I Am Headed To Prime Next Week In Salt Lake City, So Very Excited!

I have been on this site for about two weeks reading everything I could learn about Prime and truck driving. I had my Medical DOT done yesterday and then I went directly to MVD in Mesa, Arizona to take my 4 tests for my CDL Permit. I passed and I am so very excited. I found one packing list on this site but it pertains to a guy, I am just curious about items for the female driver? Am I able to wear shorts since I live in Arizona it is bloody hot in the summer and I hardly wear jeans. I have some stretchy jeans and other pants, but just need a list. I did read, which makes complete sense, to pack all dark clothing so I can do one load for clothing. I looked at Greyhound and decided I didn't want stuck on a running late bus so I booked an airline ticket. I have traveled all over the US and other countries, so I know about packing light. I do have questions about the actual trainers trucks, do they have plug ins for laptop computers? USB for Cell phone? Refrigerators or ice chest area? What items do you need for training right away? Steel toed boots, or can you wear tennis shoes, gloves, road map, etc? I fly out to Salt Lake City on Saturday, August 24.

Hello Janet, and welcome to our forum!

I know you posted this looking for responses from the ladies, and I'm going to hold off hoping some of our ladies see it. I think you might want to copy and paste this whole thing in the "general discussions" portion of the forum. Weekends can be a little slow on traffic here and unfortunately due to the limited amount of ladies we have, our ladies section is really slow.

It's just a suggestion, but if you'd like a quicker response I'm thinking you'll have better results there.

I was in the salt. Lake terminal last week. Very nice people there. The terminal is under a lot construction. It’s the smallest one we have about 1/3 the size of Springfield where I was trained. Not sure about the housing for students, can’t help u there. As for clothing remember this is a week long interview dress appropriately. Once on the road most shippers require pants and closed toe shoes. No steel toe required. I’m not saying u can’t wear shorts however we work in a mans world and “most of us” don’t want the added attention. Bring all your wires the trucks have plenty of plug-ins. Don’t forget your sun glasses and it may be a while before u get home so think about the changing weather. I didn’t bring bedding with me just bought it before I went out on tnt.

So I have packed all my clothing, my recruiter told me to pack for three weeks, since I would not be home for approximately 7 or more weeks. I didn't bring any business attire, because I figure this is the trucking world. Was I wrong, should I bring business attire? I packed a bunch of new items, so my clothes will all look nice, as long as when I unroll them from the ziploc bags they are not too bad in wrinkles. Also they put us up in a hotel nearby, so I have a place to stay already. I have bought some of the stuff already to be ready to drive, so I am ready to get on the plane in two days!

I was in the salt. Lake terminal last week. Very nice people there. The terminal is under a lot construction. It’s the smallest one we have about 1/3 the size of Springfield where I was trained. Not sure about the housing for students, can’t help u there. As for clothing remember this is a week long interview dress appropriately. Once on the road most shippers require pants and closed toe shoes. No steel toe required. I’m not saying u can’t wear shorts however we work in a mans world and “most of us” don’t want the added attention. Bring all your wires the trucks have plenty of plug-ins. Don’t forget your sun glasses and it may be a while before u get home so think about the changing weather. I didn’t bring bedding with me just bought it before I went out on tnt.

Janet, congrats on the 1 year with Prime milestone! Question for ya.. does Prime have dedicated routes?

So I have packed all my clothing, my recruiter told me to pack for three weeks, since I would not be home for approximately 7 or more weeks. I didn't bring any business attire, because I figure this is the trucking world. Was I wrong, should I bring business attire? I packed a bunch of new items, so my clothes will all look nice, as long as when I unroll them from the ziploc bags they are not too bad in wrinkles. Also they put us up in a hotel nearby, so I have a place to stay already. I have bought some of the stuff already to be ready to drive, so I am ready to get on the plane in two days!

I was in the salt. Lake terminal last week. Very nice people there. The terminal is under a lot construction. It’s the smallest one we have about 1/3 the size of Springfield where I was trained. Not sure about the housing for students, can’t help u there. As for clothing remember this is a week long interview dress appropriately. Once on the road most shippers require pants and closed toe shoes. No steel toe required. I’m not saying u can’t wear shorts however we work in a mans world and “most of us” don’t want the added attention. Bring all your wires the trucks have plenty of plug-ins. Don’t forget your sun glasses and it may be a while before u get home so think about the changing weather. I didn’t bring bedding with me just bought it before I went out on tnt.

No, no business attire. They are looking at u to see how u will represent Prime at a shipper or receiver. The best advice I can give u. Be early to everything! It’s a tremendous big deal cause if u can’t be on time for class u won’t be on time with loads. Monday your first day will be stressful..a lot to get done that day.

I have not been with Prime Inc a year, I am just starting with CDL Training on the job at Prime Inc.

Janet, congrats on the 1 year with Prime milestone! Question for ya.. does Prime have dedicated routes?

So I start at Prime on September 16th at the Pittston location in PA. I am most definitely excited and nervous because I am really hoping that this is going to be a good career move for myself. I come from a background of truck drivers. Dad is an owner op, brother is with schneider, my aunt is a trainer at fedex, and I have two uncles that run trucks. I am actually going out with my dad for two weeks prior to starting at Prime.

Anyway, I guess my question for the group would be, would taking a I guess medium size suitcase be okay to take onto a trainers truck? Also, would I be looked at as weird and get kicked off. I am a 5'5 female, so I don't think not having a enough room on the top bunk would be a problem.

Also, would it be okay to wear tee-shirts with the name of the company you used to work for? Not really looking into spending money a whole bunch of things.

Honestly, I cringe when a trainee shows up with lots of heavy baggage and says they were told by recruiting to pack for 3 (or 4) weeks.

7 days is sufficient. Plenty of places to do laundry, and tide pods travel well. Choose clothes you can layer for cooler weather. Bring a SLEEPING BAG... they're so much easier to lug around. A lighter (rain?) Jacket can be handy and a heavier one for colder climates. I do recommend extra socks and underwear as they take up such a small amount of space and 2 pairs of shoes (in case one pair gets real muddy or soaking wet). Flashlight and good quality work gloves. Charger cords, dry non refrigerated snacks.. and a towel.