🤦♀️😃 girl this video scared me half to death glad I kept listening!!! I totally agree! I received my training at Prime Inc. when I got my 50k I asked to stay with my trainer through the winter. As a result of my choice not to rush off the truck. I have extra skills that have saved my life. I can back down a street or whatever I need to do. I'm not scared in winter, mountains. I'm good. Snow and ice shit it down folks. The load can wait to keep your life. I approve your message here.
42 year Trucker here. All you new drivers out there please take your time and don’t get in a rush to get out on your own without a trainer. I didn’t go through a training program when I started driving trucks at 18 years old but I wish I had. My Dad owned the trucking company so I already knew a little but not enough. Take your time and listen to your trainer and if he tells a lot of BS stories just pretend like you believe all of them so he’ll give you a good grade. Your real learning begins when you get out on your own and make all your mistakes when nobody is looking. Don’t drive fast and take your time. You’ll meet the idiots out on the interstates so get ready for all that. I’m retiring in the next couple of years so one of you will have to replace me. Good luck! 👍
Fast training = death, jail, or failure. 50,000 miles is top tier training in the trucking industry. I did Warner, and it's only 21 days....21! Fuken ridiculous. Then I came to Prime did 40,000 miles, and it is top tier training. All new people coming to trucking looking for "fast" your mindset is already wrong! My condolences to all looking for fast.
You’re absolutely right. Fast training to get behind the wheel of an 80k lb truck only adds up to people dying, that’s it, not much else. I’ve only been driving otr for 5yrs but it takes time, one will only truly understand and appreciate the actual scope of responsibility through professional training and actual windshield time. Be safe out there. 😎✌️
Driving is common sense shut down icy or high wind conditions and practice your backing I learned the most when I got off my trainer truck at us xpress been driving 7 years now I didn't go with prime because of their long training but everybody is different
25 years ago I started at Werner. My trainer had me backing all Werner trucks at shipping and receivers. New drivers need training. And all those years ago I was told never become complacent. And 25 years later I drive the same. And still not afraid to get out and look when backing.
Not going to lie, I did my training in 11 days and got back home. It’s been months now and I’m practicing everything I was taught and told. Taking my time, paying attention and most importantly staying safe. Had a few uh oh moments but I caught myself and got it together Real Fast.
Thank you for your honesty. Training is most important to me a non-trucker because our lives are in your hands. A friend of mine told me he knew a trucker who had to make a quick horrible decision of who he was going to hit and he knew that person would probably be killed by the force of the truck and it wasn't the truckers fault. You see a driver cut in front of him with a baby in back seat and an adult was in a car in another lane, he had to decide between the baby or adult life and he swerved over to hit the car with the adult to save the baby. The adult was killed and he so traumatized, guilty he quit driving. Folks don't realize a truck can't instantly stop, it has gears to go through to slow down and stop in the type of big rig truck he was driving. The woman who caused this and her baby lived. This story makes me respect truckers even more than I did and the powere of these Big rigs. So, training is necessary for everyone when you on the road in any type of motor vehicle. Sorry for this long text, but this true story never strays too far from my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe out there everyone and again Truckers thank you All for your service to the rest of us .
that comment above sounds like the driver was driving to fast for conditions or traveling in wrong lane , i expect people to cut me off , i am a professional , u have to know what to do , no car just appears out of thin air , even a car who "cuts u off" u see coming , bottom line is safety and training are just guide lines or rules to follow , like playing baseball, i can show u and tell u and explain the rules of how to play baseball but that dont mean u can hit a 90mph fastball or even see it, trucking is like a sport and it takes a skill that not everyone has and no amount of training will change that
for me its unexpected bullshit i have no controll or influence on, like going to a truckstop to take a shower and showers are closed , or im here to get a trailer and waiting a hour for someone to unlock a gate , pretty much anything u didnt think of happening that happens and is wasting my clock@@BayAreaPeebz
I'm a 24 year experience driver. I'm also a trainer both in truck and classroom.. the problem is.. people are in too much of a hurry.. first off. Once you get into trucking, your gonna be green. So don't expect anything but starting at the bottom. Pay gets better as you gain experience or specialize in something.
When I started 22 years ago I got CDL without school. I worked on trucks and drove part time and went full time OTR after 6 years part time, no driver trainer just got in the truck and went to Florida. I wish I had someone to show me the ropes but I learned as I went and asked a lot of questions. I always drove for small companies and in 2014 bought my truck and leased on to carriers. After 9 years of seeing how badly I was being robbed, had my own customers and equipment I finally pulled the trigger in October of this year and activated my own authority. Best advice I can ever give is don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help, not all of us are complete jerks and will gladly help anyone.
Excellent advice. I learned more by asking for help at the truck stops than I did with my trainer. I was surprised that 90% of them were more than happy to help. It's always better to ask someone than to assume or take a chance.
