Going To Prime INC To Begin A New Life In Trucking
Topic 17507 | Page 1
First thing I will say is that you need to remain calm when it comes to learning how to shift the gears in one of these trucks. It will take a lot of practice before you become efficient at it. I know because I was on my first road trip last weekend ( as I am only weekend classes), and even though I knew how to shift a 5 speed manual tranny car it is a little different in a semi. I started to get the hang of it a little quicker than the others because I did drive a manual but now I have to learn to leave any bad habits behind. I recommend you read the guide here on TT about how to deal with the different types of trainers, you won't know what type of trainer you will get when you go to Prime so better prepared than to go in totally unprepared and be surprised and not know how to deal with the different types.
Also be ready to chomp down on pretrip inspection, because you will have to have that ALL memorized when you go to take your actual test for the CDL.
Other than that, be very ready to do whatever the instructor says and you should do absolutely fantastic!
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.
My advice is ask a ton of questions in training and write it in a notebook TNT can seem like hell...treat it as bootcamp and the rewards are great.
Understand that although there is good and bad in every company and the people you meet....prime is willing to correct problems and issues when you bring it to their attention
And as always...ask here. Cause this is an awesome group of people.
TNT:
Trainer-N-Trainee
Prime Inc has their own CDL training program and it's divided into two phases - PSD and TNT.
The PSD (Prime Student Driver) phase is where you'll get your permit and then go on the road for 10,000 miles with a trainer. When you come back you'll get your CDL license and enter the TNT phase.
The TNT phase is the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with an experienced driver for 30,000 miles of team driving. You'll receive 14¢ per mile ($700 per week guaranteed) during this phase. Once you're finished with TNT training you will be assigned a truck to run solo.
My advice is ask a ton of questions in training and write it in a notebook TNT can seem like hell...treat it as bootcamp and the rewards are great.
Understand that although there is good and bad in every company and the people you meet....prime is willing to correct problems and issues when you bring it to their attention
And as always...ask here. Cause this is an awesome group of people.
TNT:
Trainer-N-Trainee
Prime Inc has their own CDL training program and it's divided into two phases - PSD and TNT.
The PSD (Prime Student Driver) phase is where you'll get your permit and then go on the road for 10,000 miles with a trainer. When you come back you'll get your CDL license and enter the TNT phase.
The TNT phase is the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with an experienced driver for 30,000 miles of team driving. You'll receive 14¢ per mile ($700 per week guaranteed) during this phase. Once you're finished with TNT training you will be assigned a truck to run solo.
My advice is ask a ton of questions in training and write it in a notebook TNT can seem like hell...treat it as bootcamp and the rewards are great.
Understand that although there is good and bad in every company and the people you meet....prime is willing to correct problems and issues when you bring it to their attention
And as always...ask here. Cause this is an awesome group of people.
TNT:
Trainer-N-Trainee
Prime Inc has their own CDL training program and it's divided into two phases - PSD and TNT.
The PSD (Prime Student Driver) phase is where you'll get your permit and then go on the road for 10,000 miles with a trainer. When you come back you'll get your CDL license and enter the TNT phase.
The TNT phase is the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with an experienced driver for 30,000 miles of team driving. You'll receive 14¢ per mile ($700 per week guaranteed) during this phase. Once you're finished with TNT training you will be assigned a truck to run solo.
Awesome! Thanks for the tips. I'm a little concerned about the TNT phase but I know it wont be forever and I know it will be a learning experience. Just going to have to grind it out. Not really looking forward to the bus ride from NJ to MO. But its part of the journey. Im ready!
TNT:
Trainer-N-Trainee
Prime Inc has their own CDL training program and it's divided into two phases - PSD and TNT.
The PSD (Prime Student Driver) phase is where you'll get your permit and then go on the road for 10,000 miles with a trainer. When you come back you'll get your CDL license and enter the TNT phase.
The TNT phase is the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with an experienced driver for 30,000 miles of team driving. You'll receive 14¢ per mile ($700 per week guaranteed) during this phase. Once you're finished with TNT training you will be assigned a truck to run solo.
My two cents. Read Brett's book, Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving. Good luck.
Hi Wiseguy!
I'm headed off to Springfield and start on the 9th! We might just see each other. Fresh to the scene and wet behind the ears as well. Looking forward to a new chapter in life. Hope yours goes well!
I left Mr Laurel NJ on a Sat at 1800 got there around 0200 on Mon lol,. Use that time to study online lol
There is an Apex CDL school pretrip video that really helped me. Put me WAY ahead of the others
Good luck
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.
Thanks for all the great advice! Rainy Im leaving Newark on a Monday at 6:55 and should arrive in Springfield at 1300 on Tuesday. Im little concerned because my recruiter told me that everything starts on Wednesday instead of Monday. Im guessing thats because of the holiday. However he said that im only going to have two days to pass the permit test or 4 tries compared to others that get more opportunities because of an arrival on Monday. Doesnt seem right to me. Anyway, studying like crazy so i should be alright. Haha
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
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
Hey Guys, I have orientation at Prime in Springfield MO starting on Jan 4 2017. I have no experience and will be arriving as a new fish at the PSD program. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I've been studying for my permit using the higher road training on the website which really has been invaluable. Im really enthusiastic about this opportunity and Im really ready to embark on this change of direction in my life. Im a Navy Vet and just got out in 2015. I have no wife/kids so I believe life on the road for weeks or months at a time will not be an issue for me. I know Im jumping the gun a bit since I dont even have a permit yet alone my CDL yet, but Im ready to learn this industry inside and out. If anyone has some advice for a rookie going with Prime or anything truck related I would greatly appreciate it. I know everyones input here would really be valuable to me for future success in this industry. Thanks!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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
On-the-Road Instruction / 10,000 Miles