Prime Training Starting 2/18 SLC

Hey there everyone!

Excited to be starting Prime Training on Monday.

I didn't post in the diary forum because I know I wouldn't keep it up.

I have read just about anything and everything I possibly can on Prime and the training program.

Just a couple of questions that I have :

I already have my permit along with the tanker endorsement. I had to do my DOT physical prior to getting my permit.

It looks like Prime will do their own DOT physical again?

My concern is, I do have high blood pressure, but am on meds. Even with meds, it can get up there sometimes. Not way high, but more than the required 140/90 limit. When I did my BP test for my physical last Wednesday, they did it 3 times during the physical because it wasn't low enough. The first 2 tests were 132/93 and the second was 142/88. They tried the large cuff on the 3rd and it was 126/80, which is where I needed to be and was what was put on the paperwork.

For some reason, I highly doubt that Prime's onsite physical will be as forgiving.

The 3rd time, they had given me a little time to relax along with the bigger cuff, which seemed to do the trick.

I just get myself psyched up, I think, because I am on meds for it.

Second:

I was with the same company for almost 16 years and voluntarily left the job in 11/2017.

I didn't start another job until 2/2018, because frankly, I wanted some time off for R&R, due to having such a high stress job, and had money put away, so there was no concern to get another job right after I left.

The recruiter didn't seem to have an issue with it, but from what I have read, it seems that gap may be an issue, once I am in orientation.

I have already paid the 100 to secure my spot, but I really am concerned that I may get sent home due to the above issues.

Thoughts? Advice?

TIA!

Well "Jack Burton" (porkchop express)...concerning the gap in employment...I don't think Prime would ask you to attend training if it was an issue (not %100 positive on that). Bringing with you a notarized letter from a friend explaining what you were doing during that gap would be sufficient to cover your a$$ if you want some peace of mind.

Hi and welcome to both TruckingTruth and Prime.

Yes, all companies will perform a DOT physical and may have additional requirements beyond DOT. For example, Prime performs an agility test, may require a sleep study and may ban certain meds. This is one reason i think company sponsored training is better. Rather than first pay for the CDL schooling only to find hiring issues and have wasted time and money...you find any issues early.

Ask upfront for the larger cuff. Problem solved.

As for the work history, it is true they want 3 years. 4 mos 18 months ago probably isnt going to be as big a problem as it would have been if it was the last 4 months. Be sure to bring a month of your most recent pay stubs. put all of your personal documents on your phone so you can email them quickly

good luck

Well "Jack Burton" (porkchop express)...concerning the gap in employment...I don't think Prime would ask you to attend training if it was an issue (not %100 positive on that). Bringing with you a notarized letter from a friend explaining what you were doing during that gap would be sufficient to cover your a$$ if you want some peace of mind.

I am glad you got the reference. 😂

The thing is, I wasn't doing anything except R&R. Almost 16 years at the same gig. I took a few months off because I could afford to.

I have no intention of lying to them about it.

I think that I was at 1 company for that long should speak volumes, but that's just me.

If they have an issue with it, I guess there isn't much I can do about it.

Was just looking to see if anyone had any first hand experience with a similar situation.

Thanks for the response!

Tell em the gap was "Personal Enrichment" time taken to get mentally prepared to be Primes star student.

Hi Porkchop, as the others have said I don't think the employment thing will be an issue, especially if your recruiter already knows about it. The 16 years at the same company will lean heavily in your favor because it shows commitment and longevity.

As for your BP, the "white coat syndrome" you experience is not uncommon. I too have the same problem. Normally my BP is fine but when the doctor wants to test me it spikes for some reason.

They'll certainly work with you on it. They let me try 3 times before it finally came down to an acceptable level. On the 3rd try they had me lie down for 20 minutes or so prior to the tests, and that did the trick.

Recently I went back to Springfield for my 2 year physical. Same problem, it really spiked for the test. But again the doctor let me lay down for 20 minutes and relax, and again that did the trick.

So don't let yourself get worked up over it. The Prime physicians see this all the time, as do all physicians. Believe me, they don't want to send you home. They'll give you every chance to pass. Just relax and don't let the stress get to you.

If you'd like, you can read about my experiences here:

Turtle's diary

Yet another blood pressure scare

Good luck, and welcome to Prime!

Porkchop, how is your water intake? My doctor told me I wasn't drinking enough water, and sure enough after a week of drinking at least 80 ounces of water per day, my BP came down to acceptable levels. So make sure you hydrate well before your next test. Besides that, caffeinated beverages should be avoided for a long as possible before the test. Soda like Coke or any of the sweetened beverages should be cut out completely and permanently. If you miss the carbonization, like I did, switch to carbonated water. Good luck and let us know how your test goes.

Like Rainy said, ask for the larger cuff. It makes a HUGE difference that they use a properly sized cuff!

Good luck tomorrow!

Just an update:

I tested out on 314. Just waiting for a Trainer now.

Thank you all for your advice and I hope to see you out there somewhere!

Be safe!

Just an update:

I tested out on 314. Just waiting for a Trainer now.

Thank you all for your advice and I hope to see you out there somewhere!

Be safe!

Awesome, you're off and running! Congrats and good luck!