Getting On A Trainers Truck

[@JohnnyRebKy]

My first trainer was a grumpy old man who talked to me like a drill sergeant. Me being a young man fresh out of the Marine Corps it took all I had not to break his jaw. I held it in to keep the peace but I got off the first chance I got . I guess because I was 23 years old he thought he could talk to me like a kid. I'd been a Marine since 18 and already been to war ....twice. I made every effort to be nice and respectful. Then the second guy they give me is a older black guy and first thing he says is " I know your from the south but In this truck the the nigga is the boss ". I got right back out of the truck and left without saying a word. The 3rd guy I had was kinda like you and he was awesome! There are some shitty trainers out there with some serious issues. I've trained many guys myself now and I've never treated anyone like I was treated.

[@KenHeron]

Hey Mark- Thank you for your military service, and thank you for being a truck driver. People don't appreciate you guys enough.

[@MarkStaite]

Ken .. Thank you for the kind words and for watching. Just sharing what I think will help others.

[@sethfornerette4015]

While that all sounds great, why do trainers always neglect to say that they signed up for this ? Almost every vid I see it's the trainer having little to no patience, very poor people skills and an air of superiority about them. Almost every vid on KZbin these trainers don't say hey, I know what it's like, or I understand. Instead it's what they expect of others. What about what the trainer expects? They have expectations as well. Now I'm NOT saying that's how you are, but it would help if those things were mentioned.

[@kfstreich4787]

Seth Fornerette and they are paid for it!

[@DrunkenGuitarGuy]

ya sure seems like there should b alot more training for the trainers, people skills mostly, my biggest fear about getting into this industry is the time being cooped up in a truck with a trainer, i mean even a good one is still not going to b a pleasant experience in my opinion, imagine someone u can't stand, someone who snores, or has bad gas all the time??

[@ShoddyBeSaNgiN]

Exactly

[@MarkStaite]

IMO... Most trainers should not BE trainers. Patience is the #1 trait needed. Trainer continuing education is also very important! The value I've retained from all of the interpersonal communications classes and working styles classes has paid dividends on managing the stress and conflicts within the truck cab learning environment. Too bad no companies pay attention to training the trainer.

[@kenkarish826]

I'm glad I didn't get a trainer with my job, I don't think I could afford to eat out every night, buy drinks when we stop. Wash every week on top of all the other stuff i need to buy.

[@forzafan92]

As a soon to be new driver (in talks with a company right now, already got DOT physical done) my job is to listen and learn, and it also to entertain you a bit as well. afterall you spend most of the time alone on the road and having somebody there talking to you keeps you awake and attentive. i hated having to go on an hour uber trip with some business guy because they never talked to you, and thats just boring. by me asking questions it helps not only me, allowing me to learn how to properly do things, but it also helps you by having to remind yourself what needs to be done on every trip, before, during, and after. Also thank you for taking the time to let us all know what to bring with us.

[@boostedk24a2accord8]

I’m a new driver to the industry, I was recently hired by NTB Trucking Inc, and I start my first day (night) tomorrow at 15:30. Of all the videos I tried searching for “ how to get onto the top bunk in a tractor/semi” I found nothing, but came across your video and it was very informational. I thought about bringing my laptop and other things. I’m glad you pointed out all the must and must nots to bring on the first day. Thx.

[@CMWally]

Remember the shower shoes or clogs, truckstop showers are a good way to catch athlete's foot.

[@jamieooh]

you could be in Ohio if my memory serves me

[@Nookerdog777]

Typical greenhorn giving advice lol. I've never gotten anything from standing in a shower.

[@minarchisttrucker2775]

Pee on your feet you'll be fine lol

[@JD-qo7hm]

Spot the nasty fucker with mushrooms growing between his toes.

[@GrabinGears]

@@minarchisttrucker2775 💩 on your feet

[@shamansean7593]

I like how deeply you delve into the particulars of the how’s and why’s.

