Profile For Ernie S. (AKA Old Salty Dog)

Diver

When you talk about the inspection, was it HOS inspection or vehicle? Sorry for the noobish question.

Thanks

As a company driver, he gets $25 for every clean inspection (doesn't matter what level).

Ernie

Good for you. Like you, I don't mind doing these little things because it does end up getting you some extra cash.

I have been known to stop short sometimes just so I can get a trailer fixed that some other clown was too lazy to get done. Yes it cuts into my 10 hour break, but I know when I head down the road I have a trailer that is safe.

Keep up the good work. Good on you driver......

Ernie

Andrew, as Old School told you with his reply, not need to worry about heat/AC. Most of the large companies either have an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) for power when the engine is not running, or they have optimized idle that will start the truck as needed to keep the batteries charged and for heat/AC and run your electronics.

As far as refrigerator/microwave, that's on your dime. Now as for me, I mostly have some sort of snacks on the truck that don't require any kind of refrigerator or microwave to cook them, but when I started out that's how I did it. Not all that glamorous, but it works. I use a 12 volt cooler that holds 6 drinks I got at the truckstop to keep my drinks cold. I still use that cooler today, that way I have cold drinks during the day. I do have a refrigerator and a microwave. As time goes by and you can afford to upgrade your needs, that's the way to do it.

Just some thoughts as to how to get started on a minimum amount of cash.

Ernie

I drove for JB Hunt for a year as a company driver in 2014 - 2015 until I got sick and had to come off the road for a few months.

I was on the Georgia Pacific account going mostly through the mid Atlantic/Southeast/lower midwest. They treated me pretty well. I was out 7 - 9 days, home for a 34, sometimes 48 hours before starting all over again.

If I was to consider going back to being a company driver, would go back to JB in a heartbeat.

Ernie

Funny that your name is Old Salty Dog, I'm currently on a ship now (Civmar) and have been looking at this path for awhile. I'm in the deep creek area but only home every so often...trucking would actually get me home more and I can take my kids and pets. LOL!

I live in Deep Creek as well (Culpepper Landing). I live in the apartments to the left as you come into Culpepper Landing.

Ernie

Hello to all, I remember reading a very lengthy post on here about what people did before they did trucking. That would be great if it could be reposted. More than anything I'm interested in what made you personally decide to take the leap and just do it. Rainy (apologies if I misspelled your name) Your background story peaked my interest as I will be turning 41 this year and thinking that it is also time for a change in career. Why did the company training appeal to you? Was there a straw that broke the camels back moment? If anyone started this as a single parent I would love to hear from you as well. (I do have help, so not alone.)

I'm presently on my hometime. As you can see, I live in Chesapeake VA as well. If you have questions, or would like to see one of Prime's trucks up close, let me know.

Ernie

Welcome back Stranger!

Thanks PackRat......

It seems time just gets away from me when I'm out on the truck. Here of late, I get on here while I'm on my home time.

Ernie

Glad you are ok.....

Thanks.

I just read the article. Great information.......Rainy hit the mark AGAIN.

As she said in the article, you have to decide what you will/can put up with for the short term. You also have to decide what is/isn't important & appropriate for you and the situation.

Ernie

I know this isn't my latest load, but for sure my lightest.

Picked up 1 pallet (about 1500 lbs) in Laurel MD going to Bakersfield CA. Picked up on a Thursday, delivered the following Monday afternoon. Great fuel mileage, had so many drivers looking at me like I had a funny hat on as I cruised by them @ 65 MPH up hills in a Prime truck. Keep in mind I pull a 53' reefer trailer.

Did this about a month ago.

Right after this load, I was up in Twin Falls ID to pick up a load. I was thrown about 20' when the wind caught my trailer door as I was opening it before I could secure it. I ended up crashing against a concrete trash container and turning it around 45 degrees. Only injury I got was a big goose egg bump/headache and scratches behind my right ear. Was put out of service by the Dr for a day (this happened on a Monday and I couldn't drive until Wednesday).

I know I'm late posting this, but I don't take/have much time while I'm out here of late to look/post as much as I used to.

Ernie

The problem I'm having is that it won't release. I've sprayed the heck out it with lubricant, but it still gets stuck.

I'm thinking the issue is because when not in use, they are out in the elements and that is the root cause of failures. Unfortunately because as drivers (yes, even the company drivers) here at Prime, we have to buy our own equipment, it's up to us to keep our equipment in good working order.

So far, I haven't found a way to prevent the failure of this style of load lock. When I do, I'll try and remember to share that knowledge.