I killed it at Prime in flatbed div. And now my pay has doubled with Perdue Transportation..point being, you want to make.money in trucking take your damn time.and get your experience in. Take your time, learn your job, and especially, get experienced under that sterring wheel in dangerous conditions. Stop being so impatient and thinking about the money all the damn time. Cause.if you want it quick you wont at all succeed in this field for too long.
I only got two weeks of training when I went to knight I wish I would have gotten more training but I been doing this for a year now still learning everyday
I was out on my own after 4 weeks with Western Express. In the beginning it was very tough. Lots of little things that happan that you gotta figure out on your own. Lots of NYC runs. No one holds your hand through any of this. Now I am with Prime and after over a year on the road I'm still learning new things all the time but things have gotten much easier.
Schneider is a great starter company. You get you you own truck once you graduate and ride with a training engineer for a week and after that week depending on your performance, you get your own truck and ride solo.
Hey guys! I totally agree with training longer 💯 It's definitely different once you're on your own. Be patient with yourself and don't compete with the next driver and ask questions...I drove for Schneider before my injury and I'm so nervous about getting back out there when the time comes even with experience. Stay focused out there y'all, time and practice is what makes you better. Congratulations to all the new drivers out there🎉🎉
Just be careful, recruiters will tell you anything to lure you into their orientation. A “local” driving position isn’t really local if you’re spending 5-6 nights a week in the sleeper. Even if it is a local position and you can get home every night that can be more exhausting than otr. Think about it, they’ll expect you to keep a 14hr on duty clock so you’ll have 10 hours to drive home from the yard, shower eat and sleep then commute back into work. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence until you make that leap. They say if you leave on good terms you can always come back to Prime but that’s not always the case. If I were you I’d stick around for at least your.1 year anniversary at the very least. A lot of good companies require 2 years. They also look at how many carriers you’ve moved to over.that time. Too many different jobs in a short period of time is a red flag and you could find yourself unhireable.
I admire your honesty on the time frame and also agree that your extra time with VAGA helped you long term. I admire your " practice makes perfect " on backing, you are nailing it 90 percent of the time. Thank you for spending your time to film edit and share on top of your driving duties....... Your a rock star. Please always be you first and foremost.
Just retired from prime flatbed division when started it was 30000 miles the best move of my life 1 million 500 thousand miles later loved driving for prime went thru about 5 fleet mgrs all very good people shout out to Zac and Adam
Thanks for the input and honestly. This makes it even more excited to get started. I go to orientation in a couple weeks but the long training will ve good for me since I'm new to this and not going there like I know everything or anything at that
Girl as a Prime inc. driver for years now! You are spot on your explanation is correct what works for me maybe it's for you. Keep up the great work. And Good Luck with your channel.
I think you are doing a great job on your videos I've been watching them from day one and you have really grown into your own as a truck driver so just continue to do what's in your heart and what God put on your spirit stay safe and be blessed
As a driver who's been driving for a minute, I have now the knowledge to get outta any situation because I trained with CR England for 2 weeks then spent 2 weeks with a trainer, then from there I got into terrible things and so forth & I did maneuvers that makes even my wife nervous so it's well worth it if you can conquer your fear now I'm an expert of a driver with foresight of any scenario thanks to my mess ups no trainer can teach me what I know but I also am now a O/O as well so you pick your path whether it's training for 3 months or 3 years but God bless everyone & keep your shiny side up😊
I'm suppose to find out my orientation departure date this week. I did a lot of research on companies all year and settled on Prime. My husband and I had a good long talk and we have a plan. We've known each other since we were 15 (around 19 years). So we're really solid. I know Prime's training is longer and you don't get to jump straight into mega buck lol. But I think the longer training will be better for me, personally, because I really wanna know what I'm doing backwards and forwards. I've seen a few videos where the youtuber said Prime was taking too long so they quit TNT and went someone else and they realized, once they got on a truck, they "didn't know sh--" lol. Thank you for the honest video!
I only had to do 30k miles at Prime if they feel you are doing better than other people. You can probably request to be cleared early. Not sure if that was just for flatbedd. I really wouldn't be a company driver for them. They have a good lease program but absolutely wouldn't go into flatbed division as a company driver. I'm now with swift on a dedicated route and love it. I make more money and I'm home 2 nights a week plus I do my 34 hr reset at home.
@slimepack_392 Thank you once again! Tomorrow is my last day in CDL A school and Saturday we take our driving test. I would love to see you do a video on backing maneuvers and tricks such as offset, parallel and straight backing. I’m finally getting the hang of it but I’m pretty sure in the real world there are many layouts that may not be as straight forward as the school range. I’m applying for a program before I’m paired with my mentor called Top Gun. They will put us in a simulator for a week and we get to back up 40 times each student. Then about 4-6 weeks with our mentor. Be blessed and stay safe!
