Kearsey, A Couple Of Questions About Prime Inc
Topic 32478 | Page 2
Yep I've already passed a DOT physical here where I am. I wasn't sure if Prime would have me do another physical or not.
I'm starting a private school in my area on Monday. Tuition is $11,400 but most of it is covered via loans. Thanks for the information.
Pelican
Reread the posts by Kearsey and Chief Brody. Prime does not conduct DOT physicals for new students any longer.
You will need to pass the DOT medical exam on your own prior to getting your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) in most states. At least that was how it was for me in Arkansas.
Prime expects you to have the CLP and medical certificate with long form exam results from your home state prior to being invited to attend Orientation.
Prime will arrange for you to provide a urine sample with a certified collection service for a drug screening before you go to Orientation. The results of the drug test have to be received by Prime before you can pass out of Orientation to start Permit Student Driver (PSD) training for the CDL. If you fail that drug test you will be sent home from Orientation.
Regards sleep apnea and CPAP machines, I did a sleep study three years before I went to Prime Orientation. Diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine. I personally chose the nasal pillow rather than full face mask because it is much more comfortable for me sleeping. I sleep much better with the CPAP, much more rested.
Because I take blood pressure medication and use a CPAP I was issued a one year DOT medical certificate rather than two years. Not a big deal to do an exam annually. I’ll be doing mine again within next two weeks.
Prime did request several people from my Orientation class to take sleep studies at Cardinal Sleep (they have a clinic in the Prime terminal building in Springfield). I don’t know what the criteria was for the request. I’ve heard that neck circumference >18” alone can’t be used legally because of “discrimination against overweight people”. Losing weight is a good idea for your health anyways.
Prime would cover the cost of the sleep test. If you had to buy a CPAP from Cardinal Sleep, I suspect that a payment plan via weekly paycheck deduction would be set up.
I had to register my CPAP with Cardinal Sleep so that they could remotely monitor my daily use of the machine to report to Prime Medical and Safety departments. The monitoring cost me $2.50 weekly. To be in compliance must use the CPAP at least 4 consecutive hours daily >70% of the time.
Btw, I’m not sure where you are getting the $10,000 tuition cost to be lost by failing a physical. My DOT medical exam cost me $186 from a certified Chiropractor. You will or should take that physical for your CLP before committing to any company paid or private CDL school. So you will know if you can’t pass it.
The cost of my CDL training with Prime was $4,375. Nothing paid up front. So long as I drive 12 months for them the training is free, plus I’m getting paid.
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.
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.
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.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.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.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
Good luck in school and with job placement. For that much tuition that school better have an excellent job placement service.
Some companies will reimburse some of your private CDL school tuition costs, so look for that hiring benefit.
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.
My last physical I was already for the 18" neck thing ! lol The nurse went to measure my neck, and I said "yeah, I got an 18 inch neck since I was 16, so don't even go there" she didn't..... Had always a hard time then and later, finding button up dress shirts because of my neck, since I got into weight lifting, drinking, beefing up even weighing like 165 lbs+ in high school....
I'm a side sleeper anyways, wake up everytime I switch sides (shoulders get sore) Always have been, and I have snored since I was like a 12 year old toothpick. My mom used to ask me "How come you don't wake up from your snoring, it's so damn loud, can hear you from the other end of the house" I said, "Because, I'm asleep duhhhh" lol
So that whole sleep apnea crap for me, don't fly. I know it does for others though.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
This is NOT true:
"Prime does not conduct DOT physicals for new students any longer."
Explanation:. Prime used to conduct the physicals at the terminal , now they pay for.urgent care to do it.
This IS true:
"You will need to pass the DOT medical exam on your own prior to getting your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)"
When it comes to Prime you have 2 options:
1. You pay for the physical yourself, get the permit, then provide the long form to Prime. Prime can then decide if they need another physical OR reject the physical. Prime can reject an approved DOT Physical based on medication or other issues.
2. Prime will arrange and pay for a physical at Concentra Urgent Care at home. Then you get the permit. Then you come to orientation.
The CPAP:
Yes based on BMI and neck size, Prime will recommend a sleep study. We have sleep labs in the terminal. These are conducted AFTER you pass the CDL exam. Prime fronts the money for the study and you pay it back in $50 per week increments.
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.
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.
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.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
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.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
Thanks for the correction, Kearsey
To clear up, I should arrive to Prime (or whatever company it is) with a CDL already. I'm not going to a company sponsored program.
I won't be attending Prime CDL training, just the otr (I believe y'all call it TNT) training.
This is NOT true:
"Prime does not conduct DOT physicals for new students any longer."
