What To Pack?
Topic 558 | Page 1
The others will probably have better advice but I'm from Missouri (3 hours north of Springfield) and can tell you the weather here is all over the place. Lately its been a day or 2 in the 70s then a week of cold rainy 40s. I would throw in a hoodie or two. Also when you're otr you may be anywhere. I remember driving home from Arizona in my car from school I was hot leaving. I got into the middle of Texas late at night and it was ice cold. Shorts and flipflops was no longer suitable. I assume it will be that way a lot. After a few hundred miles the weather can change quite a bit. You probably don't need a winter coat for a while but it will probably be chilly from time to time.
Also may want a book or electronics to pass the tme
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.
A light weight jacket/hoodie will do, maybe a flannel shirt. Don't forget sleeping bag/pillow.
Chargers for electronics. If taking a laptop, how do you plan on accessing the internet? Don't depend on being able to use your trainers hotspot, that may not be an option.
Hope this helps.
Ernie
As far as internet access goes, I'll just be using my smartphone for now. Will think about a laptop after I go solo. I want as little as possible with me on my trainer's truck due to having to pretty much sleep with what I bring. I also have my books with me in the form of an e-reader.
As far as internet access goes, I'll just be using my smartphone for now. Will think about a laptop after I go solo. I want as little as possible with me on my trainer's truck due to having to pretty much sleep with what I bring. I also have my books with me in the form of an e-reader.
That is smart, bringing as little as possible during training.
Who are you going to go with for your training?
Ernie
Be sure and bring flip flops for in the shower....NEVER LET YOUR FEET TOUCH THAT SHOWER FLOOR 
Also, you won't need a towel for the showers, they are provided, but you will need a washcloth....you will need your day to day shoes, and a pair of light shoes, that will give your feet a rest, and let them breathe. Also, extra sox...
Be sure and bring flip flops for in the shower....NEVER LET YOUR FEET TOUCH THAT SHOWER FLOOR
Yeah, I guess I should have mentioned all the little things in addition to my clothes, etc. LOL :) I know all about the shower shoes from my college and military days...just bought a new pair of shower shoes for this adventure. I've been wearing some form of combat boot for the last 11 years of my life on a daily basis for work. I'll have my Bates duty boots and a pair of tennis shoes along with me, and perhaps another pair of flip flops for wearing during down time and plenty of socks. Thanks for the advice!
That is smart, bringing as little as possible during training.
Who are you going to go with for your training?
Ernie
Ernie, I am headed to Prime Inc. Going through PSD and TnT. Wouldn't happen to be looking for a student that is prior military and law enforcement would ya? LOL
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.
Try this links. Should be all you need
Well, I'm flying out to Springfield, MO for Orientation/Training/Boot Camp this coming Sunday. Having not traveled outside of the southeast very much, and never during any season other than the middle of summer I am wondering if I should pack a coat or jacket or sweatshirt, something just in case I hit a cold spot with my trainer? Or do I just save the space since there's two of us on the truck for the next 8+ weeks and take my chances? I have one medium duffel bag with 7 pairs of pants (5 jeans, 2 khaki tactical pants leftover from my LEO days)7 polo shirts and 7 undershirts (white t shirts) along with underwear and socks. This will last me two weeks on the road between laundry (which I am assuming is at the owner of the truck I am training in's discretion. This all fits in the medium duffel, maybe 3/4ths the size of the old style Army duffel bags. Plus I have my toothbrush, soap, shaving goods, etc. What says ye? Too much? Not enough? Help!!!!!!!!!!!! oh and thanks for any feedback ;)
A hoodie would be a good idea. I live in Springfield and its 85 and sunny today but calling for snow Thursday night. If you don't like the Missouri weather wait 5 minutes it will change.
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Well, I'm flying out to Springfield, MO for Orientation/Training/Boot Camp this coming Sunday. Having not traveled outside of the southeast very much, and never during any season other than the middle of summer I am wondering if I should pack a coat or jacket or sweatshirt, something just in case I hit a cold spot with my trainer? Or do I just save the space since there's two of us on the truck for the next 8+ weeks and take my chances? I have one medium duffel bag with 7 pairs of pants (5 jeans, 2 khaki tactical pants leftover from my LEO days)7 polo shirts and 7 undershirts (white t shirts) along with underwear and socks. This will last me two weeks on the road between laundry (which I am assuming is at the owner of the truck I am training in's discretion. This all fits in the medium duffel, maybe 3/4ths the size of the old style Army duffel bags. Plus I have my toothbrush, soap, shaving goods, etc. What says ye? Too much? Not enough? Help!!!!!!!!!!!! oh and thanks for any feedback ;)