Comments By Ken P.

I just received my orientation information to Prime trucking. My wife had an uncle who drove for several years but has been out of the game for a few years. He's wanting to get back into and join me in a team driving experience. What's the best way to go about this? Does he need to contact the company or do I wait and try to bring him in later? Suggestions?

I got out a few months bak myself after 9 years as a Combat Medic. Here are some things to think about

1) Do you want to use your GI Bill to pay for your school? yes)then you may look at troops2transportation.com - no) look on this site at some of the CDL sponsored training and save your GI Bill toward a degree

2) Do you have a family that requires a good health plan? This site lists a lot of different companies and how they compare fo health benefits, 401K etc...

3) If you do have family, are you going to have a serious issue being gone for extended periods of time? Find out which companies are primarily near the area you are going to be and if they offer regional or dedicated routes.

I did lots and lots of homework to find the best fit for my family. Just like the military, jumping into anything without thinking it through could lead you to an assignment you may regret. Research, research and more research. Good luck

I just wanted to voice a concern, or apprehension about the double-clutching system. I've driven (cars, not semi's) stick only once in my life and automatic the rest of the time. I've heard the double-clutch system takes some getting used to. Some people have said that's a good thing because I don't have the bad habits and others have said that lack of experience in using a clutch will work against me. I wanted to get some of your input on this. How difficult is it to master this? Does teaching yourself a different coordination routine significantly effect your focus on the road? I'm aware they have automatic trucks out there, but I think, as a rookie, not having standard truck experience starting out will limit me on a lot of opportunities and may be a turn-off to companies.

Hey Ken, I too shared that same fear. I only ever used a clutch in one of my jobs for 3 months and never used one sense. Double clutching scared the heck out of me when I saw someone do it for the first time. The timing was what was scary for me. I had the thoughts of how am I ever going to be able to get the rhythm...Clutch Neutral Clutch Gear... Clutch Neutral REV Clutch Gear.... Ahh yess the fun of double clutching.

Well here's some things I learned about double clutching. Practice Practice Practice and then Practice some more. That's really all it comes down to. You need to go out on the road and just keep practicing upshifting and downshifting to become more comfortable with it. At first, it will be scary. Heck, you might even stall it out on the road a few times, but with each mistake you'll learn how the clutch works on a truck.

1.) Let off the clutch EASY when starting off from a stop. If you pop it out you will stall out.

2.) You can let the truck cruise at low speeds with no pedal input but once you put your brake on at low speeds you better start putting in that clutch or you'll stall out - this is usually recognized by the engine sound and truck jumping a lot before it stalls out.

3.) Don't ever take your foot off the clutch while you have the service brake applied especially on a hill. :D That always makes for a fun sight in the mirror when you see all the cars start getting out of your way especially when you panic and let your foot of the brake and begin rolling backwards LOL.

Double clutching is all about timing though. Just know what speed each gear is for and you'll be set. Eventually, you'll get to a point where you hear your engine and will know when to shift.

Thanks for the input. I definitely figured it would take a more coordination that rubbing your belly and patting you head at the same time. Hahaha. I just hope that, when I'm with my trainer, I'll have enough practice to commit it to muscle memory prior to being solo.

I just wanted to voice a concern, or apprehension about the double-clutching system. I've driven (cars, not semi's) stick only once in my life and automatic the rest of the time. I've heard the double-clutch system takes some getting used to. Some people have said that's a good thing because I don't have the bad habits and others have said that lack of experience in using a clutch will work against me. I wanted to get some of your input on this. How difficult is it to master this? Does teaching yourself a different coordination routine significantly effect your focus on the road? I'm aware they have automatic trucks out there, but I think, as a rookie, not having standard truck experience starting out will limit me on a lot of opportunities and may be a turn-off to companies.

I completely agree with David on the BMI. When I was deployed in Iraq, I was working out 3 times a day. I was running a 2 mile in 13:50 and benching 345, best shape of my life and I'm 5'8" and was 212 lbs. The Army said I was at 24% body fat and borderline obese. I took off my shirt and was asking with my squad leader "You're saying 1/4 of my body is fat? Where?". The BMI is not an accurate test. Water displacement or calipers are far more accurate. I'm no where near that fit anymore but I completely see your point. Hang in there brother!

I have a friend I deployed with who works for NTS out of North Dakota. He says their solid and veteran friendly

One thing I've noticed about this site, TONS of info, resources and assistance. I though I was going to have to dig through several dozen different websites to dig up all the info I needed for comparisons. I found 90% of what I needed here. Between the forum , High Road exams, lists and comparisons all over; these guys have their sh** together. Well done.

Any questions feel free to contact me, I was an Instructor at Prime and still work for them as a solo driver.

Much appreciated. I may take you up on that

I researched (in great detail) every company on this site, and a few that aren't. Prime fits every aspect of what I'm looking for. It's hard to find an employer that will meet all of your expectations. I sent my DD214 and completed an application. Contingent upon acceptance, I look forward to a new career. See y'all on the road

Ken,

Can you draw your post 9/11 GI Bill during your 1st and 2nd years? Congratulations on your decision.

Absolutely. It's not needed with Prime as they provide their own schooling; however, if you choose a company that doesn't, then you should go to troops2transport.com and there's a lot of information on using your GI bill to fund your school

I researched (in great detail) every company on this site, and a few that aren't. Prime fits every aspect of what I'm looking for. It's hard to find an employer that will meet all of your expectations. I sent my DD214 and completed an application. Contingent upon acceptance, I look forward to a new career. See y'all on the road