The one piece of advice I can give you as someone with a year plus experience, all that positivity for trucking you have now, try your best to maintain it throughout your training. You are going to need it. That's what got me through it.
I always see things half full never half empty. There will be good days and bad days but you have to just learn from those bad days. I appreciate you sir!!
Chuck, you're bringing back fond memories for me. Almost 40 years ago I started the same way you are...going to the in-house training program of a large, reputable trucking company. I was 22 years old and was doing this just for fun. I only intended to drive for about 2 years and then "get out and get a real job." (My words) Two years later, I wasn't ready to quit. I was having too much fun and I was being PAID well to do it. Thur the years I've been on and off the road, holding multiple different jobs within the industry. But I keep coming back to driving. I now work for a small company (only 15 or so road trucks) and can honestly say I've never been happier. July marks 40 years and about 3 million miles behind the wheel for me. Chuck, you'll do fine in this business. You've got a good head on your shoulders, and good business sense. Have fun. I wish you the best. Maybe we'll cross paths someday out on the road. I'd enjoy meeting and talking with you. Looking forward to your future videos.
Great Job Chuck on CDL permit!! Congrats on making it thru day 1 & day 2 I know you’ll be one of the best NEW drivers they have ever seen in a long time. Keep up the great work 👍🏻.
I worked for Schneider, we had to have all that employment verification, DOT Physical, and pass the math test before we even went to orientation. We lost about 30 of 85 students in 2 weeks for failing tests, driving skills and other reasons. We had a driver get his tandems off the pavement on a 2 Lane road on the second last day. Normally they would send you home for that. But they gave him 3 more days.
@@aceyung For figuring out time and distance. For example You have a 950 mile load, how long will it take you to drive that? Also you had to add up your numbers on your log book.
Great videos man! I’m done with TNT training waiting on a truck. It’s a scary thing changing careers and coming to prime. So these videos should help people out a lot. Thanks.
Chuck I’m glad you’re going at this noble profession with a great attitude and keep up the great videos rolling. Trucker are underrated and under appreciated. Good to have some good people bringing back this great career and given it a good name my brother. Godspeed!
I totally agree with you El.. Truckers are what move this country and unfortunately they are not treated with the respect they deserve most of the time. It’s a very noble career and one that is a dying art.
I used to train new drivers at UPS. And it was always fun to watch their appreciation for Truckers change while we go down the road. When they see how 4 wheelers drive around big rigs that can't stop on a dime.
Hey Chuck, welcome to the world of trucking!!! You are absolutely right your A game is the only game you can bring!!! Anything less will definitely alter your life and the lives of others!!! Your getting it Braddah!!! Can’t wait to continue the journey on the next video!!! Be safe Braddah 👍👍👍
I see you put as much effort into preparation for this training session as you used to do for washing that black car. We had a class A RV for a while and that gave me a real appreciation for what driving a truck must be like.
Wow! Brother you definitely have you hands full. So Proud of you for starting your new Chapter. Stay Frosty Brother!! You've got this! General Lee Out!
I will tell everyone the same thing I told all of my students. This is of course after your training is done. Don't sign lease on truck unless you have a good savings set aside. I went company for 26 months just to save 10 grand before I signed my lease. I have no regrets about that decision. Only reason I went lease was the truck I was in after I turned in my lightweight to become a trainer. And to those bashing Prime, coming up on 3 years 9/6 and I've never had any payroll issues. It's just a rumor created by people who never worked at Prime.
Well I have at least 12 years of experience under my belt with unloading commercial 18wheeler refrigerated semi trailer's for a living at a werehoue located down south Florida really early in the morning at 12:00am midnight all the way until 7:00am in the morning & i have a completely automatic 2022 western star sleeper semi truck that is fully loaded with a custom made full luxury interior
Hey Chuck, how's it going.. Good luck to you at Orientation, you'll pass everything, don't even worry about it, the 1st day is the hardest. Looking forward to the end of the week, so I can see how this week went for you. Good luck once again and God Bless 🙏 prayers are with you, to do what you need and want to do, for you, your family and Prime Inc.. Be safe out there my friend 👍 ✌️ 👍 ✌️
Hey Chuck, congratulations on passing your CDL permit. Thanks for sharing your new future with us. Wow! Never thought it was so involved. Great on safety. Anyway enjoy your rest of time they. Good Luck and God Bless you always. Look forward to your next Vlog. 👍👍🙏😎🏁🏁🇺🇸 Dennis Petrucci
Good afternoon Chuck, I see that link for the CBTs is Tenstreet I am wondering how many if not all the CBTs that Prime uses on there are also on the Driver Pulse app. I used this app to do 95% of my correspondence with my recruiter. It sure would be nice to have all the CBTs that Prime Inc wants us to do be ones from that AP minus some documents to fill out maybe. If that is the case then it will be very easy for me, since I already did all the English ones 231 of them on the AP. Can only hope thank you for a great video. Hope to see you at Prime soo. I start orientation on April 24
you guys are lucky to be driving trucks in the states currently taking my cdl in denmark! my dream is to try to make my way to the states and take my cdl, i want to see the beautiful country!
