A PSA For Those Considering Prime Inc.

Wait, what???!!!! I'm on the bus to Springfield right now to start at Prime and I take prescribed methylphenidate everyday. I told my recruiter also!!! Did I just waste a two day bus trip??

First off, after two days of Orientation, I can tell you that Prime appears to be a great company. It's well run, the people are friendly and knowledgeable, and the equipment is top of the line.

But, if you plan to work for them, make sure you're not on any banned medications...

What is the list of banned medications?

I don't know. And they won't tell you. For legal reasons. They said it would be "discriminatory." Their contracted medical provider (Trinity Health), however, *can* and will disqualify for you for banned medications...

What I can tell you, is that Ritalin (methylphenidate) is banned. Probably Adderall, too, since they're very similar.

The (sort of) good news is, I can come back next month if I go off my medication and have my doctor say that I can function without it. This is what I'll probably do, since Prime is a very good company, and I liked what I saw so far at Orientation.

Still, it's frustrating. I've been ready to attend for more than a month. I obtained my permit ahead of time, with *all* endorsements. A heads-up would have saved me a lot of time and some money. And now, if I want to work there, I'll have to grapple with a reduced quality of life. I can certainly get by without Ritalin; I did for 27 years, and even obtained a Masters degree in the process. But, I will be a grumpier, less social, and more scatter-brained person without medication. Doable, but not ideal.

Anyway, I don't owe them any money, and they'll waive the next Orientation fee if I come back next month. I just hope this post helps someone avoid a wasted trip.

Though I'll likely continue with Prime, if anyone KNOWS of another company that doesn't care about prescribed Ritalin (or if you're a driver who takes it and got it cleared), I'd love to hear about it. PM me if you don't want to advertise your meds.

Sadly, yes. Unless you stop taking it immediately, and "forget" to list it on your medical questionnaires, which you'll hand in on Day1 of orientation. Ritalin allegedly clears the system in 24 - 48 hours, so you might get lucky. Allegedly.

I'm a flatbedder with Prime right now, but I had to wait a month and then come back to orientation with a note from my doctor saying I could function without the meds.

I miss a few exits now and then, but the pay is still good. ;)

Unless you stop taking it immediately, and "forget" to list it on your medical questionnaires, which you'll hand in on Day1 of orientation

Absolutely do not do that. Come on, man. Don't tell people to do stuff like that. That could be considered a failed drug test, and it's definitely going to be a failure to disclose something which is going to cost you a job and likely go on your DAC. Don't ever tell people to do that.

Roger, as appalling as it sounds, and it does sound appalling to me to, we have seen Prime knowingly bring people in even though they have disclosed they are taking medications the company will not allow. I haven't heard of any other companies doing this yet but others may indeed be doing it.

From what we've been told their official stance on it is that they're afraid they'll get in trouble for discrimination. In my opinion they're afraid they're going to lose the driver to another company. But try getting some sort of verification from Prime on their policies has so far been impossible for us.

Go in there, be honest, and whatever happens just roll with it. It may delay the start of your career, you may wind up going to another company, that will depend on what they say and what you decide to do.

We would really appreciate it if you would let us know how things go. We'd not only love to know this information ahead of time to prevent this sort of thing but we'll also be glad to help you move forward either with Prime or another company, whatever you may decide to do.

As hard as it is, whatever happens you really want to handle yourself professionally so you don't burn any bridges or make it more difficult to move forward from here. If they send you home, they send you home. Freaking out is only going to make it worse. Yes, you are completely entitled to want to punch someone in the face if this is indeed what is about to happen, and I would want to also. Unfortunately there will be many more incidents in this industry that will make you want to punch people in the face. But don't. That's just part of why the turnover is so high in this industry and the industry gets such a bum rap. Hang in there, focus on your future, and be professional about this no matter how hard it may be.

Let us know how things go. We'll keep our fingers crossed, but we'll also be ready to help you move forward from here no matter what the outcome. Remember, at worst it's only going to be a bump in the road. You'll get past it.

Roger, PLEASE re-read this thread from the beginning. Both Miss Miyoshi and Nomad are driving for prime and they where both sent home. You can do the same, follow what Brett has said, and how others handled the situation and hopefully you will be back at prime in training soon. Take the time on the bus to get prepared for the worst.

Thanks for that suggestion as I do need to read it entirely first. I cut to the last page to see how he ended up. I haven't tried any other medications so I'll look into that first. We just pulled into a truck stop.maybe that may be a good karma thing

Roger, PLEASE re-read this thread from the beginning. Both Miss Miyoshi and Nomad are driving for prime and they where both sent home. You can do the same, follow what Brett has said, and how others handled the situation and hopefully you will be back at prime in training soon. Take the time on the bus to get prepared for the worst.

