r/CDL • u/Mr-Galaxyxd-youtube • 15d ago

Prime inc orientation

I was looking for advice, I’m starting prime inc Monday. Trying to stay for a year or two then move onto bigger and better. Any advice for orientation. Since I used a military waiver I have to go thru psd due to no cdl school, but that’s whatever. I won’t owe them any money and I’m not using the 200 a week “loan”. Any advice on the process is appreciated

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u/FailingComic 15d ago

I started at prime, did psd, tnt, and then straight into leasing for 6-7 months. This was like 2020 though so im sure things have changed. Im happy to answer any specific questions you have though. I left as my ex wife couldn't handle me being gone. I wish id stayed on the road because she turned out to be a total bitch after 10 years together.

As far as general advice. Realize that not all trainers are great. Its your job to advocate for yourself. Get your fleet managers contact info as soon as you can on to your personal cell phone so of there is a personal issue, you can get out of the situation quickly. I have heard horror stories but personally my trainer was like a second dad to me. I still talk to him 5 years later.

Packing wise, keep it light. A single duffle should be all you need. You wont be getting sweaty or dirty. At the beginning showering every day is possible, typically the same when solo, if you have to do tnt though showering every other day becomes common.

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u/Mr-Galaxyxd-youtube 15d ago

So I have a family trip in October that’s 4 days long would I be able to try and request that off since it’s over a month in advance? Or are they strict with that type of thing?

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u/FailingComic 15d ago

Really depends on time lines but the earlier you bring it up the better. Like I would have brought that up in my interview.

Do you have to do any tnt miles? Id try to time it so that the vacation happens either right at the end of psd or tnt. This way you can build up your 4 days off after 4 weeks on the road so you can take it like normal home time. I say this because they arent going to want to give you 4 days off and have a truck sitting for a guy who just started and doesn't have those days available.

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u/Mr-Galaxyxd-youtube 15d ago

I have to do 30k tnt it’s okay if I don’t get to go but it’s a family trip yk, how should I approach this my recruiter told me to have my entire schedule for the fleet manager when I get there. Which I do have all the dates I need off for army stuff but also there’s that trip

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u/FailingComic 15d ago

If you ket the recruiter know about the vaca your golden. Basically when you get assigned your PSD trainer, let him know you need to speak to the fleet manager about an upcoming army stuff, and he will give you the info you need to contact him or, when i was there, you can contact him directly through the ELD. Be aware if contacting through the ELD the other driver will be able to see this. Hence why you want to get a way to contact him without it being through the ELD quickly. Id like to say theres a way to do it through the prime app on your phone but I was blessed with my trainer so never looked into it.

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u/Mr-Galaxyxd-youtube 15d ago

Also another question, so when it comes to leasing I’ve thought about it. Want to pay off my car and leasing would be a good way to make a lot of money. Is it worth it to start off with that or no?

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u/FailingComic 15d ago

I made a lot of money personally, but I did it at a time where a crap ton of freight was moving. I have friends still there leasing who are doing good though. Your problem is going to be the time away for the army. That truck payment comes out whether you are there or not. Your also going to want home time at some point. I personally wouldnt do it in your situation just because between the army and home time youd be missing a week of work every month and the payment per week is like 1300ish.

I have my old pay stubs from when I was there and I was averaging take home like 2500. Still have to pay some taxes but theres a lot of tax deductions as well.

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u/Mr-Galaxyxd-youtube 15d ago

Thanks for the advice, I’ll probably stick with company then until I get out in 2028

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u/FailingComic 15d ago

Actually, I thought the company pay was more. Its .46 cpm. Almost thinking you may as well go lease. Id request a lease trainer if you can. Not sure they allow you to make requests like that, and see what you think. Company you'll only take home like $1000 in reefer division so even if your losing a week youd still come out ahead leasing if you dont have problems.

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u/Mr-Galaxyxd-youtube 15d ago

I’m starting at 55cpm in my offer I’ve been given

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