Chuck Hi Corvette Ed here congrats on the new career? I worked for my best friend for 35 years at a two-man used Corvette dealership. He turned 73 this year and wanted to retire. I am 61 and didn't know what I was going to do? A friend of mine who owns a Chevrolet dealership 35 miles away from where I live asked me last August if I would help him sell his Corvettes at Corvettes @ Carlisle. I did and told him at the end of the year I was out of a job? He told me when you know the date you're done call me. He gave me a job as the used car manager/Corvette manager. I started on March 4th and love my new job. I order all of the Corvettes for stock I have ordered over 20 of them and I get excited every time the truck pulls in to make a delivery. Back to you, I think you should get some experience and then get a job with Jack Cooper hauling new Corvettes to dealers. I think you would really love it delivering customers dream cars!!! Best of luck Ed Hurst
I went to truck driving school in Virginia, and then found a job and hit the road. The companies i worked for did not have trainers, you just learned as you worked. You might say i went to the school of hard knocks.
Chuck, Love your enthusiasm!!! I didn’t realize how sophisticated the trucking industry has become. Very interested to see how you navigate your way to reach your goal! STAY 💯👍👍👍 mike r. in NC
Make sure you learn how to drive the manual trucks. Otherwise you'll be very limited on where you can go in the future. And please don't fall for the "lease" program. Its a rip off. Trust me as a fellow trucker, you get used to it quick. Just dont forget you have 53' behind you when you turn lol.
This is good advice Chuck, regarding the manual transmission. In some states, perhaps all now, if you take your CDL test in a truck with an automatic transmission you will have a restriction on your license that you can only drive automatic transmission trucks. If you wanted to drive one with a manual, you would then have to retake the test.
Great video and congratulations,it is great info for drivers coming in the Industry,I did about the same I'm 27 yrs Trucking retired,driving tour buses 11 years..Yes guys and women have you ducks in a row B4 you get there... Success on & Happy Trails 🚛🚛🚛
Wow been there...tanker driver myself...Reality of a trucker is the load is the most important thing... This how we get paid...no load no money...After getting 5 yrs as a trucker not a wheel handler you understand what I just mention..until than get experience don't expect to much.. Trucking is a lifestyle not a career, or hobby...its all about the shipper..Without the load getting pick up you will be broke..70mph is a safe in this bussines.
you might not see this, but im praying for you, your family,,,,,ps, they dont like their expensive simulators called video games at all according to other vids of prime drivers. if you get to meet jh, shake his hand for me. and good luck on your test, you got this!!!
Plus I am retired medical...just a message please watch you eating and sleeping habits,so many have died in Trucks in this industry...just take care of yourself & Be Safe & Again Happy Trails 🚛🚛🚛
The real problem is when a prime truck is going 55/70 i call that a rolling road block that is also very dangerous situation.i been driving for 37 years i have seen a lot of bad unsafe driving with all these big companies .
That isn't just big companies, its the law in CA, and a really dangerous and dumb one. Thankfully Ohio has become more of a red state in recent years, and did away with their split limit. I'm not sure what the status of Illinois is; apparently it was up for vote in 2014, but the Dem Governor vetoed it.
I learned my lesson today, had to get an old traffic ticket I didn’t know that I had lol. Me and my boyfriend is doing team driving he has Dustin I have heather we start on the 11th of next month.