There’s a reason why I don’t get as nervous when a Prime driver is backing in next to me. When it’s Swift, Werner, CR England; yea, I get really nervous. Training makes all the difference!😊
Jasmine it doesn't matter what company you drive for as long as you are happy and making money to support yourself sweetie, God bless and keep you safe
I'm new to your channel. First let me say your personality is the bomb. Second them jeans girl u killing me most trucker ladies are not that hot 🥵. But anyways I'm thinking hard about joining not sure if it's for me but I know the money can be really good so I'm looking into it. I've drove an old mack truck when I was 26 for a few months for a shitty moving company with no experience I got lucky . I was scared at first but I fell in love with driving that big rig. So I'm looking back and watching truckers do there thing got a few in the fam their pushing me to get my CDL. I can do anything I put my mind to so I'll be getting into it and hopefully I can do it. It's a whole lot to learn for real. I love your videos so thank you for your advice
I’m holding strong. Loads aren’t coming in as fast as it should, but I’m learning lots. My finances are hurting though! I need to finish this 50k. I’m almost at 30k. Keep sharing! Love your content!
I originally got my CDL through prime in 2011 where we had to do 40,000 mi. I find the commentary around prime to be very interesting. There are so many older drivers out there who complain about these trucking school mills that pump out barely trained drivers and throw them in a truck to hit the highway for all of us to deal with. But then at the same time, will make fun of prime because their training takes several months.
Your so right just getting your C.D.L. is just the beginning of your training as a driver all the rest comes from learning on the job with a trainer .The rules the lifestyle only come with time .And for everyone that is different .As a long haul oversize and heavy haul driver of 45 years I have had to make many split second life or death decisions That i had to live with .I have also been the trainer for lots of new drivers .I never set a time or mileage limit on training time for me it was How are they doing are they learning .I only had to send one person home in all that time ,But i explained to them first why i was doing so .To those who want to try I say do it But also if you find you can't don't feel bad at least you tried .
I just turned my refeer unit in Friday. I got tired 😫 of sitting at grocery warehouse and Tyson and mest plants. Couldn't turn akot of miles. now im back in a covered flatbed. Going to see how this go
I create a play list to start when I am driving to listen to also. Excellent advice about good training. Rushing doesn't equal enough good training. Take the long term training to become excellent.
I only wish I could’ve went with a trainer for 50,000 . I was only with a trainer for 3 weeks. I now have going on 4 1/2 years and I am getting better as the days go by. I really struggled with backing in the beginning, but I’m getting better every day . I had to figure much out on my own , but have asked advice and help from more experienced drivers. Keep your videos coming , they all are helpful. Stay safe driver and blessings to ya.
I'm flatbed with prime we have to do 30 and it's worth the time specifically being out in Californiaand Florida for the first time with them checkpoints 😑 and learning places you can park at like casinos put the time in
I got my training @ prime .. But I didn’t stay after I got my license. Due to family reasons, Got out there 6 months later, But I advise ppl to get No restriction. Don’t limit yourself
Thank you for all the videos and being honest. Can you kinda give me some advice on what to do since you kinda touched on this subject. So I pass my CDL test on the 21st of November and since then I have been waiting on a trainer for the Tanker division. I got a call from prime saying I should go with a reefer trainer and do 30k miles and then switch back to Tanker, but I’m scared I might get stuck in the reefer division if I do go with a reefer trainer, but on the other hand I feel like if I don’t accept it, who knows how long ima be waiting on a tanker trainer. So idk what to do. I apologize I know this alot, I just need some type of advice on what I should do. Have a blessed day and stay safe 🙏🏾
You did a good job in God was with you the whole way through so that way you was able to work through everything and got out there on your own so you should be real I love watching your video cuz it's very interesting
Just to be HONEST, look every TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOLS over like you would buy a USED CAR !!!!! EVEN COLLEGE. USE AND THROW that is TRUCKING. Better to get your CDL LICENSE before going to any CDL COMPANY.
I went with Roehl and they did the 21 day thing. First month on my own was hell and almost gave up. However I am glad I stayed. After 5 years of driving I am now backing that trailer between trees and off road as a local Log Trucker.
@tinacooper4596 Yes for permit holders. They will pay for your license but will have to work for them 9 months to clear the contract for your license. Then soon after you’ll start orientation for a few weeks. Hotel and flight included. All you need to cover is dinner since hotel has breakfast and they supply lunch at orientation.
I just got my cdl through Pam school was 3 weeks and mentor training is 18 days. Definitely very rushed. I’m going to be terrified upgrading to my first truck but I’ll get through it. My school only taught the parallel park which really taught me how the trailer moves. My mentor is teaching me the 45 and I’m decent at it. One day at a time.
