Profile For Oz

Stopped at Independence Rock, just happened to be on the way.

This morning in the Chicago area my trailer got rear ended. Was traveling in the far right lane @ the posted speed limit for the construction zone I was just about to exit. Checking my mirror out of habit I see a car approaching and changing lanes to get behind me. I think to myself "Why is this guy getting behind me on an open high... CRUNCH." Performed an emergency stop on the shoulder and began the critical event/incident process. The car did not stop and was pulled over later for DUI. Don't know how this will affect my license and standing within the company. Stay safe everyone, anything can happen at any time.

I am based out of Tampa myself. Went with Prime Inc. No need to move, just had to get myself up to MO for training.

Currently @ SPRIMO for a dental appointment. Otherwise, awesome. Done spending money on the truck and getting into making money from it.

Well, there seem to have been more training horror stories since my last update. This is not one of them. We'll call my trainer John for the sake of privacy. John and I happened to both be roughly the same personality type and so ended up spending a few days in almost silence. After about a week, common ground was found and discussions of the job requirements and expectations were had as I was found to be trustworthy enough of a driver. From about a month onward, joking and hard work was the way. The truck was kept as clean as expected w/2 full grown men working/living around the clock in it. Never was asked to drive outside my comfort limit and encouraged to take the initiative when opportunities arose.

As with any team driving experience, there is a money factor involved and we did chat about this occasionally. When I got close to 40k we were contacted about my upgrade process. Open mouth, insert foot. I was a bit too humble and didn't sound confident. John took it upon himself to clear up the confusion immediately. John and I had been basically running as a team for a few weeks already. John was and continues to be a great mentor in my experience as a rookie driver.

So after 4 months living and working in a space smaller than inmates share, I have my own truck. I was transferred to a new manager and ran 3600 my first solo week. This leads into my "time off" currently in BFE. I ran so hard that when I arrived close the delivery and called (no answer) then contacted dispatch, word came back M-F only. So now I reset, sit and plan hours, and wait for the customer. I have no desire to go through any TNT process ever again, even as pleasant as it was. Open for ?'s and clarifications as always.

-Oz-

Didn't lose me, just been waiting for a "day off" to update. Probably in a few days I'll be needing to reset anyways.

The region you work in for Pepsi is going to affect your experience. In Florida where I was working the warehouse. The drivers got a base pay amount for pulling out the gate and commission per case only. 5 days a week, sometimes weekends. The truck, pallet jack, and lay down will vary with how much the fleet tech(s) care. Personal experience and witnessed in action for that region, they do not fire anyone unless caught violating a no tolerance policy, they wait for you to quit. Petty much everything else stated above was the same. Best of luck finding somewhere that suits you.

Hi ,I am a student driver at Prime. On there simulators I had a couple of times when taking a turn on a city street a had a little stomach flip. This is very unusual as I have never had issues of motion or car sickness. I am close to testing out for my cdl and have had zero issues when driving the truck. Just my 2 cents. Good luck

I know this particular simulated turn also.

I sure hope I don't have nightmares tonight!

Left Peculiar MO after fueling. Was running in rain at 157 mm when I encountered headlights coming at me!! A dark pickup was heading north in the southbound lanes. The person driving the vehicle got into the left lane beside me. I was doing speed limit of 70. By the time I got slowed down and got 911 on the phone, I was a good distance from that vehicle. If he went off in the median, he will be buried up to the axles...it's really soggy and soft dirt out here with all the rain.

Laura

Oof, definitely nightmare fuel. Good to hear you got stopped safely and reported.

For the last few months I've been in the truck w/my trainer sleeping while he drives and vice versa. I completely trust him to drive and he had deemed me competent enough to drive on my own 99% of the time (the construction leading into the drop yard in TX is kind hairy). This had led to an unexpected side effect. Literal nightmares any time I try to sleep when not rolling. So far 3 have woken me up. Near tuna canning the trailer then backing into another trailer while parking. Rolling the rig while creeping through rough construction. Running off the highway to avoid a high speed crash. I don't normally remember dreams and just wanted to let others know if they experience the same, they are not alone.

I think they are referred to as squid because that's kind of what they resemble after meeting the pavement w/o proper gear. Seen my share of their rear tires up close. Seems 90% of the time only the median section of the rubber is worn down giving the tire a square appearance. Fun fact: a group of squid is called a squad. Had to give up both my 'cycles to start this career. Not looking back though as I've never been more satisfied with life.

Yes, just breath. Test day is just your last day of practice before real world application. Not a big deal in itself as another trainer will be there to assist in learning how to overcome the new challenges. You got this and welcome to Prime.

"You can go too slow your whole career, you can only go too fast once." Has stuck with me.

Marriage certificate for benefits if you're planning on opt-in.

Brisk and windy. On our way to WY, getting that winter weather experience.

Made it to LA for the drop n hook and got to lead the really slow convoy through NM during a flurry. You know it's bad when nobody wants to pass the Prime truck. Shut down now outside LA due to wind with an empty.

60 and windy here in LA

We were near Washington CH and took off to pick up another load for CA as the flakes began to fall.

Home time Christmas and New Year's was nice with the wife. Back I road with TNT and gaining experience driving 75 and NE region. Did not like NJ skinny lanes but I got great training during PSD so all is good. Finally get a load going to LA. Decided to dodge some forming weather and took I-40. Good thing, I-80 shut down. Deliver and catch another load to OH. Back across I-40 and experience some wind gusts, not too bad. Switch to TNPK and finish my shift crossing into MO, snow flurry. Out of nowhere car ahead disappears. Slow way down, throw on flashers, wake trainer. Clear the snow and swap out. Hit up terminal for shower, food, and laundry. Finished drive to OH and setting up for a much needed break.