Chuck, FYI...I'm not sure if this is anything but while watching your vlog the video paused and asked if I was still watching! When I answered yes it said thank you. Ive never seen this before watching TH-cam. Just wondering if TH-cam is checking on you because you askef your viewers to play your uploads and have them running in the background so you can get your viewing hours in. Just curious if you knew anything about this. Lets Roll Buddy! 🖐🖐🖐👋👍
I have my CDL Hazmat and Tanker I have done local stuff only. But there's been some days I been thinking of going to prime. I think the time away from the kids is a little bit what is holding me back. But I live in an area where salt Lake and Portland runs are very possible to be driving to. So maybe getting out of my comfort zone and being on the road would be nice. I was wondering if prime allows passengers? And how old? I'd love to take my oldest boy on the road and spend time with him
I wouldn’t recommend prime. Go work for coke, Pepsi and once you have a year tractor trailer experience come to LTL. Just make sure you get all the endorsements.
Is sleep apnea an automatic disqualification? I got mine from 9/11 (was rookie cop back then) and controlled with use a CPAP machine with a prescription.
I guess I'm just use to having way more dangerous jobs. Trucking is a cake walk. I've put on boots knowing there's a strong likely hood i might not come back all in one piece. Ive never felt like that with trucking.
Trucking is not hard, now when you have to deal with Parking in the NE, dealing with some shippers and receivers and waiting for hours even days to get unloaded. Those are the issues with trucking.
@@TheTulsaTrucker my point was the dangerousness of the job. I feel for me personally it's a fairly safe job. That depends on the person some people come to this job from office work well comparitively this job would be more dangerous. It's not an easy job. I've always scoffed at that idea but it works for me.
Is it a required to drive over the road with prime your 1st year or can you work local or in your home state? Also is there anything that drew you more to prime than swift?
Have to do OTR with prime. I didn’t know about LTL options. Would recommend the dock to driver programs LTL companies have over going to a mega carrier
I left prime before the 50k, prime is a great school but their 50k mile training which from my sources is taking 4 months to complete with the freight slow down. There are so many other companies who have a far less training program. Melton, Warner etc:
It takes about 3-4 months. I think the length of training there is good. By the time I went out on my own, I had already seen and dealt with a lot of the unexpected stuff that they don't teach in school. Things like hitting gators (shredded tires) at night, ripping your trailer air lines, getting a trailer with no brakes, blowouts, phantom electric shorts killing your marker lights, all things you will have to deal with at some point. By all means, if you think you'd be better with shorter training, then do it. But the benefit of having someone experienced with you is invaluable when those things come up.
Congrats Chuck. If you ever need some advice send me a message through messenger. I've been in. the trucking industry 22 years now. I've done otr dry van and refrigerated. I've done dedicated freight I've done brokerd loads factoring Bill's. Now I have my own and I run about 4 states and make s great income. Just let me know man I got you. Get you a map dont just trust that GPS. Also call the customers and ask them for directions and if they have parking at there facilities. Another thing I do. Sometimes if I'm waiting for a long time to get loaded or unloaded. I have had food delivered right to my truck.😊😊. Good luck and God bless you. Oh yeah. The satellite view on Google maps is good and the Google earth view is great. I use them 2 alot. I'm talking about the maps app on your phone that's what I use.
Thanks Mr. Chuck I'm a new subscriber from crazybags channel. I will be coming the beginning of September. I've been studying every day making sure I'm on my grind. My only question is about 10 year job history. I'm only 21 and only have had 5 jobs within 2 years. How would that work
At prime they have a sleep apnea facility on site. There were several students that were required to have it done. None were sent home for being diagnosed. They just get a CPAP and keep moving
I brought an I pad and a MacBook Pro. I brought a briefcase that I put everything so it stayed protected from all the bumping around on the truck. Good luck to you!! ✌🏻
Nice lm not coming to prime but l like the video Happy trucking O and ps 70 or 75 miles ,on hwy 80 Nebraska or Wyoming is a must if you want to get some miles on board lol just saying
If you can get it yourself at a local Vo-tech and make sure you test out in a manual truck so that you have no restrictions. Also get all your endorsements even though you won’t need them all in the beginning they will be valuable in the future.
😂😂 Sold my company and just getting my CDL and some training before I buy my own truck in the future. Not much for retiring early so thought why not drive a truck when I want too. I am debt free and let’s just say I could retire at 43. That’s why you will always see a smile on my face. 😁
At Prime it’s 4 days. You begin testing for your CDL permit on day 2. Come prepared to pass the Permit and know the Pre-Trip before even coming to class. Makes the whole process much simpler.
You will need to provide reasons why there are gaps. Prime looks at how many jobs you have had over the past 3 years because the past has allot to do with the future. Also, you are taking on a a career dealing with the DOT and they want to see what you have been up too for the past 10 years. I would definitely talk to a recruiter and they can answer more in depth.
