Mega Carriers Mentor Training Just Not Working For Me Looking For Small Fleet Owners
Topic 31878 | Page 2
Hey hows it going I did put up above in 2 of my post that i am in the carlisle and harrisburg pennsylvania area. However I was hired on by Trans Am so I will be starting with them next week their training is 7 days but not over the road with the trainer i will not have to stay with the trainer at all. It appears the reason for their training program to be such a way is because of past problems like i originally mentioned in my 1st post among other situations. I am glad of that. With the driving experience I do have im proud to say I've driven all 3 (freighliner, international and kenworth t680) my preference is the freightliner but they only have kenworth so hey I'm cool with that (gotta get my feet wet) and I'm definitely glad I have that opportunity even if it isn't the company of choice for many. Thanks for the companies you did offer currently and most likely I will keep them in mind for sure. My primary focus is to get this experience under my belt and put my attitude to the side I'm sure i can do it for 7 days especially when I won't be living with this person in the truck. Trucking has always been a thing for me i have family and friends who are all owner operators plus I love to drive and travel big bonus. I know this isnt' for leisure but i will get a chance to see different parts of the country. I just wanted to give you a update. thanks for not judging.
I'm between harrisburg and carlisle pa and yes some of those require experience. Pride i spoke with they require 5 weeks out at once and they dont run east coast like that
Alisa C.,
It would still help if you'd add your 'state' to your profile, for others to pitch in, without reading every post of yours.
However, you could DEFINITELY check out Dutch Maid Logistics; a state away. They have lanes in your area, through and TO your area.
Dutch Maid Logistics I've got two pals working there, still!
None of the LTL's would train you? There are SO MANY nearby! Look at Banks's diary, Delco Dave, and BobcatBob!
Another you could look into, is Witte Bros., Witte Bros. Truck Driving School & Company.
Both the training companies I mentioned, ARE smaller companies.
I can't speak for Kearsey, but I'll bet she will stop in, to answer other questions, and those that are Prime specific. Glad you stopped back; hope we are helping, somewhat!
~ Anne ~
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
Over The Road:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
News flash!!!!!!!! With Prime if you do not take the TNT trainer that's available to you and decline You will NOT be paid to wait on another trainer that's ONE way. I've had my friend who is also on you tube just like you his name is Mrlovielovie. check out his video. This exact thing happened to him he made a video about it because the person he requested was not available yet prime had another TNT he refused and was not paid the $900 until he got back on a truck. As far as me and my situation Chris Martin was my training supervisor that is what he told me because I had a issue with the first trainer and going home waiting on a second I would not be paid during that wait. So yes there are ways that waiting on a TNT trainer Prime will not pay you. Also I didn't clarify with using things on the truck Sorry about that, I was talking about the cabinets, outlets, you know the things the truck came BUILT with LOL. I had to spend money to built a extra inverter the first day (CPAP machine that only take 9 watts)with the first trainer.
So in 2 months you went from Prime to Butler to Knight. And the problem is with all of them?
A fridge is not required. I didn't have a fridge when I went solo for the first 18 months because I couldn't afford one. They cost over $600 at the time. And they are the property of the driver. Not the company. My first student broke the glass shelf in my $600 fridge. Is that fair? Trainers are not required to allow you to use anything that they personally paid for that is used for personal reasons. Sorry. I am also not required to let you use my $400 GPS, which again another student used and broke Not showering is indeed a good reason to switch trainers. But I have yet to find of any TNT who did not get paid while awaiting a trainer.
Pennsylvania is not the trucking capital as PA IFTA taxes, fuel and tolls can be very costly. Many companies try to stay out of there. So how much freight does Butler have there? That could make a difference, and how many drivers do they have? Butler has a total of 303 drivers.... Prime has almost 9,000. Why would you expect to get a trainer more easily at Butler?
