PRIME: Great Place, Just As Expected!

So far, this experience is just great :)

Awesome people, good instruction. Weather feels nice, food isn't bad, hotel roommate just makes me crack up - super funny guy.

The instructors seem a little strict, but I like that. They do care and you get a sense of it. Got here Monday the 7th and I've already passed all my CBT's, 2nd part of sim-lab and most importantly, passed my CDL written exams on the first try. What also helps, is having a good bunch of people to hang out with and support along the way, too. Even had a great conversation with a driver in the cafe who has over a million miles and learned some good tips. I have nothing bad yet to say about the training and ways they have us go about all this. Looking forward to each day!

That Greyhound though...from FL ... >.> no comment...

Thanks to TT and it's members, (and especially to those who are part of Prime). I've researched, lurked and read around these forums for about a year before coming here.

What part of florida?

Rick

@Rick S - Right where you are, actually. Pembroke Pines area.

Very cool Skarbrand!

Just keep that great attitude no matter what. You already know there will be some ups and downs along the way but that doesn't mean your attitude has to change. Go at it each day ready to work hard and learn all you can. Keep asking questions and do all you can to get along with everyone. Things will work out great.

Has it costed you anything out of pocket so far? What made you decide to go with Prime? How much hands on learning have you had so far?

@Brett - Thanks man! My attitude won't shift, I've been wanting this for a while now :) and the students and instructors here, getting along with them all!

@BamaPride - I've spent only the 155$ they ask for the training cost and permit. I've not spent 1$ more since then. The meal cards they give you (3 meals a day) have been increased to a little over 7$ each meal, (think the breakfast is 6$) and I always have a little left over money. As for hands-on learning, only have been doing the simulator lab so far, which is top of the line equipment. We go this week/end coming up to the real trucks, learning how to back them and etc. I'd say it's pretty hands-on. Lot of study material given to you as well. Shuttles that take you around for free. 24/7 Walmart a block away, too.

My decision was based on the school, pay and equipment they provide you, such as the trucks and APUs. All of which seem to be great. That and I can take my dog with me ;)

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APUs:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

@BamaPride - I've spent only the 155$ they ask for the training cost and permit. I've not spent 1$ more since then. The meal cards they give you (3 meals a day) have been increased to a little over 7$ each meal, (think the breakfast is 6$) and I always have a little left over money. As for hands-on learning, only have been doing the simulator lab so far, which is top of the line equipment. We go this week/end coming up to the real trucks, learning how to back them and etc. I'd say it's pretty hands-on. Lot of study material given to you as well. Shuttles that take you around for free. 24/7 Walmart a block away, too.

My decision was based on the school, pay and equipment they provide you, such as the trucks and APUs. All of which seem to be great. That and I can take my dog with me ;)

Thank you for the information. It helps a lot. I'll be following to see how it goes. Good luck.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APUs:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

I'll be reading as well. Thanks for sharing.

Sat through a health benefit class, wasn't exciting lol. The rates are okaaay. But it might vary from each individual to the other.

Those who haven't gotten their CDL are still heading out for testing. They want you to test everyday from the 2nd day you're here, that way you can pass it. I really urge that you do. Don't procrastinate with it, it'll stress you out. Lot of other stuff to focus on.

Others like me, are using the truck outside, in the hotel parking lot to study the pre-trip. It's an actual Cascadia with a small trailer, so we can learn the parts. It's open too, so that way you can look inside the hood and cabin. I'm using a forum thread here and YouTube, burning it in my memory. Don't watch the video with the woman in a bikini showing you pre-trip, you won't learn much about the truck in that one.

The meals are still pretty great, good variety for lunch and dinner, more than breakfast. Can't complain. We were just told we'd be given new meal cards tonight for next week! :)

The sim labs are still going on. Instructors are on top of what and how you function. Everything from proper clutching, rushing, nervousness. They help you with whatever you're seeming to have difficulty with.

Luckily, my roommate is awesome. Clean. Respects my stuff. Neither of us has had any issues with sleeping, stealing or anything like that. Hopefully you'll have the same.

Also, don't be dumb. This guy decided to turn around and spit on the floor in the cafe. Yeah, he went home. So did the person that was flirting and staring at the cafeteria women too much. As well as the person who was late to class 2 minutes 2 times in a row. Don't be that guy/girl. Try your best here, it pays off.

The hotel music is mostly the 80's btw, pretty neat :D

So, it's been a while! Kind of jumping to the next chapter lol, but I'm on my 3rd day out with my trainer! I've been doing a lot of driving and finally got a good alley docking at the place we're at.

Anyway, trainer is a super cool guy. He has 9 years on the road and we get along great. He's training me pretty well! Being a Floridian, I've never driven in snow or mountains (or 20 degree weather), although I just did Parlay in Summit near Park City coming to Salt Lake today. Little nervous but did perfect down those grades with good instruction :)

Now we're at our receiver, just finished unloading and waiting to hear back from Prime.

So far the company has been great! Good teaching and people. Love the feel of the terminal and help you get around the entire process. Don't really have anything bad to say about the company. Recommended for sure!