Absolutely nothing wrong with driving a truck @70 MPH if conditions allow. I know this video is 2 years old now and hopefully you have learned some things since? One of the biggest menaces out there are governed trucks and I feel much safer in my non-governed truck with the ability to run with traffic and get out of my own way! Don’t get me wrong though. Just because your truck can run 75 MPH doesn’t mean you should! Driving 62 MPH saves a lot of fuel and improves reaction time but you also need to be able to accelerate out of a jackknife situation or stabilize your truck if you happen to blow a steer tire. I understand why large “Training” companies govern their trucks (lawyers and insurance companies mostly) but I would much rather have a truck capable of running 75 and provide Significant fuel and safety incentives that motivate me to slow down but perhaps that’s just me?
They had a guy they sent home because he had an unpaid toll. He got it taken care of and had to come back at a later time. I would make sure all loose ends are taken care of before going to prime. It’s a great starter company but very strict on who they hire now days.
The one piece of advice I can give you as someone with a year plus experience, all that positivity for trucking you have now, try your best to maintain it throughout your training. You are going to need it. That's what got me through it.
I always see things half full never half empty. There will be good days and bad days but you have to just learn from those bad days. I appreciate you sir!!
Chuck, you're bringing back fond memories for me. Almost 40 years ago I started the same way you are...going to the in-house training program of a large, reputable trucking company. I was 22 years old and was doing this just for fun. I only intended to drive for about 2 years and then "get out and get a real job." (My words) Two years later, I wasn't ready to quit. I was having too much fun and I was being PAID well to do it.
Thur the years I've been on and off the road, holding multiple different jobs within the industry. But I keep coming back to driving. I now work for a small company (only 15 or so road trucks) and can honestly say I've never been happier. July marks 40 years and about 3 million miles behind the wheel for me.
Chuck, you'll do fine in this business. You've got a good head on your shoulders, and good business sense. Have fun. I wish you the best. Maybe we'll cross paths someday out on the road. I'd enjoy meeting and talking with you. Looking forward to your future videos.
Nice reading about your journey, congratulations for your 3M miles!✨
Great Job Chuck on CDL permit!! Congrats on making it thru day 1 & day 2 I know you’ll be one of the best NEW drivers they have ever seen in a long time. Keep up the great work 👍🏻.
Glad to hear you're talking like this about vlogging. Many of my mistakes through the years were where I was doing more than one thing.
I worked for Schneider, we had to have all that employment verification, DOT Physical, and pass the math test before we even went to orientation. We lost about 30 of 85 students in 2 weeks for failing tests, driving skills and other reasons. We had a driver get his tandems off the pavement on a 2 Lane road on the second last day. Normally they would send you home for that. But they gave him 3 more days.
Math test? For what?
@@aceyung For figuring out time and distance. For example You have a 950 mile load, how long will it take you to drive that? Also you had to add up your numbers on your log book.
Roadmaster do too
Work verification?
Great videos man! I’m done with TNT training waiting on a truck. It’s a scary thing changing careers and coming to prime. So these videos should help people out a lot. Thanks.
Congratulations on getting through TNT, hope you get your truck soon!! 👍🏻👍🏻. Much success to you sir.
Chuck I’m glad you’re going at this noble profession with a great attitude and keep up the great videos rolling. Trucker are underrated and under appreciated. Good to have some good people bringing back this great career and given it a good name my brother. Godspeed!
I totally agree with you El.. Truckers are what move this country and unfortunately they are not treated with the respect they deserve most of the time. It’s a very noble career and one that is a dying art.
I used to train new drivers at UPS. And it was always fun to watch their appreciation for Truckers change while we go down the road. When they see how 4 wheelers drive around big rigs that can't stop on a dime.
Good information you hit the nail on the head. I started at prime inc.good luck with everything.
Hey Chuck, welcome to the world of trucking!!! You are absolutely right your A game is the only game you can bring!!! Anything less will definitely alter your life and the lives of others!!! Your getting it Braddah!!! Can’t wait to continue the journey on the next video!!! Be safe Braddah 👍👍👍
I see you put as much effort into preparation for this training session as you used to do for washing that black car. We had a class A RV for a while and that gave me a real appreciation for what driving a truck must be like.
You can tell very quickly who wants the job and is serious and who really isn’t.