Brett, thanks for your usual continued support and I know enough not to lie about anything at anytime. The other thing that 55 years and 18 years of continued sobriety has taught me is that in my youth my quick reaction did feel awesome but didn't solve anything. I will definitely keep you updated as this unfolds and I suit up and show up on Monday. I did however put most of my belongings in storage and planned on going OTR and worry about a home in a couple of years..

Unless you stop taking it immediately, and "forget" to list it on your medical questionnaires, which you'll hand in on Day1 of orientation

Absolutely do not do that. Come on, man. Don't tell people to do stuff like that. That could be considered a failed drug test, and it's definitely going to be a failure to disclose something which is going to cost you a job and likely go on your DAC. Don't ever tell people to do that.

Roger, as appalling as it sounds, and it does sound appalling to me to, we have seen Prime knowingly bring people in even though they have disclosed they are taking medications the company will not allow. I haven't heard of any other companies doing this yet but others may indeed be doing it.

From what we've been told their official stance on it is that they're afraid they'll get in trouble for discrimination. In my opinion they're afraid they're going to lose the driver to another company. But try getting some sort of verification from Prime on their policies has so far been impossible for us.

Go in there, be honest, and whatever happens just roll with it. It may delay the start of your career, you may wind up going to another company, that will depend on what they say and what you decide to do.

We would really appreciate it if you would let us know how things go. We'd not only love to know this information ahead of time to prevent this sort of thing but we'll also be glad to help you move forward either with Prime or another company, whatever you may decide to do.

As hard as it is, whatever happens you really want to handle yourself professionally so you don't burn any bridges or make it more difficult to move forward from here. If they send you home, they send you home. Freaking out is only going to make it worse. Yes, you are completely entitled to want to punch someone in the face if this is indeed what is about to happen, and I would want to also. Unfortunately there will be many more incidents in this industry that will make you want to punch people in the face. But don't. That's just part of why the turnover is so high in this industry and the industry gets such a bum rap. Hang in there, focus on your future, and be professional about this no matter how hard it may be.

Let us know how things go. We'll keep our fingers crossed, but we'll also be ready to help you move forward from here no matter what the outcome. Remember, at worst it's only going to be a bump in the road. You'll get past it.

So the latest on my situation isn't very good. Last week was very enlightening to say the least. I did get my CDL permit and a host of other things out of the way. I met a few special people who had already been out on the road with Prime for years. I was able to go to the Millinium Building which was an experience and even bumped into Mr Lowe, who was working out.. Unfortunately though, they gave me 30 days to get off the Ritalin and try the Strattera. Come to find out that there isn't a generic version, so my VA benefits can't cover it. My feeling about this whole experience is a mixed one. I'm sure Prime is a great company to work for as I heard a lot of good stories to that effect, but the companies respect for you doesn't start until you get out of orientation, I feel like I was treated like someone who had come back with dirty urine or something. I had hoped that if I had been able to stay in the area for the 30 days I would have been able to work on my pretrip and other areas, on campus , while I was waiting. I even asked if they might consider giving me a discounted room rate. The answers to all of the above were, I can't step foot on the property until I medically qualify again. I firmly believe that I had the worst recruiter in the company, while I had only heard from mine twice since the whole process began and ME having to fill HER in on why my status changed, most of the other students were getting multiple calls daily from their recruiters checking to make sure they were doing well and helping them jump through the daily hoops. So I'm here in Denver waiting to meet with the VA counselor about what's next for me.. I'd like to find a non- CDL job somewhere in Colorado, maybe Garfield County or the Roaring Fork Valley.. Thanks again for everyone's input and I hope you all drive safe out there!!

Roger, as appalling as it sounds, and it does sound appalling to me to, we have seen Prime knowingly bring people in even though they have disclosed they are taking medications the company will not allow. I haven't heard of any other companies doing this yet but others may indeed be doing it.

I did however put most of my belongings in storage and planned on going OTR and worry about a home in a couple of years..

My feeling about this whole experience is a mixed one. I'm sure Prime is a great company to work for as I heard a lot of good stories to that effect, but the companies respect for you doesn't start until you get out of orientation, I feel like I was treated like someone who had come back with dirty urine or something.

We talk about honoring our commitments to a company when we sign up for on the job training. Find a good company that fits your needs and stick with them for at least a year maybe longer.

The company is willing to take a chance on you to train you and hope you will make them money. After all your number one job description as an employee is to make the company money.