News flash... Almost all companies will want a new DOT physical upon hiring. It doesn't matter if your last card was issued last week. Get used to it if you want to stay in trucking. I seriously doubt after a card was issued that Knight rejected you for health reasons. Anyone with a health condition, CPAP blood pressure etc will only get a 1 year card. The doctor cleared you so there is more to this story.
When it comes to small fleets.... They require the experience because they cannot afford the insurance for new drivers.
Your best bet is to try to go back to Prime. Every company you jump to is going to go on your DAC and make you appear to be a job hopper with no commitment. And you still owe Prime the $5,000 plus interest.
Apply everywhere and take what you can get. The longer you aren't driving the more likely a company will want you to go through schooling all over again.
Good luck
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
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.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
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.
Hey hows it going I did put up above in 2 of my post that i am in the carlisle and harrisburg pennsylvania area. However I was hired on by Trans Am so I will be starting with them next week their training is 7 days but not over the road with the trainer i will not have to stay with the trainer at all. It appears the reason for their training program to be such a way is because of past problems like i originally mentioned in my 1st post among other situations. I am glad of that. With the driving experience I do have im proud to say I've driven all 3 (freighliner, international and kenworth t680) my preference is the freightliner but they only have kenworth so hey I'm cool with that (gotta get my feet wet) and I'm definitely glad I have that opportunity even if it isn't the company of choice for many. Thanks for the companies you did offer currently and most likely I will keep them in mind for sure. My primary focus is to get this experience under my belt and put my attitude to the side I'm sure i can do it for 7 days especially when I won't be living with this person in the truck. Trucking has always been a thing for me i have family and friends who are all owner operators plus I love to drive and travel big bonus. I know this isnt' for leisure but i will get a chance to see different parts of the country. I just wanted to give you a update. thanks for not judging.
I'm between harrisburg and carlisle pa and yes some of those require experience. Pride i spoke with they require 5 weeks out at once and they dont run east coast like that
Alisa C.,
It would still help if you'd add your 'state' to your profile, for others to pitch in, without reading every post of yours.
However, you could DEFINITELY check out Dutch Maid Logistics; a state away. They have lanes in your area, through and TO your area.
Dutch Maid Logistics I've got two pals working there, still!
None of the LTL's would train you? There are SO MANY nearby! Look at Banks's diary, Delco Dave, and BobcatBob!
Another you could look into, is Witte Bros., Witte Bros. Truck Driving School & Company.
Both the training companies I mentioned, ARE smaller companies.
I can't speak for Kearsey, but I'll bet she will stop in, to answer other questions, and those that are Prime specific. Glad you stopped back; hope we are helping, somewhat!
~ Anne ~
Glad to hear you got a start! Chickie Monster (used to be on here) started with them, as well. Look up some of her stuff!! She's now with Cal Ark, and can be followed on Twitter, Ashley Loucks.
Make sure they don't try to get you to go lease, however!!!!
Best wishes; let us know! Maybe do a diary?
~ Anne ~
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
Over The Road:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Oh no never that lol. I'm not even THINKING about leasing I would probably most likely do trucking for a bout 3 to 5 years max. I did look at her stuff on here but I can follow on twitter as well to look up more of her stuff thanks again.
Glad to hear you got a start! Chickie Monster (used to be on here) started with them, as well. Look up some of her stuff!! She's now with Cal Ark, and can be followed on Twitter, Ashley Loucks.
Make sure they don't try to get you to go lease, however!!!!
Best wishes; let us know! Maybe do a diary?
~ Anne ~
Oh no never that lol. I'm not even THINKING about leasing I would probably most likely do trucking for a bout 3 to 5 years max. I did look at her stuff on here but I can follow on twitter as well to look up more of her stuff thanks again.
Anytime, girl!!
Email in my profile if you ever want to chat with a 2 mil miler's trucker's wife, that only drove a dang year, haha!
I really hope this works for you. Sounds solid!