I agree 💯
Chuck this is going to b very informative.
Wow! Brother you definitely have you hands full. So Proud of you for starting your new Chapter. Stay Frosty Brother!! You've got this! General Lee Out!
I will tell everyone the same thing I told all of my students. This is of course after your training is done. Don't sign lease on truck unless you have a good savings set aside. I went company for 26 months just to save 10 grand before I signed my lease.
I have no regrets about that decision. Only reason I went lease was the truck I was in after I turned in my lightweight to become a trainer.
And to those bashing Prime, coming up on 3 years 9/6 and I've never had any payroll issues. It's just a rumor created by people who never worked at Prime.
Well I have at least 12 years of experience under my belt
with unloading commercial 18wheeler refrigerated semi trailer's for a living at a werehoue located down south Florida really early in the morning at 12:00am midnight all the way until 7:00am in the morning & i have a completely automatic
2022 western star sleeper
semi truck that is fully loaded with a custom made full luxury interior
I'm glad that everything is going well. Stay safe and keep the greasy side down.
Congratulations on getting your cdl permit u r on your way brother enjoy the experience it's downhill now.
Hey Chuck, how's it going.. Good luck to you at Orientation, you'll pass everything, don't even worry about it, the 1st day is the hardest. Looking forward to the end of the week, so I can see how this week went for you. Good luck once again and God Bless 🙏 prayers are with you, to do what you need and want to do, for you, your family and Prime Inc.. Be safe out there my friend 👍 ✌️ 👍 ✌️
Good stuff Chuck, I've been retired since 2006 at 73 and have some trucking in my past. Take care and God bless!
You sound excited Chuck, fantastic my friend, keep us posted buddy..
God bless you Chuck. Thank you for posting these videos and vlogging the process. This is so very helpful.
Hey Chuck, congratulations on passing your CDL permit. Thanks for sharing your new future with us. Wow! Never thought it was so involved. Great on safety. Anyway enjoy your rest of time they. Good Luck and God Bless you always. Look forward to your next Vlog. 👍👍🙏😎🏁🏁🇺🇸
Dennis Petrucci
Thanks for the update Chuck!! Can't wait for the future vlogs!!
Good luck, looking forward to seeing your progress and how it is working for prime . .
Good afternoon Chuck, I see that link for the CBTs is Tenstreet I am wondering how many if not all the CBTs that Prime uses on there are also on the Driver Pulse app. I used this app to do 95% of my correspondence with my recruiter. It sure would be nice to have all the CBTs that Prime Inc wants us to do be ones from that AP minus some documents to fill out maybe. If that is the case then it will be very easy for me, since I already did all the English ones 231 of them on the AP. Can only hope thank you for a great video. Hope to see you at Prime soo. I start orientation on April 24
you guys are lucky to be driving trucks in the states currently taking my cdl in denmark! my dream is to try to make my way to the states and take my cdl, i want to see the beautiful country!
Chuck Hi Corvette Ed here congrats on the new career? I worked for my best friend for 35 years at a two-man used Corvette dealership. He turned 73 this year and wanted to retire. I am 61 and didn't know what I was going to do? A friend of mine who owns a Chevrolet dealership 35 miles away from where I live asked me last August if I would help him sell his Corvettes at Corvettes @ Carlisle. I did and told him at the end of the year I was out of a job? He told me when you know the date you're done call me. He gave me a job as the used car manager/Corvette manager. I started on March 4th and love my new job. I order all of the Corvettes for stock I have ordered over 20 of them and I get excited every time the truck pulls in to make a delivery. Back to you, I think you should get some experience and then get a job with Jack Cooper hauling new Corvettes to dealers. I think you would really love it delivering customers dream cars!!! Best of luck Ed Hurst
I attended Prime trucking school. It was very challenging but Prime is the best trucking company in the world
I went to truck driving school in Virginia, and then found a job and hit the road. The companies i worked for did not have trainers, you just learned as you worked. You might say i went to the school of hard knocks.
I'm happy for you and please be safe out there
Great job so far with your information on the process
Chuck, Love your enthusiasm!!! I didn’t realize how sophisticated the trucking industry has become. Very interested to see how you navigate your way to reach your goal! STAY 💯👍👍👍 mike r. in NC
New sub! Awesome video and great details I have not heard in other videos thank you! ….”Life is Short make it Sweet”💯
Holy cow Chuck! Didn't realize (I should have though) that they were that serious. Wonder if they are all like that? Hope so.
