Comments By Etch

Been watching a lot of your videos as well as a few from Prime regarding the pre-trip. It’s looking like I’m going to go with Prime and should be starting class first part of December. Would like to chat with you about a few questions/concerns I have. Thanks!

Be aware that different states require different items. One state may have 106 parts to check and another may have 96. Make sure even though u study that you listen to your instructor for any differences.

I have a color coded pretrip. All the same parts on one axle are highlighted so it is less overwhelming than seeing it all together.

These are now words I’m hearing in my sleep! Lol. I’m studying all I can about the pre-trip inspection because from everything I’ve seen and read-this is the killer for most students. I’m not totally unfamiliar with this process. We had to do the same thing each morning on all our rigs at the fire house. The biggest difference is we had check off sheets. I was wondering why this isn’t the case here? I would think making sure everything is checked is more important than memorizing everything. Is there some sort of cheat sheet I can study or something out there that would aid in remembering everything that needs to be checked?

So while I’m not a driver with anyone as of yet, I have spent the last 30 years on a Marine Corps base. One thing I do understand are government contracts. If you live near a base, find out what companies have contracts on base. I promise you that at least 50% are small owner/operator types. That would be a good place to look. They are more concerned about keeping the contract than they are about the records of their employees.

Getting the popcorn for this thread!

Yeah, I’m see a lot of Prime parked around here. In fact Prime is one that is on my list. Me and recruiter keep missing each other’s calls. I’ve been busy with storm prep (very disappointing storm) last few days. Hopefully can get her on the phone Monday.

I know that there are a few drivers for Prime with addresses in Havelock. We seem to have a meeting of trucks at the Slocum Gate Walmart during holiday home times. I just never have managed to catch the other drivers there!

I'm one of them 🤣 I just haven't been home to my friends couch since Thanksgiving. Darn cancer, and not wanting to add stress and whatever germs I get drug through on the daily.

Havelock is a small coastal town north of Camp Lejuene. I can see why it would not be in the hiring area. Most likely a hometime where to park the truck issue.

Hey Chief! Thanks for the advice! As far as what I want to drive- I’ll be honest, I really haven’t thought too much on that other than I need to get my foot in the door and learn to drive something. I’m not against any particular type other than I feel flatbed may not be for me. Without going too deep into detail, I got hurt while in Iraq and earned myself what we call the enemy marksmanship award (Purple Heart). Because of the injury to my knee I’m wondering if the labor required for a flatbed driver might be too much. Again, I won’t know until I actually get some real world experience and find out. I would just hate to start at flatbed only to find out I’m physically unable to do it this wasting mine and the companies time. I place a high premium on loyalty so if a company is willing to take me on knowing nothing and train me, then I owe it to them to make sure they get the best out of me.

I feel the skills I learned in the Corps (PI ‘97) and in the Fire service will make me good at dealing with difficulties that can and will come up in the trucking world and how to work through all the hurry up and wait. Semper Gumby, right? Lol

Etch,

I drive for Prime in the tanker division, inedible side, but drove flatbed for Prime for two years. If you want to know about flatbed read my training diary and rookie solo year.

Flatbed Training

Rookie Solo

As far as Prime, I’ve been here over two years and actively searched for other opportunities, but decided to switch divisions rather than leave Prime.

As far as avoiding rookie mistakes and training, my main advice involves taking your time. Just like the boot camp (San Diego 1985), trucking involves a lot of hurry up and wait. Expect a frantic environment in PSD and TNT. Push back against that. It took me a good year to recover from the frantic pace I learned in PSD and TNT. If you go flatbed, efficiency comes from a good system not from a hurried pace.

I have a couple of questions for you.

Do you want to drive reefer, flatbed, dry van, or tanker?

Did you consider Maverick?

If you have any questions for me ask away.

I can only go by what they told me and that was they were not hiring out of my area at this time. I mean I could send them these screenshots of their website and scream “Liar liar pants on fire” but I don’t think that’ll help my chances…..

Look at their website now. They are only hiring Midwest

I did look at TMC and would have loved to apply there- but I’m not in their hiring area.

That's odd. They have a training facility in Columbia, SC.

That sure IS odd, considering this:

"TMC Hiring Class A CDL Company Drivers - Apply today!https://www.tmctrans.com › news › recruiting-training Nov 18, 2021 — We now hire inexperienced AND experienced drivers in the entire states of North Carolina and South Carolina. We have added in Northeast Texas, ... etc ...."

Best wishes, either way!

See, how things change out here ?!?!?

~ Anne ~

Yeah, it’s probably just a thing of only hiring in areas they are short

I did look at TMC and would have loved to apply there- but I’m not in their hiring area.

It is my pleasure to welcome you as a newbie as well. The only thing I want to say to you is that best wishes for the future of your training and truck.

Welcome to YOU as well, Ikfi ! Is that an anagram? Kinda cool ~!

Where do YOU hail from???? A driver yet, or an aspiring? We've got the HRTP, its the best...!

Share something about YOU here on TT, also; like what if the T' means Todd? Random, I know.

Let us know how we can help you, if any; see ya soon!

~ Anne & Tom ~

ps: Great advice again, Ryan. What brand of Wheaties are you eating today ?!? LoL ...

pps: Etch; watch some of Kearsey's videos: Truckin' Along w/Kearsey! Should help you with MANY of your questions! I still think you're TMC material, though!

That's odd. They have a training facility in Columbia, SC.

Ok, so I may be getting ahead of myself a little but I figure the more I know before I leave for school- the better prepared I will be. In almost every thread HOS is mentioned. Is managing hours really something that has to be watched closely and/or is often messed up? Right now I’m telling myself not to worry because I haven’t been in the situation yet to have to manage my hours of service and even once in that situation I should be able to pick up on it quickly…..at least that’s what I’m telling myself. Any old timer tricks to help better manage or maximize my HOS? I remember way back when I was a kid my pops drove for Roadway and then Yellow. He had 3 different log books he kept. Depending on who asked determined which logbook they got to see! Lol. Now I realize those days are gone, but I’m sure there are different…..and legal….tips and tricks out there to help manage HOS.