Comments By Greg S.

Just a note to say I passed the CDL permit test. I was able to pass the General Knowledge, Air Brake, Combination, Double and Triples, and the Tanker Portion of the test. I did not take the hazmat or passenger portions because they need approved backround checks before I take them. So I feel elated and am ready to celebrate my small victory with a slice of Key Lime Pie. Thanks to everyone here. Brian

Good job Brian!!!!!!!

I also took my exams today and passed with flying colors. Similar to your situation I am in California and will be taking my Hazmat soon as well. Does anybody know how long it takes for the background? I am leaving after the first of the year and don't want to make an attempt if it won't clear before I start school. Anyways I can finally relax for a day or two and then start after the Hazmat endorsement. Good luck to all of you.

Greg if your going to Prime my orientation says to wait till you get there to do the hazmat.

Okay sounds good and so i too will start on the logbook and weights and balances. Thanks for the backup.

Anyone have a good recommendation (And not Swift --because we know they are not).

Prime.

I did my homework and they are up towards the top. My involvement with the recruiter was great so far. I have spoken to a few drivers for them and they were very honest and upfront about what i was getting myself into. Also. the feedback on this site is absolutely without a doubt a good sounding board for company performance. Read the forum here and based on what you read on the web and here and other trucker sites will help you make an educated decision. There are a number or periodicals for the trucking industry that rank the companies as well as size, pay, benefits and performance. Like most people do not limit your applications and in fact this site has a portal for you to fill out one application and shotgun to multiiple sites. That's how i started and as they responded i did my research on them to determine if they were a good fit for me. Several folks have made the comment that we are in a unique situation where there is a shortage and so what that means for you is your in the drivers seat and can pick the one you want for the most part. But i must forewarn you that you need to do your research before you make a decision and don't let the recruiters pressure you with sign on bonuses or making alot of money. They are desperate to get their trucks filled and on the road because at the end of the day its all about revenue for them. Good luck and wish you the best.

PS It would be a good idea to start the High Road Training Program and get a flavor of what you are about to encounter. Also have a list of questions to ask them before you call. And do your research.

Just a note to say I passed the CDL permit test. I was able to pass the General Knowledge, Air Brake, Combination, Double and Triples, and the Tanker Portion of the test. I did not take the hazmat or passenger portions because they need approved backround checks before I take them. So I feel elated and am ready to celebrate my small victory with a slice of Key Lime Pie. Thanks to everyone here. Brian

Good job Brian!!!!!!!

I also took my exams today and passed with flying colors. Similar to your situation I am in California and will be taking my Hazmat soon as well. Does anybody know how long it takes for the background? I am leaving after the first of the year and don't want to make an attempt if it won't clear before I start school. Anyways I can finally relax for a day or two and then start after the Hazmat endorsement. Good luck to all of you.

Put your trainer pants back on and pick me up! Lol there are so many PSD 's back because their trainers got fired....at least 5 of them! Makes you feel nervous about what trainer you get.

Josh What school are you attending? And do you have any idea why the trainers were let go. I have read a few recent horror stories about trainers. Maybe they are reading TT as well and getting alot of pushback. Good to see that they are cracking down on them. My belief is that the trainers are the ones who set the standard for the company and safety is the one to enforce that standard. Hope you do not have to wait too long for a trainer. Good luck to you. I start with prime on the 5th

If I recal, Josh is at Prime in Springfield, MO.

Uhh thats not a good sign. I'm headed there in January. Josh keep us posted please. I read alot of good reviews about them and they were honorable mention or something like that last year for the top 20 companies to work for. We just need to keep a positive attitude and do everything we can with our instructors to maximize our learning. If its one thing I've learned in the military is being patient and absorb everything they teach you. someday it could save your life. Also don't go in this with a closed mind. I have every intention of making this a success for me and someday soon setting the example for the newbies that come behind us. Good luck to all of you and have a great Christmas.

Greg I'm pulling in there tomorrow starting the 15th so Ill let you know whats happening closer to your class. Hopefully josh hits the road soon and can give that input as well.

Thanks and appreciate your help. Hope all is going well for you and maybe sometime in the not so far distant future we can all meet and swap stories. Merry Xmas to all.

Oh no this has been a incredible company so far and they do not tolerate bad trainers (as you can see) it just shows how important it is to interview any potential trainers before going on the road with them.

Got it. Cleaning house sometimes keeps the rest inline as well. Its a shame this happens but even the best are sometimes not good at training. When i was in the military i forced myself to complete a tour as an instructor. I had alot fear standing up in front people and teaching them what i knew and the subject matter i was assigned. The training for becoming an instructor was exactly what i needed to overcome my fears and teach. In the end it was probably my most rewarding part of my military career. Good luck to you. Keep us updated when you can on your training.

Put your trainer pants back on and pick me up! Lol there are so many PSD 's back because their trainers got fired....at least 5 of them! Makes you feel nervous about what trainer you get.

Josh What school are you attending? And do you have any idea why the trainers were let go. I have read a few recent horror stories about trainers. Maybe they are reading TT as well and getting alot of pushback. Good to see that they are cracking down on them. My belief is that the trainers are the ones who set the standard for the company and safety is the one to enforce that standard. Hope you do not have to wait too long for a trainer. Good luck to you. I start with prime on the 5th

If I recal, Josh is at Prime in Springfield, MO.

Uhh thats not a good sign. I'm headed there in January. Josh keep us posted please. I read alot of good reviews about them and they were honorable mention or something like that last year for the top 20 companies to work for. We just need to keep a positive attitude and do everything we can with our instructors to maximize our learning. If its one thing I've learned in the military is being patient and absorb everything they teach you. someday it could save your life. Also don't go in this with a closed mind. I have every intention of making this a success for me and someday soon setting the example for the newbies that come behind us. Good luck to all of you and have a great Christmas.

Put your trainer pants back on and pick me up! Lol there are so many PSD 's back because their trainers got fired....at least 5 of them! Makes you feel nervous about what trainer you get.

Josh What school are you attending? And do you have any idea why the trainers were let go. I have read a few recent horror stories about trainers. Maybe they are reading TT as well and getting alot of pushback. Good to see that they are cracking down on them. My belief is that the trainers are the ones who set the standard for the company and safety is the one to enforce that standard. Hope you do not have to wait too long for a trainer. Good luck to you. I start with prime on the 5th

You old guys are killing me!! I got the Movin On model kit for my 10th birthday in 1975... It was a Kenworth W 925 in emerald green.

Okay now you got my attention. This is not why I am joining the ranks of trucking but i do remember the show. It probably doesn't help that my dad also owned a trucking company. I really did look forward to this show each week when i was kid. I also liked the comparison of tv to the internet. Looking forward to starting my career with Prime next month.