A tablet will work as well as a laptop. I brought my Kindle with me when I went through orientation at Prime in 2016
The continuing adventures of Chuck! Sounds exciting...good luck!
Make sure you learn how to drive the manual trucks. Otherwise you'll be very limited on where you can go in the future. And please don't fall for the "lease" program. Its a rip off. Trust me as a fellow trucker, you get used to it quick. Just dont forget you have 53' behind you when you turn lol.
This is good advice Chuck, regarding the manual transmission. In some states, perhaps all now, if you take your CDL test in a truck with an automatic transmission you will have a restriction on your license that you can only drive automatic transmission trucks. If you wanted to drive one with a manual, you would then have to retake the test.
Lease is better. 😆
Great video and congratulations,it is great info for drivers coming in the Industry,I did about the same I'm 27 yrs Trucking retired,driving tour buses 11 years..Yes guys and women have you ducks in a row B4 you get there... Success on & Happy Trails 🚛🚛🚛
Keep up the good work Chuck be safe
Wow been there...tanker driver myself...Reality of a trucker is the load is the most important thing... This how we get paid...no load no money...After getting 5 yrs as a trucker not a wheel handler you understand what I just mention..until than get experience don't expect to much.. Trucking is a lifestyle not a career, or hobby...its all about the shipper..Without the load getting pick up you will be broke..70mph is a safe in this bussines.
always good to see you buddy, lets see YOU driving the video game :)
Chuck, I am a 26yr Trucking veteran from Broken Arrow, Let me know if you have any questions or Advice. Good luck on the new job.
Could you e-mail me? Assurance2131@gmail.com
you might not see this, but im praying for you, your family,,,,,ps, they dont like their expensive simulators called video games at all according to other vids of prime drivers. if you get to meet jh, shake his hand for me. and good luck on your test, you got this!!!
Thank you sir, passed the CDL today. I appreciate all the prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻 very much appreciated
Plus I am retired medical...just a message please watch you eating and sleeping habits,so many have died in Trucks in this industry...just take care of yourself & Be Safe & Again Happy Trails 🚛🚛🚛
The real problem is when a prime truck is going 55/70 i call that a rolling road block that is also very dangerous situation.i been driving for 37 years i have seen a lot of bad unsafe driving with all these big companies .
That isn't just big companies, its the law in CA, and a really dangerous and dumb one. Thankfully Ohio has become more of a red state in recent years, and did away with their split limit. I'm not sure what the status of Illinois is; apparently it was up for vote in 2014, but the Dem Governor vetoed it.
I learned my lesson today, had to get an old traffic ticket I didn’t know that I had lol. Me and my boyfriend is doing team driving he has Dustin I have heather we start on the 11th of next month.
Good luck to the both of you!!
@@TheTulsaTrucker thank you...
Chuck, FYI...I'm not sure if this is anything but while watching your vlog the video paused and asked if I was still watching! When I answered yes it said thank you. Ive never seen this before watching TH-cam. Just wondering if TH-cam is checking on you because you askef your viewers to play your uploads and have them running in the background so you can get your viewing hours in. Just curious if you knew anything about this.
Lets Roll Buddy!
🖐🖐🖐👋👍
I have never heard of that. 🤔. That’s kinda scary. 😂. Thank you for letting it roll. I appreciate that sir!!
Congratulations on passing.....
Thanks you sir
Thanks for the positive video. Great bu outlook and information
I appreciate that sir. Thanks for stopping by the channel!!👊🏻
Do you know if Pam is a good company??
Hold on ,you are about to go for the ride of your life ,good luck Sir,iam sure you'll be fine tho👍
At least you made it in. They cut way back on the number of students they're bringing in
I have my CDL Hazmat and Tanker I have done local stuff only. But there's been some days I been thinking of going to prime. I think the time away from the kids is a little bit what is holding me back. But I live in an area where salt Lake and Portland runs are very possible to be driving to. So maybe getting out of my comfort zone and being on the road would be nice. I was wondering if prime allows passengers? And how old? I'd love to take my oldest boy on the road and spend time with him
I wouldn’t recommend prime. Go work for coke, Pepsi and once you have a year tractor trailer experience come to LTL. Just make sure you get all the endorsements.
Thanks very simple just how I like it subscribed
Thanks for coming along 👍🏻
Way to be prepared! I had no doubt :)
Chuck!!!!! I loved your vett channel and now i found you again! Haha
Great video I learned alot by watching
Thank you Brinks, I appreciate that sir!!