Explanation:. Prime used to conduct the physicals at the terminal , now they pay for.urgent care to do it.
This IS true:
"You will need to pass the DOT medical exam on your own prior to getting your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)"
When it comes to Prime you have 2 options:
1. You pay for the physical yourself, get the permit, then provide the long form to Prime. Prime can then decide if they need another physical OR reject the physical. Prime can reject an approved DOT Physical based on medication or other issues.
2. Prime will arrange and pay for a physical at Concentra Urgent Care at home. Then you get the permit. Then you come to orientation.
The CPAP:
Yes based on BMI and neck size, Prime will recommend a sleep study. We have sleep labs in the terminal. These are conducted AFTER you pass the CDL exam. Prime fronts the money for the study and you pay it back in $50 per week increments.
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.
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.
OTR:
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.
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.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
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.
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.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
I'm starting a private school in my area on Monday. Tuition is $11,400 but most of it is covered via loans.
Pelican, you are paying way too much for CDL school. I honestly can't believe that price. It's completely out of line. Not only are you getting reamed, but you are taking on debt to have them steal from you.
Buyer beware.
You are getting nothing extra for all that extra expense.
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.
Pelican, you are paying way too much for CDL school. I honestly can't believe that price. It's completely out of line. Not only are you getting reamed, but you are taking on debt to have them steal from you.
Buyer beware.
You are getting nothing extra for all that extra expense.
I agree wholeheartedly with this. That's $11,400 plus interest down the drain for nothing. You can go through Paid CDL Training Programs where they will pay you for training, or at least part of your training.
With paid cdl training, your training will be more thorough, specific to the company you're working for, done on new equipment, and it will cost you far less than private training. After you complete paid CDL training, the company that trained you will then hire you.
Check out this article:
Why I Prefer Paid CDL Training Over Private Training
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.
Bumping this… totally agree.
Pelican, you are paying way too much for CDL school. I honestly can't believe that price. It's completely out of line. Not only are you getting reamed, but you are taking on debt to have them steal from you.
Buyer beware.
You are getting nothing extra for all that extra expense.
I agree wholeheartedly with this. That's $11,400 plus interest down the drain for nothing. You can go through Paid CDL Training Programs where they will pay you for training, or at least part of your training.
With paid cdl training, your training will be more thorough, specific to the company you're working for, done on new equipment, and it will cost you far less than private training. After you complete paid CDL training, the company that trained you will then hire you.
Check out this article:
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.
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Pelican
Reread the posts by Kearsey and Chief Brody. Prime does not conduct DOT physicals for new students any longer.
You will need to pass the DOT medical exam on your own prior to getting your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) in most states. At least that was how it was for me in Arkansas.
Prime expects you to have the CLP and medical certificate with long form exam results from your home state prior to being invited to attend Orientation.
Prime will arrange for you to provide a urine sample with a certified collection service for a drug screening before you go to Orientation. The results of the drug test have to be received by Prime before you can pass out of Orientation to start Permit Student Driver (PSD) training for the CDL. If you fail that drug test you will be sent home from Orientation.
Regards sleep apnea and CPAP machines, I did a sleep study three years before I went to Prime Orientation. Diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine. I personally chose the nasal pillow rather than full face mask because it is much more comfortable for me sleeping. I sleep much better with the CPAP, much more rested.
Because I take blood pressure medication and use a CPAP I was issued a one year DOT medical certificate rather than two years. Not a big deal to do an exam annually. I’ll be doing mine again within next two weeks.
Prime did request several people from my Orientation class to take sleep studies at Cardinal Sleep (they have a clinic in the Prime terminal building in Springfield). I don’t know what the criteria was for the request. I’ve heard that neck circumference >18” alone can’t be used legally because of “discrimination against overweight people”. Losing weight is a good idea for your health anyways.
Prime would cover the cost of the sleep test. If you had to buy a CPAP from Cardinal Sleep, I suspect that a payment plan via weekly paycheck deduction would be set up.
I had to register my CPAP with Cardinal Sleep so that they could remotely monitor my daily use of the machine to report to Prime Medical and Safety departments. The monitoring cost me $2.50 weekly. To be in compliance must use the CPAP at least 4 consecutive hours daily >70% of the time.
Btw, I’m not sure where you are getting the $10,000 tuition cost to be lost by failing a physical. My DOT medical exam cost me $186 from a certified Chiropractor. You will or should take that physical for your CLP before committing to any company paid or private CDL school. So you will know if you can’t pass it.
The cost of my CDL training with Prime was $4,375. Nothing paid up front. So long as I drive 12 months for them the training is free, plus I’m getting paid.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
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.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.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
On-the-Road Instruction / 10,000 Miles
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.