Possibly Starting A Career In The Trucking World...

Hello all, my name is Mark. I have been considering a career path into trucking, coming from the IT world. Thanks to this various website, and some decent know how of how to abuse google search into getting the information I am after, I have been looking at various companies to basically pay my way through CDL training, then supply me with a career with that company.

At this time I am currently looking at mainly Prime Inc. , for a few reasons. Somewhat because they have a reefer base right by my location in Indiana, and because they also pay you after you obtain your CDL and begin that training segment. (Let's be honest here, at that time you're training but you're also doing team driving for the company, you should get paid for it.)

Now I've been doing my research and decided I would be getting my CDL permit here in Indiana before I accept any companies offers and jump on the old dog to head to their head quarters. Hopefully that would mean more simulator time for me.

I have a few basic questions I think some of the newer truckers and hopefully a lot of the seasoned truckers may be able to help me with as well.

First question: What all should I actually take with me to say Primes HQ in Springfield? Obviously I will need all of my personal information and identification and the standard "you're here for a really long job interview" information, but what other stuff? Bedding? Toiletries? Any other stuff I haven't honestly thought about yet? Oh, would it be ok to bring stuff like my laptop/tablet, just cause well, netflix, amazon prime, etc etc?

Second Question: How good is Prime about putting you with someone you live near? Some of the stuff I have read here and other places basically indicates companies try to put you with trainers that live your in general area, so when they go for home time, you can go for home time as well. (That and since they have a reefer truck hub maybe 45 minutes away from my home, I don't imagine it'd be too hard to find someone based out of there to train me...there's a guy about 5 minutes down the way that I just saw today parking his semi in front of his house, it was a Prime truck so hopes are high yah know.)

Appreciate all of the obvious hard work that has been done on this website, from the training information, blog posts, stories, and over all forums full with information from actual truckers and not just recruiters selling you a dream.

Mark,

Welcome to the forum.

There is a link somewhere here that gives a list of recommended items to bring. I am sure Brett will be here later to help with that (I am not sure where/how to set up that link). Clothing for a week, sleeping bag (better than regular bedding, easier to deal with), pillow, toiletries are just a few of the things that come to mind. Just remember, anything you bring you will more than likely have to sleep with.

Almost forgot, when they talk about birth certificate, they mean certificate of live birth (there is a difference). I personally know of several folks sent home because of this.

But as far as Prime goes, if you have any questions, let me know. I will do my best to help as I currently drive for Prime.

Ernie

Ernie...when you click to post a reply...if you scroll up and click on the "links on Trucking Truth button" it gives you ALL the links...

So here is the link for Mark: what to take Items To Pack

And here is a link to help Ernie learn the links !!! Wait....Hey Brett....we need a special link for Ernie.....

Ernie...when you click to post a reply...if you scroll up and click on the "links on Trucking Truth button" it gives you ALL the links...

So here is the link for Mark: what to take Items To Pack

And here is a link to help Ernie learn the links !!! Wait....Hey Brett....we need a special link for Ernie.....

Thanks Starcar. Never knew that (had never taken the time to look I guess). Just because I am old (not as old as some), does not mean I can't learn new tricks.

Ernie

Ernie....I would be truly embarrassed if Brett brought to life all the silly questions I've asked him...And I might as well admit it...I STILL don't know how to post a picture...I haveta email it to Daniel B and he does the IT magic...I'm not to old to learn...I just don't have any brain cells to spare !!!

Thank you for that list Star, I appreciate it.

Does anyone on the forums know what kind of trucks the newbies at Prime end up getting? I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the new company drivers get the smaller light weight trucks now, and I am basically wondering if that just means, less amenities inside of the truck, smaller bed, etc etc?

Thank you for that list Star, I appreciate it.

Does anyone on the forums know what kind of trucks the newbies at Prime end up getting? I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the new company drivers get the smaller light weight trucks now, and I am basically wondering if that just means, less amenities inside of the truck, smaller bed, etc etc?

Mark,

Funny you should ask that question. I drive for Prime & have been a company driver for them so I can hopefully answer your questions.

The standard answer is yes, you will have one of the small Freightliner Cascadia's. The true answer is it all depends on what is available & if you should ask if a full size is available. Money wise, you get an additional .05/mile more driving the small Cascadia. Down side is, very little room, minimal cabinet space to store your personal/food items. The bed is the same size as the full size Cascadia.

Hopefully that answers your questions. Anything else, let me know. I will do my best to answer them.

Ernie

Thanks Ernie!

After doing some more google searching and what not I found the information I was wanting on the trucks. I think I would personally be able to handle one of the little "cute" trucks (ie. lightweight). My main concern was I really didn't care to have to eat out every single meal and would rather be able to do a bit of cooking or sammich making myself on the truck and save a few of those hard earned dollars.

After finally finding it, basically what Prime drivers are doing is having the detail shop take the passenger seat out, and drop their dorm-room fridge in , in its place. Also some a few postings of a couple of guys adding in smaller plastic book cases to hold a few things beside the fridge as well.

I personally am thinking I should just go for a big one though, I like the thought of having more space as I would be living in the thing for 3-8 weeks at a time.