Is sleep apnea an automatic disqualification? I got mine from 9/11 (was rookie cop back then) and controlled with use a CPAP machine with a prescription.
No, you can use a CPAP and drive no issues.
@@TheTulsaTrucker thank you for the reply!
I guess I'm just use to having way more dangerous jobs. Trucking is a cake walk. I've put on boots knowing there's a strong likely hood i might not come back all in one piece. Ive never felt like that with trucking.
Trucking is not hard, now when you have to deal with Parking in the NE, dealing with some shippers and receivers and waiting for hours even days to get unloaded. Those are the issues with trucking.
@@TheTulsaTrucker my point was the dangerousness of the job. I feel for me personally it's a fairly safe job. That depends on the person some people come to this job from office work well comparitively this job would be more dangerous. It's not an easy job. I've always scoffed at that idea but it works for me.
Great video 👍 new subscriber I’m doing orientation soon any advice as far as training goes thanks ✨
If I come to prime with a medical and CDL learners permit In hand , would one be ahead of the game ?
I think it's now required.
I'm coming in next week so I might run into you at some point.
Definitely say Hi if you see me around. Would be awesome to meet you.
Dale Clay did, but he eventually saw the errors of his way by trying to serve two masters!
prime's got their stuff together🤣sounds like a brand new driver with that brand new optimism. so, you still drivin, man? for prime?
Drive for a LTL company now. Learned allot at Prime and moved on to what worked for me.
@@TheTulsaTrucker good stuff👍
Prime is a pretty good company I spent my first couple years driving with them
Did you go in with any knowledge or just completely blind?
I was there from 03-07 enjoy it
Is it a required to drive over the road with prime your 1st year or can you work local or in your home state? Also is there anything that drew you more to prime than swift?
Have to do OTR with prime. I didn’t know about LTL options. Would recommend the dock to driver programs LTL companies have over going to a mega carrier
good shit brother
Great Video! I'm 19 you think when I'm 21 would prime be a good place to start my trucking career at?
In my opinion Prime is a great place to start your trucking career.
Hey Chuck, now that you have several years of experience do you still feel like 65 miles an hour is too fast for a truck?
No, I think 70 is a good speed for when it’s dry and 62-65 when raining.
U like wat u have done.robert.
What kind of test do they do for sugar on your physical?
Great job Tulsa trucker did they make you do a physical agility test ? if so why do you have to do thank you
Yes, you do a DOT physical. Have to be able to lift 50lb, check eyes, check bearing pretty much everything. It’s so you can get your medical card.
Are you still with prime?
Hi, how far do they go back in a background check -- is it criminal activity they look for?
10 years, they look at everything.
You do all this even if you already have a CDL?
How long did it take you to run 50,000 miles with your trainer?
I left prime before the 50k, prime is a great school but their 50k mile training which from my sources is taking 4 months to complete with the freight slow down. There are so many other companies who have a far less training program. Melton, Warner etc:
It takes about 3-4 months. I think the length of training there is good. By the time I went out on my own, I had already seen and dealt with a lot of the unexpected stuff that they don't teach in school. Things like hitting gators (shredded tires) at night, ripping your trailer air lines, getting a trailer with no brakes, blowouts, phantom electric shorts killing your marker lights, all things you will have to deal with at some point.
By all means, if you think you'd be better with shorter training, then do it. But the benefit of having someone experienced with you is invaluable when those things come up.
Congrats Chuck. If you ever need some advice send me a message through messenger. I've been in. the trucking industry 22 years now. I've done otr dry van and refrigerated. I've done dedicated freight I've done brokerd loads factoring Bill's. Now I have my own and I run about 4 states and make s great income. Just let me know man I got you. Get you a map dont just trust that GPS. Also call the customers and ask them for directions and if they have parking at there facilities. Another thing I do. Sometimes if I'm waiting for a long time to get loaded or unloaded. I have had food delivered right to my truck.😊😊. Good luck and God bless you. Oh yeah. The satellite view on Google maps is good and the Google earth view is great. I use them 2 alot. I'm talking about the maps app on your phone that's what I use.
Thanks Michael, I had no idea so many truckers followed the channel. You guy have my full respect!!
Pipe pass? What's that?
