Comments By Michael Y.

Damn, if only I were starting Prime next month. I might have been able to get you as my trainer

Would be awesome to semi know my trainer.

I also taught how to back into a tight spot by taking advantage of how the trailer slide on the rails as if you were moving the tandems to weight out correctly. While this backing is only used in extremely tight areas sometimes it the only way. Basically slide your tandems all the way to the back of the trailer but leave them unlocked. Then you start backing up and once you start into the hole and get almost straight you set your trailer brakes and then slide into the hole till the tandems are completely slid forward then lock them in place now you have made yourself and extra 15 foot of space,that you did not have before starting, to pull up and get straightened out to complete the straight line backing. If done right you have your trailer 15 foot already into the parking space. Used in little to no room parking lots and tight shipper and receiver docks.

Thats an awsome tip.

Hey Michael, Kinda spooky, isn't it? To go from an idea in the imagination to reality so quickly. I guess everything you read on this website is on the up-and-up (not that I doubted it for a minute)

In any case, does that mean you also are going with Central Refer? How did you make your decision (whether it is Central or any other). I am asking because I just got off the phone with Stevens and they said the same thing - pending final verification that all my info checks out (and it will) I just say the word and they will send a bus ticket. Geez, makes the head spin.

Stephen E. Birch

No, I'm going to Prime. They had the best starting pay package of the places I checked into. In my current situation that was my top priority. I couldn't jump ship where I'm currently at to make less money.

Hey Chris, save me a chair. I have been talking to a Central recruiter and she offered me to come to Fontana ASAP. I had no idea it would go so fast and so I asked her if a two-three week delay would make a difference, since I got a BUNCH of stuff to take care of before I can go. Any comments on why you chose Central over the rest? I live just over the hill from you home so we are just about neighbors . . .

Stephen E. Birch

I had the same thing happen to me, even though they had not done background and previous employment checks yet. I sent in my app, talked to the recruiter 3 days later. He said he had a spot open the following Monday if I wanted it. I said I needed more time to give notice to work. They got everything done application and checks wise. Since I work nights I had recruiter start me 3 weeks out, I gave current employer my 2 weeks notice, all is well now, tomorrow night is my last night. I start training this coming Monday.

Hi guys, thanks for the posts about Prime. I am in the very beginning stages of starting this whole journey and Prime is at the top of my list. I have a couple questions.

As far as the LW trucks go, is there no other option? Are you not able to get into a full size ?

Do you go Springfield for training no matter where you live (I'm in Washington state)

How long before you get paid any money at all - even the $200 weekly loan I have heard about - when does that kick in exactly?

How much money should I bring to training and do you think Prime is the best bet for someone with limited funds and needs cash ASAP?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!!

- Case

Hey Chris,

I'll answer your questions to what I know now, as I have not started with Prime yet, one week till I do.

I think the LW trucks are mainly for the reefer division of Prime. When I spoke my concern about getting an LW truck, he said I could go flat bed, or wait on a standard sized truck, or I could go for a lease (shivers), I said no to that one. I'll be sticking out the LW for the time being. Daniel B. made a good post concerning the LW trucks as far as dollar difference to run one.

You will have to ask a recruiter about if you have to go to Springfield or not. If you do, don't sweat it, they pay for your ticket there. They are paying for a bus ticket for me. I live only 3 hrs away, but why make my wife drive me up there and waste gas if they will pay my way there right?

For being paid, the $200/wk loan is during your first month of training while your learning to drive the truck. When you come back and pass your CDL skills tests, you will go back out with another trainer and you will get paid $600/wk during that phase.

You will need to bring a minimum of $100 for admin fees I was told by my recruiter. Other than that, as far as i know, it would be up to you as to if you'd want to have to worry about using the loan money and have to pay that back later.

Hope this helps, if I missed anything, I'm sure the Prime veterans here will give you more info.

I currently work in the shipping and receiving department at my company. I have many Schneider drivers that come in. Most of them do wear at least a Polo shirt with their company logo on it. Also company jackets. I don't know if that is a full time requirement of their drivers.

If you have the funds to attend the available class locally, go for it. There are also many companies that have sponsored training, check here comany-sponsered schools. While you are at school, apply to as many companies you can think of. When they contact you, let them know your currently in school. Some will offer tuition assistance, which will pay you back for you schooling, with a contract you will need to fulfill to get that. After your done with schooling, the only way you would be able to have someone with you is after your out solo, before then you are with your trainer. To get a jump on things before you do start school, use the High Road Training here on the site. If you have other questions, there are many more qualified and friendly folks here to get you the answers you seek.

on your new career.

I believe SOL is Sun in Spanish.

I'll be starting out in reefer division as a rookie. I do have a little bit of experience with a reefer unit in a local delivery company. The main thing is to keep an eye on your display on the reefer, make sure it stays within the acceptable temp range for what you are hauling. The sooner you see an issue the sooner you can hopefully correct it so not to damage the load. On the trucks I drove, the reefer ran off the fuel tanks the truck itself used (small box truck), so I didn't have the hassle of an extra fuel tank, nor did I have to mess with the DEF tank then. They got newer trucks with DEF after I stopped driving for them. Having the experience of hauling reefer, after your year you could possibly get on with your local grocery chain delivering to the stores in your area. Where I live I see the local stores trucks around with day cabs, so I would assume they are home nightly.

Even with 20 plus years on the road if he goes as a company driver he will be in the top mileage pay of around .38 to .45 cpm. Prime is .45 to .46 cpm but only if you take a light with truck and also agree to run the new York area.

Most companies will be at the same pay as a 3 to 5 year driver at .38 to .42 cpm. Basically after 5 years of experience you top out in pay regardless if your out here 60 years or 5 years.

Just an off shoot question. Is Prime the highest paying company out there? I mean, they start their drivers with around 6mo experience at .42 CPM provided you take the LW truck.