[@a320nick]

Good advice, this is me on Tuesday at 2 am. Thank you for the advice. Hope you are having a great Easter.🇬🇧

[@Taligari]

Agree with most of what you said. Here's the rub. The trainer is not training out of the kindness of his/her heart. They are doing it for extra income. #2 Most trucking companies do NOT vet their trainers. Meaning, in order to be a trainer all they have to do is raise their hand. Recipe for disaster. A trucking company that doesn't profile the personalities and coaching ability of the trainer is just asking for the results you mentioned. Most trucking companies give no more than 1 week, and most times less "train the trainer" classes. Not everyone can train. No other industry trains a trainer for this short of time. To expect good results is ludicrous.

[@MarkStaite]

+evofd ... I'll have to disagree with your opening statement. I trained others to make sure new drivers were out there killing themselves or killing others in a truck. Training for money was not my main motivator. For me, being a trainer gave me the ability to call out rookies for rookie mistakes: Then offer to help train them the proper way. Now... As for most company training programs... YES!! They all can do a better job of recruiting, vetting, and training their cadre of instructors. This is an issue I hope to be working on at the national level asap.

[@DrunkenGuitarGuy]

Mark Staite "being a trainer gave me the ability to call out rookies for rookie mistakes" thats the right attitude is it?? and u can get this lofty position after 9 months is it??

[@ronmeier8850]

@@MarkStaite Honestly I think you do mean well but your awfully full of yourself and it shows. Seen the type many times as you have your shit preloaded for some poor bastard that does look, say, or do something that you don't like & you are ready to make sure they get Crucified for it. You have done most everything or at least 100 better than most in ur mind at least. You wear that hat & have completed one term at best 20 years ago probably almost getting chaptered out. You been chasing authority ur whole life now having a little power inside of a truck u think ur God's gift to the industry. Well guess what? Your not so put that in your pipe n smoke it wanna be a trainer so bad you probably can't sleep the nite B4 bahahahaha duche bag

[@eesmith69]

@@MarkStaite, we need more trainers/mentors like you on the road. Sadly, you are one of the rare few.

[@MarineDevilDogg]

@@DrunkenGuitarGuy I agree he seems to be more into training so he can power trip

[@herbie70philip]

Respect is earned not expected. Not all trainers deserve respect.

[@cherylmillard2067]

Absolutely! I never bought into respecting age, I was polite and "respectful", but respect in the end was always earned.

[@jb3237]

another good thing about the back pack.... put your rain gear, gloves, and anything else you need for your shift, into it. that way you'll never have to go back into the sleeping area because "you forgot something." once off shift, it moves back to the foot of your rack with no problem.

[@Simberlynn]

1. I LOVED you before you said a word because of your hat AMERICA 🇺🇸! . 2. THANK YOU SO MUCH for YOUR SERVICE.. 3. YOUR intro music and introduction period ROCKS!. Last but not least... 4. Your eloquence and execution of information is TOP NOTCHED.

[@pcmaclin1]

Mark, I have been watching these "trucker videos" for a few years now, and seen a lot of drama come and go (NRSAd, Abe, etc). I think you are just one of a very select few who have kept their channel to the point, and always helpful to the new driver. I know I appreciate it, and am sure many others do as well. Keep up the good work,

[@MarkStaite]

+GraphicRain ... Thank you GR for the kind words. I"m glad you see that I'm keeping the channel focused on educational and information sharing for the most part. Reputations are built over time. I just hope I'm building a good one in the industry :-)

[@ecoresidential4339]

Thanks for the info! I am a 51 year old about to get into the industry. Thank you for your service to America in the Army also.

[@MarkStaite]

Age is just a number. I turned 50 this year and still going strong.

[@eesmith69]

Sir, As the proud mother of a US Navy Mineman and M truck driving sons, THANK YOU! Thank you for #1 Your service to our country and #2 posting this video. God bless and please be safe out there. _____🚛🇺🇸🦅🇺🇲🦅🇺🇲____

[@HighPlainsDriftin]

Good info Chief, thanks for the heads up. Packing light will be easy for me after 12 years in the Infantry. Going to Crete next week. You've got a great channel here lots of info for me to pull from keep up the good work.