I have my permit already what should I be studying now
Thanks Mr. Chuck I'm a new subscriber from crazybags channel. I will be coming the beginning of September. I've been studying every day making sure I'm on my grind. My only question is about 10 year job history. I'm only 21 and only have had 5 jobs within 2 years. How would that work
You will only need your entire history since you are that young. Bring everything you have for all your jobs. W2 forms will come in handy.
Do they test at the Facilities for sleep apnea? I don’t have no other symptoms it the neck and BMI, will they send you home?
At prime they have a sleep apnea facility on site. There were several students that were required to have it done. None were sent home for being diagnosed. They just get a CPAP and keep moving
Would an ipad be cool to take? Passed my Air brakes general knowledge failed my combinations by 1 i want to get my permit before going
I brought an I pad and a MacBook Pro. I brought a briefcase that I put everything so it stayed protected from all the bumping around on the truck. Good luck to you!! ✌🏻
So 65 mph is fine but 70 not? Why isn't 65 too fast and 60 should be the max? Another arbitrary number.
Nice lm not coming to prime but l like the video
Happy trucking
O and ps 70 or 75 miles ,on hwy 80 Nebraska or Wyoming is a must if you want to get some miles on board lol just saying
Do companies help you get your CDL or would it be better to get it myself first?
If you can get it yourself at a local Vo-tech and make sure you test out in a manual truck so that you have no restrictions. Also get all your endorsements even though you won’t need them all in the beginning they will be valuable in the future.
So what job did you loose. I seen you had a nice house in another video. Oil field management?
😂😂 Sold my company and just getting my CDL and some training before I buy my own truck in the future. Not much for retiring early so thought why not drive a truck when I want too. I am debt free and let’s just say I could retire at 43. That’s why you will always see a smile on my face. 😁
The Tulsa Trucker man that is awesome!! I wish you the best of luck! Hope you post some videos soon
I will never do a mass orientation again I don’t need to work for that kind of company
why?
Prime ain’t no joke,insurance companies have them by the necks ,lol
They still have the same blankets lol
Can I study on my iphone instead of a laptop?
Yes, CDL prep
@@TheTulsaTrucker those videos prime makes you watch that are 9 hrs worth can I watch them on my phone?
@@082782able laptop in the hotel room
How long is orientation ? In these days of orientation you make the test exam DOT?
At Prime it’s 4 days. You begin testing for your CDL permit on day 2. Come prepared to pass the Permit and know the Pre-Trip before even coming to class. Makes the whole process much simpler.
@@TheTulsaTrucker I got my CDL Permit and I guess on August 12 I gonna start orientation in Missouri But I dint know how long is orientations,,
Donna Griffet it’s 4 days even if you come with your permit.
You say this but everyone else that is training there vloging every day. They saying why it is bad to truck when they are only still in training.
That video was over two years ago. Get your CDL and 1 year of experience and move to local.
What if you have gaps in job history and several different jobs?
You will need to provide reasons why there are gaps. Prime looks at how many jobs you have had over the past 3 years because the past has allot to do with the future. Also, you are taking on a a career dealing with the DOT and they want to see what you have been up too for the past 10 years. I would definitely talk to a recruiter and they can answer more in depth.
Trucking Through Life thanks
Absolutely nothing wrong with driving a truck @70 MPH if conditions allow. I know this video is 2 years old now and hopefully you have learned some things since? One of the biggest menaces out there are governed trucks and I feel much safer in my non-governed truck with the ability to run with traffic and get out of my own way!
Don’t get me wrong though. Just because your truck can run 75 MPH doesn’t mean you should! Driving 62 MPH saves a lot of fuel and improves reaction time but you also need to be able to accelerate out of a jackknife situation or stabilize your truck if you happen to blow a steer tire.
I understand why large “Training” companies govern their trucks (lawyers and insurance companies mostly) but I would much rather have a truck capable of running 75 and provide Significant fuel and safety incentives that motivate me to slow down but perhaps that’s just me?
driving 70 is not a problem when you know how to drive.
Not everyone is born a Super Trucker 🙄
Does prime not keep you guys busy moving freight?
Allot of down time.. their freight lanes are pretty slow this year.
If you have a few bills that aren't paid that would disqualify you to work for prime ?
They had a guy they sent home because he had an unpaid toll. He got it taken care of and had to come back at a later time. I would make sure all loose ends are taken care of before going to prime. It’s a great starter company but very strict on who they hire now days.
Hey how does prime drug test?
They do not use hair follicles. You will do a drug test that they will set up before going to Orentation.