At A Crossroads

Hello everyone, I would like to get some advice on how to proceed with my trucking career. I’m coming up on a year with Prime inc. So far it’s been a middling experience. The company itself is fine, but I’m not sure it’s worth sticking around. Why? Well for one, it seems like I’ve been put on a regional or dedicated account without any consideration for what I might have to say about it. FM just up and put me on some account without so much as a word. I’d have liked at least a heads up, a choice to remain doing longer trips/48 states. Before you ask, no I haven’t spoken with the FM about it, for now it’s just an observation on my part. Another reason I’m thinking of moving on is that I’m being asked to become a trainer and I really don’t want to do that. One, I just don’t think I’m experienced enough to take on that kind of responsibility yet. Two, I like my privacy and sharing the truck with another person is too large a burden in exchange for a few hundred bucks more a week. I feel like, if I’m going to do a regional gig, I might as well go back home and work out of my state so I can at least go home every so often. I also need to get my endorsements because I have none and I’d really like to get off reefer because it really hasn’t been fun dealing with long wait times sporadic, time pressed appointments. I guess I want to know whether or not you all think it’s worth staying longer than a year or is it about time to consider other prospects?

Decisions, decisions. You answered your own question when you said you haven’t had a discussion with your FM yet. Tell him what your concerns are and see what happens. Staying with Prime might be your best option since you are already familiar with their system. I was about to suggest that you check out the company I drive for until you said you want to get away from reefer. My company is 100% reefer. I was a little nervous about switching from dry van to reefer , but personally, I like reefer and the challenges of exact appointments.

One thing I have really come to appreciate is going to a much smaller company than Schneider. Much more personal attention and freedom to run the truck my way without getting constant calls from the driver manager. (“Bruce, yesterday you had a one mile per hour over speed that lasted for more than 30 seconds. You need to get that under control”)

I hope you find a good situation that you feel comfortable with.

They are not forcing you to train, that doesn't seem like an issue. The other issues can be solved by speaking with your FM. Prime has tanker and flatbed, you could try that.

This is a decision one should not make lightly.

Good luck.

There is nothing wrong with throwing out a few lines and talking to other companies to see what they have to offer. Once you've met your one year obligation you are free to do what is best for you. I'm about to switch companies for the second time in 8 months. It's not something I planned on or really want to make a habit of, but if a job turns out to be less than expected, one shouldn't settle. Try to find a position with a company where you can get what you want.

Your at a position many of us have faced. You have to know what you want and expect first of all.

The training thing, just tell them no and move on. I’ve done that a couple times. It’s a personal choice.

Carriers fill the needs of their customers. Bottom line. Sounds like they have a need and you were available to fill it. Talk with your DM about it. They don’t bite. Explain what your expecations are to them and if they are reasonable ya’ll can work something out.

Prime has 3 divisions I’m aware of. If one isn’t working see if another will. It’s better to transfer within the company than switch all together.

I just left the tanker world, that I loved to flatbed because it fills my needs. Always keep your options open, but make smart business decisions.

I wouldn't necessarily jump ship at Prime just yet. Remember, we have flatbed, tanker, reefer , and intermodal. Have a conversation about your options with your FM.

As for training, I would politely and firmly say "that's never going to happen." If they push, get a dog. You can't be a trainer with a pet on the truck (there ARE some exceptions)

I wouldn't necessarily jump ship at Prime just yet. Remember, we have flatbed, tanker, reefer , and intermodal. Have a conversation about your options with your FM.

As for training, I would politely and firmly say "that's never going to happen." If they push, get a dog. You can't be a trainer with a pet on the truck (there ARE some exceptions)

Great suggestion, NaeNae! Or, the O/P could get a bird: Pebble the Crokatoo !!

This guy would be NO exception, LoL !!!

~ Anne ~

ps: I want this bird SO bad, hahahaha!!

Agreed that you need to talk to your FM about issues and training. They want good drivers to train.and create other good drivers for their fleet. However, TNT is hard and you aren't qualified for PSD until 2 years. Just tell him no.

Intermodal is home daily if you live near an area. There is an awesome intermodal FM named Ross you could check with. As far as expecting long loads just cause you are OTR , that isn't necessarily.true. I have had 76 mile loads and months where my average load was.under.500.miles. it.just varies.

There are a ton of companies but unless you tell them what you want you won't get it. If you want a list of names and emails at prime for switching divisions, email me.

Good luck

A manager once asked me; “would you care how long the average load was if they’re all drop/hook?” That solved that issue for me.

Yes, talk to someone there. I talked to my Driver Manager at Schneider before leaving and she said they couldn’t offer what I was leaving for (same $, more home time). That was six years ago and I’m again considering a change, but for different reasons.

The reality is that some companies do some things really well. Other companies might do other things well. Of this I’m sure; you currently work for a company that has a corporate attitude and that brings a certain amount of professionalism with it. I’m convinced most trucking companies are not that professional. And, if you’re not careful, you may find that out too late.

Just an FYI if you do start looking be careful filling out any forms online where you give out your email or phone number. These recruiters out here are savages and will not leave you alone. I filled out a form that I thought would be different because it was very detailed and I thought it was narrowing my search down to my specific preferences but nope. I hit submit and had 15 automated emails from different companies within seconds half of which were refer, tanker and flatbed which I didnt ask for. Some even contacted my company.

Got that from my dispatcher..... that was awkward.