Comments By Liz D.

So here is my Thursday update.

So it’s Thursday morning and I’m still waiting for my clearance from personnel. Everyone else in my class has their clearance. So I spent the morning hoping there wouldn’t be an issue. What happened was when I did my original drug test before going to Pittston PA, the clinic had me drink a bottle of water to make sure there was enough pee for the drug test. Well I was informed Monday morning when I arrived at Pittston that my drug test result was bad because it was diluted. So I did another test Monday morning at prime. So while everyone was getting clearance on Wednesday and Thursday morning I was in patiently waiting. I’d like to say that before going up I had all my ducks in a row and as it turned out one of them was kind of special.

So just after lunch on Thursday today, I was given the greenlight and got my clearance. So now I’m waiting for my psd road training to get me prepared for my CDL road test and a phone call from my trainer to see when we start. Has anyone mentioned that there is a lot of hurry up and wait in this process at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week.

Pretty much for Thursday everyone was for their phone calls I was waiting for my clearance. So to fill the time we went into the Sim lab to do a little more driving with the simulators. Also everyone was continuing to review their pre-trip. Drill this into your heads. Someone I met; went to do their CDL road test and they blew the pre-trip. From having a had a chance to speak with them, I know they will get it there next shot it’s just that until you can get through the pre-trip you can’t do the rest of the Road test. So, just remember get your pre-trip down!

Needless to say I’m still very excited I can’t wait to get started. I’m also very nervous because I’ve never driven something so long. I’d also like to say that everyone here really really wants you to pass and do well. Listen to them and get your stuff done and make sure you bring all the paperwork you were asked to.

So now I wait for my trainer. We’ve heard the horror stories because everyone likes to share the bad and difficult times. The one thing that they told us at the terminal was to remember that when you’re going with the trainer you were basically going into their home so keep that in mind. That is their space their refrigerator their everything. Think about someone coming into you home. Basically, I am going to do what they recommend in class, ask your trainer their rules for their truck are, their expectations are and I will let them know expectations are. Hey, I’m not going into this with a big head or ****y or a know it all. I am here to learn how to become a professional truck driver and I would like to know what my trainer is like, what they expect from me what I expect from them. These are things that we should be able to discuss. Heck we’re professionals.

Again thanks for reading my ramblings. It’s already a little bit after 8 PM and I am tired. I get up early every day so that I can catch the first van to the terminal. So I’m gonna take a nap and maybe review this again later but I’m gonna post it now anyway.

Best of luck to ya, Liz. We're all pulling for you here.

Try to keep us updated when you can, and please come to us with any frustrations or questions you have. Have fun!

Thank you Turtle

Great update, Liz! Exciting times for you for awhile.

Thank you PackRat. I can’t wait to get on a truck with a trainer. Time to get this show on the road!

OK so we got here Sunday night and checked into the hotel. I had a file waiting for me I needed to do a hard copy in my application which I did Sunday night. We started orientation bright and early Monday morning. We reviewed our documentation which they asked us to bring with us, remember have your birth certificate Social Security card and whatever else they want. Since they broke us up into groups there was 25 of us. We started our day doing our computer based training. As it was recommended here, try to finish that as soon as possible. I had mine finished by Tuesday night. On Monday, they also introduced us to the simulator. I unfortunately get Motion sickness for the way the screen is. I did manage to muddle through.

Also in your packet is print out to show you how to do your pre-trip inspection. Start drilling this into your head ASAP. It is now Wednesday night I pretty much have my pre-trip down pat. Also we did our assessment Wednesday on the simulator. You need at least a 60 to pass. I passed. At this point if all of your documentation your medical your drug test are all set you’ll be ready for your trainer you’ll be cleared for your trainer. Unfortunately, When I arrived here on Monday, I was informed that my drug test was diluted. I had to do another test. So as of Wednesday evening I am still waiting to be cleared for my trainer.

Once I have my trainer assigned we will spend four hours out on the pad getting familiar with the truck. Once I am familiar with the truck and the trainer is comfortable we will head out on the road for 2 to 4 weeks. When the trainer is confident that I am ready for my road test, we will head back for more practice on the pad.

So that’s what I have for you right now from when I arrived on Sunday through Wednesday evening I will try to update you more as I get a little more experience out on the road. Also I did meet Matt who is also on the forum here. It was awesome meeting him he’s already cleared and hopefully he’s going with his trainer soon. I was asked if I would like to train on a manual or an automatic. I did up for the automatic but I’m kind of thinking maybe I may want to do manual if the will get me a trainer faster. I’ll sleep on that one.

Congrats and good luck. we are here if you need us ;)

Thank you Kearsey,

so far you all have been super helpful and informative. I am just all nervous was heck right now bit I will push though it.

That's great, Liz! Good luck. Hopefully you were able to take advantage of the learning resources here on TT and are a little ahead of the game going in.

Like 40 said, get those CBT videos out of the way ASAP. I guarantee you will hear classmates stressing about how many videos they still have to watch on their last day. Remember, you can watch them on your phone in your hotel room or wherever on the Prime Mobile app.

Great to hear a bit of advice on that. Definitely will get on them right away.

Thank you 40 days and realdiel

My bags are packed and my ride set for tomorrow to head to Pittston PA. I am excited to be starting a new path as a professional truck driver. I’ll be a noob for awhile getting chuckles and angry looks at truck stops and loading docks but I am confident that in time I will be successful in my endeavors. I’m thrilled, excited, nervous, and scared all rolled into one. It’s not easy walking away from a good check every week even if the job makes you miserable. That is on many levels.

You all have offered some awesome insight into the industry, this site has been helpful in helping me to understand the it a bit better and I know I have a bunch more to learn and experience.

So thanks for your input and help and if you see a noob out there having a heck of a time backing her rig. Say hi!

Thank you G-Town, Kearsey and everyone. Agree G that this isn’t about pay structure etc. more of where my fit for me is. Maybe my original post could have been worded better. Was trying to get more of what keeps you where you are.

In essence from what I have researched the big companies pay, benies etc usually balance out. We all tend to find that fit. And yes G-Town looking inside oneself, can I live this lifestyle, do I have the temperament, drive, am I a self starter?

My final decision was based on a couple changes in what I was originally told by recruiters. I won’t go into them. I will say that when you say let’s get the ball rolling sometimes things change.

Anyways I didn’t want to bring any discord between anyone. If I stirred that up I apologize. I’ve read post from everyone here in the different forums and respect you all. I am so glad that you share your experiences and knowledge it is a great help to us noobs. So Kearsey and G-Town kiss an make up. LOL.

I will keep you all updated. I really appreciate all of your advice. I’m so excited to be changing my career and beginning a new chapter in life.

Are you going to Pittston?

Please, keep us informed about ur journey. Im curious to hear how it goes.

Good luck!

Update: I’m starting in 10 days with Prime. I listened researched and looked inside me to figure the best match for me. All the choices I narrowed down to were all close. We all find our place and this is the one for me.

So now that I am settled on my company choice, when do the nervous jitters dissipate? Asking for a friend. 🤔🤣

Yes going to Pittston will keep y’all updated!

Update: I’m starting in 10 days with Prime. I listened researched and looked inside me to figure the best match for me. All the choices I narrowed down to were all close. We all find our place and this is the one for me.

So now that I am settled on my company choice, when do the nervous jitters dissipate? Asking for a friend. 🤔🤣