My Prime Experience (PSD & TNT)
Topic 31791 | Page 1
Glad to see you trying a diary. It helps me a lot to keep things sorted and in perspective. Trust me you will lose track of days and time as PSD and TNT progresses.
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.
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.
Dennis's diary is great. Hope he continues when goes solo. Best of luck Robert, I hope you keep us posted via your diary. Love the Prime Diaries!!
Just quick update...
I passed the Sim analysis 93 out of 100. So, back to the waiting game. No classes until 1400 tomorrow. Taking the night off, going to relax and hang out.
God bless
Great, congrats.
I liked the sim lab guy. He reminded me of the late comedian Chris Farley.
My best advice is to memorize the PTI script as quickly as possible and practice on the trucks at Plaza before class starts.
I went typically 3 hours early to practice PTI. There are cameras everywhere watching what is going on. The trainers are looking to see who is out there putting in the work as they select students to be on their truck.
By knowing your PTI before you get on the truck you will save time with your trainer to focus on driving and backing, etc.
Practice the In Cab script routine repeatedly until it is muscle memory. In Cab is a pass/fail if you skip one item.
Good luck!
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
So woke up this morning with a message saying my drug screen results couldn't be found. On my way to millennium to do another one.
Hey Dennis,
No, just waiting for drug test results. They said maybe by Friday. Meanwhile, I can't go to the pad until I get a badge and I can't get a badge until my drug test comes back. I've been studying pretrial like crazy. Otherwise I'm at a standstill until my test comes back.
Stay on top of that drug test.
I will be heading back to Springfield in a couple weeks. If you are still there stop an see me.
Had a meeting with Ms. V this morning. She said if I don't get cleared by Friday then I won't get cleared until Monday. Been studying pre-trip and have it down pretty good. Otherwise still waiting. Was hanging out talking to some drivers about lease vs company. Don't know which to do yet, leaning toward company for at least a year. To get my feet wet and learn the business.
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Well think let's give this a try. I will try to update when I can, no promises though.
04/24 1500: Checked in at Campus Inn. I live locally (40 miles), so I could have driven every day. Decided for ease, I would just stay here. Spent the rest of the day getting acquainted with my roommate. He is pretty good guy, from Tennessee.
04/25 0900: Orientation with Ms. V, she seems nice but won't put up with BS. I have had no issues with her. She got us setup to start CBT's, have until midnight Tuesday to get them done.
1100: Sent to Orientation office to hand in paperwork. Got their blessing to move on. Didn't expect any different as my driving history, criminal record and work history and crystal clean.Spent the afternoon working on CBT's. Got all but 6 done before had to go to the Sim lab.
2115: Sim lab. Instructor is funny, took a little drive on the simulator. Done at 2345. Back to my room by 0000, had to stop and have a cigarette.
04/26
0800: Roll call amd survey to find a trainer. Have to go millennium building to download CPAP before next class at 1100.
0900: Millennium building... WOW!!! I am really impressed with this building. Once I got done at Cardinal sleep, went to look around and went into the company store. I can tell this place is going to be a problem for me. I have seen a few things that I "need".
1100: Health class. Waiting for my Sim class to start at 1300. Also waiting to get cleared to get my badge. Otherwise I will have all afternoon to do a little laundry and study for pre-trip inspection. Very anxious to get in a truck.
Overall I am really impressed so far. Everyone has been really nice and they don't hesitate to answer questions. Will try to update when I can as I go through this process.
Keep the rubber side down and be safe out there.
God Bless
Pre-trip Inspection:
A pre-trip inspection is a thorough inspection of the truck completed before driving for the first time each day.
Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.