[@matthewglasser8310]

Good advice but you should really be nice and give your students one small cabinet for their clothes. That's not too much to ask it's exactly what my Prime trainer did for me 6 years ago.

[@bobpendergraft8422]

I always left room for my students as did my trainer. ..... it's a give an take world

[@kenkarish826]

What about food and drinks?

[@rmccarty33]

He didn’t say this is what he does, he just said be prepared for the worse.

[@tdwz1652]

I think his point is to not just come expecting a place to put your stuff.

[@James48535]

Hi Mr Staite Ive just found your video's tonight February 24th 2016,I used to be a truck driver in the UK and i did it for 18yrs and i hope in 4-6 weeks time i'll be back at it,ok trucking in the UK aint the same as trucking in america or canada and that is why i like to watch and learn and also if i ever had the chance or oppertunity to come do it over there then i'd know what i am doing,I'll be watching more of them even though there not much good to me as i like in England UK,but i like to watch some American drivers and I like learning all about the stuff you do and the stuff you teachIve watch people like Joseph Canell and James Ferguson and there information videos on how to chain up in winter and how to slide tandems and slide your fifth wheel to make your axle weights right,but now i've found you i'll start watching all your video's to

[@dylanburnett2459]

Im on week 3 with my trainer. He doesn’t go out of his way to help with my backing. I’m constantly reminding him hey I need to do more backs. we’re just racking up easy miles for his paycheck.

[@lomparti]

Hey man, how did the rest of your time with the trainer go? Im about to start driving with a trainer and not looking forward to it, lol. But its only temporary so I just want to get it over with asap.

[@FeedingNextGen]

This is why I'm tempted to skip otr altogether. Otr drivers learn highway skills. Local drivers learn maneuver skills.

[@lomparti]

@@FeedingNextGen Not really. otr drivers learn highway and maneuver skills, local drivers only learn how to drive in traffic. lol

[@FeedingNextGen]

@@lomparti You don't think that local drivers have more hook and drop time, backing time, etc simply for the fact that they do it more frequently?

[@christinefurlong33]

Dylan Burnett he’s not a good trainer then. He is just racking dollars

[@donniejoseph4836]

Thanks for you're service sir. I will be working for Jim palmer but pull mostly prime trailers. I leave out with a trainer tomorrow. I got some experience which made the trainer at the yard happy but always eager to learn. Getting a good trainer so happy about that. Thanks for the great video.

[@Jacblack69]

Mark great video just stumbled on it ,I have a question is it normal for a trainer to let the trainee have the bottom bunk I'm a big guy don't want to fall thru and hurt nobody lol

[@MarineDevilDogg]

Trust me you're not fat enough for that to happen

[@JasonWilliams4959]

Awesome video! Start Swift on the 20th, rookie and nervous as hell! Thanks for the info

[@galaxyfps2192]

How is it going?

[@tyronebradford7929]

Im a pretty flexible type dude able to blend with different personalities, so as long as they have a sheet or something asking what kind of person I am and trying to match me with someone who's personality kind of blends with mine I think I'll do fine. I understand that's his home so to speak, I have a buddy in texas who drives that has given me some heads up about riding with trainers. Im seriously considering Prime, sounds about the best fit for me. Thanks for the information, very very informative

[@MarkStaite]

Thanks for watching and good luck with the new career.

[@Overlord3420]

Mark, your videos are very helpful! I've been looking into becoming a truck driver for some time now, i recently turned 21 and decided to contact a prime recruiter. Hopefully all goes well and ill be driving for Prime in the next 6 months.

[@traviskinzer6004]

Can you do a video on starting a LLC or at least give some advice? Thanks Mark for all the great info you give

[@MarkStaite]

That's a legal issue and I'm not an attorney. Get with a lawyer or CPA and they can help you there.

