Interested In Prime INC
Topic 14997 | Page 2
I'm currently in the PSD phase at Prime. I'm doing the nights program instead of going out with an instructor, and I am loving it. So far, things are going really well. Looking to test out with my CDL around July 4th.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
PSD:
Prime Student Driver
Prime Inc has a CDL training program and the first phase is referred to as PSD. You'll get your permit and then 10,000 miles of on the road instruction.
The following is from Prime's website:
Prime’s PSD begins with you obtaining your CDL permit. Then you’ll go on the road with a certified CDL instructor for no less than 75 hours of one-on-one behind the wheel training. After training, you’ll return to Prime’s corporate headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, for final CDL state testing and your CDL license.
Obtain CDL Permit / 4 Days
- Enter program, study and test for Missouri CDL permit.
- Start driving/training at Prime Training Center in Springfield, Missouri.
- Work toward 40,000 training dispatched miles (minimum) with food allowance while without CDL (Food allowance is paid back with future earnings).
On-the-Road Instruction / 10,000 Miles
- Train with experienced certified CDL instructor for 3-4 weeks in a real world environment.
- Get 75 hours of behind-the-wheel time with one-on-one student/instructor ratio.
- Earn 10,000 miles toward total 40,000 miles needed.
I just soled in May. I'm loving it so far. The lightweight truck situation for me was going to take a week to a week and a half. I was told that trainers and teams have first dibs. With that being said though, I'm happy with my lightweight, (baby truck) and the money in my pocket. Even if offered a full-size right now I'd stay lightweight.
Follow this link. Very good article on what to expect at Prime. https://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-872/Page-1/prime-inc-company-training-diary
I am thinking about coming to Prime refer side. I will be attending training at Prime. My question is will I be required to pay out of pocket while I am waiting for a truck and what equipment should I be required to get ie tire chains, locks what would be the cost
thanks jim
I just soled in May. I'm loving it so far. The lightweight truck situation for me was going to take a week to a week and a half. I was told that trainers and teams have first dibs. With that being said though, I'm happy with my lightweight, (baby truck) and the money in my pocket. Even if offered a full-size right now I'd stay lightweight.
Specifics on lightweight and full size trucks please. This is the first I have heard of two classes of trucks on the road. I am guessing the full size has more living space . Is that about it?
I am thinking about coming to Prime refer side. I will be attending training at Prime. My question is will I be required to pay out of pocket while I am waiting for a truck and what equipment should I be required to get ie tire chains, locks what would be the cost
thanks jim
If you take the first available truck then you will pay for food but not hotel. If say you want a condo, but they only have lightweights then you must pay for your hotel. Also because you have officially upgraded to solo by this point you are not getting paid to sit there.
When you upgrade to solo they will give you a list of things to buy. You can buy used from other drivers and even search through empty trailers for load bars. The chains/cables were about $400, and I think between the pad locks, brake locks, load bars, invoice detention stamp and other stuff they suggest... I think I spent $700. They take it out in payments over time though so not one huge lump sum.
As for the other question about the trucks...lightweights can haul heavier weight in the trailer because they are lighter. The living space is quite smaller and because of that you get 5cpm more. The bunk is directly behind the seat and most people take out the passenger seat to put in a fridge or drawers for clothes. There is no top bunk for passengers.
The full size or.condo... has cabinets, a spot for a fridge, a top bunk for passenger, and even a closet rack to hang clothes. Because it weighs more it hauls less maximum weight.
When asking other drivers who have driven both, I have been told the lightweights seem to have less power.
Prime says the difference in pay is about $6000 per year if you drive the expected amount of miles.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
Thank U Rainy , U R a wealth of knowledge !! 
Funny you said that. My first boyfriend used to say "you are a wealth of useless information. Where do u come up with this stuff?"
So glad someone finds me useful hahah
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Prime Inc Becoming A Truck Driver CDL Pre-Hire CDL Training Company Sponsored CDL Training Driver Responsibilities Life On The Road Truck Equipment
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
The used chains drivers usually set to other drivers. I was told prime won't take them back if not in the bag.