We talk about being honest and not putting up a big smoke screen in order to get the job. The word integrity comes to mind. Does Prime live by the same standard?

This man has made major life decisions in order to be hired by this company. This didn't occur until they gave him the green lite to come to orientation.

Words have been said that this company does this sort of thing in order not to lose the individual to another company.

Get them into orientation and wash them out if you have to so they don't lose them to another company. How can anyone justify this behavior? Is this the right way to treat people?

Its been said that all trucking companies do the same thing, they haul freight which is a commodity item.

The big question in my mind is why would I want to work for Prime when they treat people in this matter?

What sets Prime apart from any other company? After all hauling freight is a commodity item.

Every employee especially a recruiter is a representative of the company's culture.

What type of company culture does Prime promote? The recruiter needs to be setting the example to outsiders.

When you are selling something to a possible buyer ( in this case a possible candidate for employment) you really need to shine and make the case for your company. What sets them apart? Why are they the best?

Note to all the Moles at Prime reading the mail on Trucking Truth:

You will never know how many people you have lost to other companies because of the way you treat potential drivers like this man and the bad press it has created. Treat people as you would like to be treated and give them a good reason to work for you that sets you apart from other trucking companies and you won't have any problems finding people to hire and retain as experienced drivers. If you would have been up front and honest with this man in the first place he would probably be driving for you in the future. I doubt he'll be back.

Choose your company wisely and stick with them!

BJ Moose

Note to all the Moles at Prime reading the mail on Trucking Truth:

You will never know how many people you have lost to other companies because of the way you treat potential drivers like this man and the bad press it has created. Treat people as you would like to be treated and give them a good reason to work for you that sets you apart from other trucking companies and you won't have any problems finding people to hire and retain as experienced drivers. If you would have been up front and honest with this man in the first place he would probably be driving for you in the future. I doubt he'll be back.

Bulwinkle, I'm gonna be real straightforward with you. Of all your comments in this most recent post, this one is the most laughable. You are a nobody to Prime, and you come in here acting as if you were some sort of an authority on how to recruit drivers. You, who knows absolutely NOTHING about this industry, are going to swell up in your own imaginations and try to teach one of the largest most successful trucking operations around how to do what they are experts at. You are like a fly on the wall that doesn't even get noticed. Please, save your sermonizing for something you are well versed in, and leave the management of the top trucking companies to those who know what they are doing.

You are not even understanding how what they are doing is in the interest of public safety, and all the applicant has to do is comply with the way Prime has chosen to handle these situations. Did you not notice how Nomad Novelist showed the way to jump through this little hoop...

I'm a flatbedder with Prime right now, but I had to wait a month and then come back to orientation with a note from my doctor saying I could function without the meds.

Many of us have had to jump through hoops to land our trucking jobs - I am definitely one of those who had some issues at the start. If a person can't handle a little bit of problems and difficulties when first starting out in this career, then they will more than likely never make it to the point where they can stick it out for a year anyway.

There's truck driver that are on HIV medications and still drive. So why did they send you home

First off, after two days of Orientation, I can tell you that Prime appears to be a great company. It's well run, the people are friendly and knowledgeable, and the equipment is top of the line.

But, if you plan to work for them, make sure you're not on any banned medications...

What is the list of banned medications?

I don't know. And they won't tell you. For legal reasons. They said it would be "discriminatory." Their contracted medical provider (Trinity Health), however, *can* and will disqualify for you for banned medications...

What I can tell you, is that Ritalin (methylphenidate) is banned. Probably Adderall, too, since they're very similar.

The (sort of) good news is, I can come back next month if I go off my medication and have my doctor say that I can function without it. This is what I'll probably do, since Prime is a very good company, and I liked what I saw so far at Orientation.

Still, it's frustrating. I've been ready to attend for more than a month. I obtained my permit ahead of time, with *all* endorsements. A heads-up would have saved me a lot of time and some money. And now, if I want to work there, I'll have to grapple with a reduced quality of life. I can certainly get by without Ritalin; I did for 27 years, and even obtained a Masters degree in the process. But, I will be a grumpier, less social, and more scatter-brained person without medication. Doable, but not ideal.

Anyway, I don't owe them any money, and they'll waive the next Orientation fee if I come back next month. I just hope this post helps someone avoid a wasted trip.

Though I'll likely continue with Prime, if anyone KNOWS of another company that doesn't care about prescribed Ritalin (or if you're a driver who takes it and got it cleared), I'd love to hear about it. PM me if you don't want to advertise your meds.