I’ve been driving 4 years. Once I did every state & winters on my own I went local. It’s new drivers at my company and some said they only know how to straight back. That’s scary!!! I told them to practice on the yard because my company will throw to the wolves.
Everyday there’s something new to learn about trucking. Anytime you think you got it made because you have a CDL you’re headed for trouble. Trying to purchase a truck fresh out of training school is suicidal. That truck takes ALL your revenue before you get paid.
TNT is very WORTH IT !! That 50,000 miles is long but I know by the time I’m done, I’m going to be ready to hit the road with Prime Inc. ! Plus I was a yard dog for FedEx for over a year soo that helped TREMENDOUSLY !! But You just have to be ready & prepared mentally to be on a truck with a trainer for some months. So if your thinking about it & not to sure, GO THROUGH WITH IT !!
A mouth full sister as a prime driver,to new drivers you want the 2year experience under your belt many company’s won’t hire u as a new grad prime has been one of best Company’s I could have chosen.take yall time and research Prime gets yall in and trains you for everything you need to know about driving a rig safety. . . Y’all stay safe and keep trucking we are AMERICAS BACK SCK BONE 💪💪💪🚛
Yeah I want longer training after i get my cdl a cause the schools don’t train good at all. They just help you pass the test involved. Definitely go with longer training once you find a job
Check out Trucking with Rex. He’s one of our lease Prime tanker drivers. He has some decent info about his experience with the lease side. He’s worked both the edible and none edible side here.
I’m here at Prime inc in Springfield right now on day 2 of orientation and I’m excited I get the opportunity to join the Prime family. 50k miles is a lot but me as a non experienced non cdl holder at the moment, the 50k miles is reassuring to my mental state in this industry.
As a long-term driver I can tell you from experience more training is always better. In the end it'll make you a better driver. Just got to have a little patience while you are in training.
The 50,000 seems like a lot until you are actually on your own and realize you still have a lot to learn. At least it was that way for me. No way would I have been ready to go solo after 21 days. I had a great trainer at the school. My otr trainer I believe could have cared less. It was about driving my ass off and making him a boat load of money while he layed his ass in the sleeper eating McDonald's 3 times a day. Actually threatened to throw me off the truck because I wouldn't drive on his clock after I had just finished an 11 hour shift. Prime is a great place to start in my opinion and I feel have treated me extremely well since I'm in my own truck now. I do believe they need to check on the trainers and students for any issues.
I only did 2 weeks with a trainer then 2 more weeks with a trainee running team then I was on my own. I had some training I received while I was in the military.
I only trained for 3 1/2 weeks at Roehl. After that I’d say the first 2 months on my own were rough. I’m at 6 months now and I’m still getting better but at this point I’m not so stressed all the time. Honestly I avoid truck stops at all costs especially later in the afternoon/evening so I don’t gotta deal with that parking nightmare. If I go I make sure I finish for the day early like 2pm.
I only had to do 30,000 miles but, I stayed on my trainer truck for 6months cause I came out during the winter months. I wanted to get that winter experience under my belt
Looking through the comments and didn't see anyone say this girls is real sexy 😏 I've been out here for 11 years . My training was 1 week and was thrown out there . Probably not the best I do remember I was scared but I learned fast . Best piece of advice , don't assume get out and look and take your time
I spent the first 8 years as a spotter for walmart before i ever went on the road, did the school to get my cdl. I honestly think all new drivers should have to spend their first 3 months spotting trailers before they get on the road.
I got my CDL at a trucking school almost a year now and I just got an orientation scheduled with prime. I think they said 50k mile flatbed idk if this good or bad 🤷🏾♂️
Regardless of what's going on between me and Schneider they have the best training. If you already have your cdl it's 2 weeks of class and 5-7 days with a trainer. But I would get my experience then leave Schneider.
You ain’t lying about referring people to a trucking company you work at. I made a mistake and referred a friend to a company I work at, well let me tell you he did not have the experience I had. I felt so bad for him. He ran into a bad dispatcher off the gate. But I told him reach out to management about switching dispatcher before he quit and they were able to link him with my dispatcher and now he happy.
Just keep in mind that training, gaining time in the seat and experience is training. I will give you an example. I weld as a hobby. Took welding in HS and even a technical college welding course. However my best knowledge was based on me applying myself in welding projects. As I did more, I got better and better. Initial Training is needed but your training doesn't end after the initial training. And for @04:54 she is 110% right. If you can't backup good , you can't be a good semi driver.
You may have a video answering this question but I haven’t seen it. Can you start with Prime without a CDL? Will Prime get you your CDL or do you have to go to a school? I have heard that some companies put you through the CDL. Thank you and I love your videos…