Yeah, Chickie detailed the HECK out of her TransAm experience.. was an awesome follow. Her husband is disabled, and remains her passenger. She has pets on occasion, as well. Helluva lady driver, IMHO!
Also, Look up Susan D. (or might be Sue D. now?) on here. She took OFF with WST (West Side Transport) and got into a relationship w/her trainer; almost married him; don't recall.
Perfect example of what you mentioned; I hear ya.
Only person trained me was my husband.. tanks and concrete barriers on flats. If I could learn that, you can do anything!
Always,
~ Anne ~
To clarify for anyone reading this ... It wasn't that the OP wasn't paid while waiting for a trainer.... It is that she refused a trainer and was not paid. Completely different thing, when you refuse a trainer or truck you are saying you are "not available for dispatch" and are not paid.
Good luck to the OP in all she does.
Oh no never that lol. I'm not even THINKING about leasing I would probably most likely do trucking for a bout 3 to 5 years max. I did look at her stuff on here but I can follow on twitter as well to look up more of her stuff thanks again.
Glad to hear you got a start! Chickie Monster (used to be on here) started with them, as well. Look up some of her stuff!! She's now with Cal Ark, and can be followed on Twitter, Ashley Loucks.
Make sure they don't try to get you to go lease, however!!!!
Best wishes; let us know! Maybe do a diary?
~ Anne ~
Any updates on Trans Am, Alisa?
Hope all is going well~!!!!
~ Anne ~
Yeah I went through Prime Inc schooling program back in 2014. I hated it. There wasn't enough trainers that didn't mind a female on their truck. I didn't really learn anything with the trainer that I got. However, I was glad to get my feet wet. With Prime I could only shift up to 3rd gear and always stalled at an intersection. I ended up failing the parallel test the 2nd try. I never tried my 3rd time, I just quit and went home. Now Im currently at a community college in CDL class, I have 3 weeks left and I can basically do everything with my eyes closed in a manual lol. I'm excited and choosing to go with Maverick (sister of TMC)!
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.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Yeah I went through Prime Inc schooling program back in 2014. I hated it. There wasn't enough trainers that didn't mind a female on their truck. I didn't really learn anything with the trainer that I got. However, I was glad to get my feet wet. With Prime I could only shift up to 3rd gear and always stalled at an intersection. I ended up failing the parallel test the 2nd try. I never tried my 3rd time, I just quit and went home. Now Im currently at a community college in CDL class, I have 3 weeks left and I can basically do everything with my eyes closed in a manual lol. I'm excited and choosing to go with Maverick (sister of TMC)!
Wish you well, Jasmine!
We've got quite a few Maverick diaries here on T/T ~ are you planning on going with their Glass Division?
I hear ya; choosing Maverick . . . are they 'choosing you,' too? If you've not settled your contractual agreement with Prime, or paid them off, you may have a problem.
There's a thread on that, in the general discussions forum.
Here's what you should be looking at, since you're now at a private school ~
- Article: Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step
- Trucker's Wiki: "Pre-Hire Letters"
- Forum Topics Tagged "CDL Pre-Hire Letters"
Best wishes; stop back!
~ Anne ~
ps: Have you looked into Kearsey's YouTube channel ? Truckin' Along w/ Kearsey !
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.
Pre-hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Prime Inc Company Sponsored CDL Training Company Trainers Reports From CDL Training Women In Trucking
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
ps: I'm glad to HEAR that you didn't give up. Please don't be defensive/combative; I didn't intend to be.
I'm not directing you to follow anyone; I've followed my husband for 2 mil plus miles...that's harder than you know!
Did you check Marten Transport, with a terminal in your area? Got a few happy folks driving with/for them, too!
Here's the link: Marten Transport.
A few others come to mind: PAM Transport, training via Driver Solutions; and PTL ... ie: Paschall Truck Lines. I don't have the links handy on those two; sorry.
Best always, for real.
~ Anne ~
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.