next day. Which brings me to my current situation. Stuck at a truck stop in Indiana waiting on my appointment time to drop my second load. Oh well…

Congrats! If all goes well I'll be starting flatbed TNT next week.

I've heard its against their company policy to have the trainee drive nights? Is that true? Because I've also heard that most trainers make their trainees drive the night shift.

Most of your reasoning is not based on reality.

In theory, flatbed would get fewer miles because of the securement. However, and if Kearsey jumps in, she can verify this, but, on average, you spend a lot longer waiting at the shipper and receiver with reefer than it does to take me even my longest securement.

As far as busy or slow season, if you look at the DAT load boards flatbed ALWAYS has more loads per available track in any other division. And it completely went off the charts during the covid pandemic. So, while there is a supposed Slow season in the winterhave never slowed down in the past year at all in any way shape or form.

Hey Chief... would you say you averaged about 5000 miles a week during your flatbed training?

I started my driving career as a flatbedder at Prime.

Picking up a box that weighs 100 lbs and lifting it to your chest

Yes, a weighted milk crate, but it wasn't 100lbs. More like 50lbs, if that. Nothing to worry about, females do it too.

taking a rolled tarp off a 6 ft shelf, putting it on the ground, then putting it back on the shelf?

Yes, but the shelf is only around 4'6, the same height as a flatbed deck.

How much does the tarp weigh?

I can't remember exactly, but I recall it being 60-70lbs. With proper lifting technique it isn't a problem. The trick is in keeping the momentum of the lift all the way up to the deck. Firmly grab the sides of the tarp, lift with your legs, and then use one knee or the other to assist your arms for the remaining boost up to the deck. All one motion. It's all about the momentum.

The agility test isn't as much about testing your strength as it is to see if you're using safe lifting techniques to avoid injury.

Thanks for all that Turtle, I'm honored you replied. Its been a pleasure reading your training diary.

I did the agility test last week and am now on TNT. It’s separate from the DOT physical. All they made us do was pick up a tarp and put it on a shelf then take it back down. No box lifting or anything else. Everyone did it no problem. Hope this helps.

Yes, thank you. Definitely helps.

I started my driving career as a flatbedder at Prime.

Picking up a box that weighs 100 lbs and lifting it to your chest

Yes, a weighted milk crate, but it wasn't 100lbs. More like 50lbs, if that. Nothing to worry about, females do it too.

taking a rolled tarp off a 6 ft shelf, putting it on the ground, then putting it back on the shelf?

Yes, but the shelf is only around 4'6, the same height as a flatbed deck.

How much does the tarp weigh?

I can't remember exactly, but I recall it being 60-70lbs. With proper lifting technique it isn't a problem. The trick is in keeping the momentum of the lift all the way up to the deck. Firmly grab the sides of the tarp, lift with your legs, and then use one knee or the other to assist your arms for the remaining boost up to the deck. All one motion. It's all about the momentum.

The agility test isn't as much about testing your strength as it is to see if you're using safe lifting techniques to avoid injury.

Yeah I read somewhere on here that its 100 lbs. I had a feeling that was pretty excessive.

Thanks for your response Turtle! I'm honored

I also keep feeling a strange pull to at least try flatbeds. I'm nowhere near enough experience though yet.

Are experienced drivers saying you want to get decent experience in dry van or refer before trying flatbed? Or is that just your personal feeling? Or a combination of both?