Ernie

Outstanding article Rainy.

One day we will have to meet. My wife is also from NJ, you 2 I'm thinking would possibly get along great.

OS, the main reason I'm on FB is because when I started this adventure I had lots of folks wanting to know where I'm at, etc. So I decided by using FB (most of the folks that wanted to know are on FB), that way I have only 1 place to update instead of repeating myself numerous times each day.

One of my favorite sayings I use almost daily, "90 percent of anything you do in life is ATTITUDE".

Have a safe day everyone.

Ernie

James,

Ask your recruiter if you can get a few letters from family/friends notarized verifying your retired status? Did you show them your retirement pay stubs? Never hurts to ask. The answer is no, they won't accept that if you don't ask.

Ernie

Prime recruiter didn't care, she pretty much said 'no' and that's it, policy is policy.

Prime probably has tons of people applying.

I emailed other carriers but haven't heard back yet.

That's a shame, I know of other folks that has similar issues and was able to do just what I suggested. I guess they have more applicants than they can handle right now. Just goes to show what having a great training program can do for you.

Ernie

James,

Ask your recruiter if you can get a few letters from family/friends notarized verifying your retired status? Did you show them your retirement pay stubs? Never hurts to ask. The answer is no, they won't accept that if you don't ask.

Ernie

Ronald M.,

Prime has a drop yard in Fontana. Hopefully that will make your decision a little easier. I don't get out to CA too often here of late, but maybe that will help with your decision knowing that little piece of information.

Ernie

Sorry for another post but I'm coming up with more questions!

I currently live in Illinois and by what I understand if I go to Prime in Springfield, MO I'll have to get my permit and CDL there. Then after that transfer it back to Illinois, which per the Illinois DMV website requires another fee, retaking written and driving test. Does this sound correct? Is there anyway to get around that? I just don't really want up have to retake all test again.

Thanks

As I understand it, Illinois is the only state that requires you to re-take the written & driving tests.

Ernie

1) How long from training to solo?

2) Would you give it a positive review?

3) How long from when you started training to your first home time? How about typical home time during the post-CDL training?

1) I did my training with Prime in 2011, not much has changed as I understand it. I started in Oct 2011, was upgraded to Solo end of Jan 2012. So about 3 - 4 months is about average.

2) Yes, I had really good luck with the training personnel I dealt with.

3) Home time during training is about loads and where your trainer is located and your home (at least that was my experience).

I did not get any home time during the first phase of training (about 4 weeks at the time because of several issues with the truck), but again it has a lot to do with factors totally out of your control. Prime company drivers earn 1 day of home time for every 7 days you are available to drive. You are limited to a max of 4 days at home with a minimum of 3 weeks out between home times (at least that is what it was when I was a company driver). Rainy D and some other company drivers will chime in I'm sure and be able to give you the updated info about all this. I'm a lease operator, so home time is what I make it.

Ernie

Thank you for the feedback. Do they gave detention pay and layover pay and any other incentives to increase your earnings besides the per mile amount?

Yes, they have detention and layover pay. But to be honest, driving the miles sure is better. But when you have no choice in the matter, at least it's something besides a kick in the back side.

Ernie

1) How long from training to solo?

2) Would you give it a positive review?

3) How long from when you started training to your first home time? How about typical home time during the post-CDL training?

1) I did my training with Prime in 2011, not much has changed as I understand it. I started in Oct 2011, was upgraded to Solo end of Jan 2012. So about 3 - 4 months is about average.

2) Yes, I had really good luck with the training personnel I dealt with.

3) Home time during training is about loads and where your trainer is located and your home (at least that was my experience).

I did not get any home time during the first phase of training (about 4 weeks at the time because of several issues with the truck), but again it has a lot to do with factors totally out of your control. Prime company drivers earn 1 day of home time for every 7 days you are available to drive. You are limited to a max of 4 days at home with a minimum of 3 weeks out between home times (at least that is what it was when I was a company driver). Rainy D and some other company drivers will chime in I'm sure and be able to give you the updated info about all this. I'm a lease operator, so home time is what I make it.

Ernie

Is there anyone that cam give me their experience with the Prime Training program and their opinion?

Ask any questions you may have. There are lots of folks here that have gone through Prime's training program. Not sure what it is you are asking for unless you ask questions. Just because I've been through Prime's training does not mean a thing unless I know what information you want/need to know.

Ernie

I made it home Wednesday morning. Will go back out on Monday.

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving no matter where you were.

Ernie