[@traviskinzer6004]

Ok thanks

[@traviskinzer6004]

+joseph goop please don't put your ignorance on my name if you have to put your stupidity out there do it on your own merit

[@rjsluman932]

Awesome information. Thank you SO much for taking the time to make this. I'm looking at starting with Swift next month and really appreciate your insight.

[@patrick4979]

Mark, great stuff. It's a good reminder of the do's and don'ts. I brought a little bit more than I wanted to, but it's also Winter. Plus, my home would be in my truck. No actual home to go back too. Anyway, thanks for the information.

[@RecordTrance]

01. - MAG Flashlight (Belt Use Size), Pocket Multi-Tool, Cell Phone Charger & Cable (2~3), Cig Socket Convert for charging cables, 1 emergency Windup Flashlight and 1 Windup portable emergency Radio. 02. - Flip Flops, Rubber Work Gloves 02. - Grip Pliers, Hammer, Small Clubby thick Stick (2-Foot Long) 03. - Rain Gear, Rain Coat, Rain Hat, Rain Boots. 04. - Snow Gloves 2 pairs, Snow Hat (4), Baseball Cap (2), Work Gloves (2), Scarf (2), Snow Boots and Shin High Snow Rubber Boots. 05. - Small First Aid Kit, Extra rechargeable batteries for devices that you bring, Dust filter Mask, Clear Safety Glasses. (You never know when you might need them) 06. - Jeans, Sweaters, Hooded Sweaters, Windbreaker, Medium Coat, Heavy Coat. 07. - Emergency Cash ($500) dollars to hold you for up to First Pay Day. (remember you have to eat for a week or so) stay away from fast food joints. Shop at Walmart if you can. 08. - Towels (2 or 3), Hand Sanitizer, Baby Wipes, Sun Glasses (2), extra pair of corrective lenses if you wear them, 09. DONT bring expensive jewelry, leave that at home. Basic watch and wedding ring is all you need. 10. - FEMALES, cut your nails (They will break, so you minus well cut them short) 11. - Sleeping Bag & Pillow with (2~4 pillowcases), 1 bedsheet and 1 Heavy Blanket. 12. - Reflective Construction Vest - Bright Orange Or Bright Lime with reflective strips. Stay away from anything that is Cotton. If you are wearing cotton its gonna be bad day for you, unless you are allergic to wool. Look for things with Wool.... Wool socks, Wool Blanket, Wool Sweaters, Wool shirts. - Cotton T-Shirt & underwear is ok, but know if they get wet, youre gonna be very uncomfortable. because cotton tends to soak up water a lot and really fast. - Also Wool dries up 10x faster than Cotton. (Fun Fact) Also Wool retains heat far better than cotton. (Fun Fact) Also Wool can withstand much more rigors than Cotton. (Fun fact) - Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water, yet still retains 80% of its insulating property when wet (Fun Fact)

[@Arcamean]

+RecordTrance Gah, the idea of wool underpants has me itching already lol, Good list otherwise.

[@bobpendergraft8422]

After you get your own truck. ......

[@ravemaster7405]

You a big wool fan or what?

[@a320nick]

@RecordTrance:. Cool List👍

[@lknanml]

About to get on your trainers truck. How should you approach it? What do you bring? Tuxedo on day 1. Speedos and a winning smile day 2. Ice pack for your black eye day 3.

[@aaronhaley0919]

Thanks for the advice and help boss. I start working with Prime on the 23rd of September. I'm excited and ready didnt know what to bring. Your video help me out with knowing precisely what not to bring as well with what to bring. Hopefully we will run into each other in the future. Keep safe out there brother and keep on keeping on!

[@liltrucker0206]

Just joined, Thanks for all the advise. I have been in trucking all my life, and wish that having tips like you gave would have been great for so many.. Have a safe trip..

[@maxxw7327]

Thanks for the advice. I will be sure to ask my mentor a lot of questions.

[@iamthechad3021]

GREAT Video!! I start training soon and I was wondering how much crap to bring. THANKS!!

[@randyznaniecki2432]

Thank you for the video quick question I ask questions also when I start driving sometimes I learn both by watching and doing and asking questions is that acceptable

[@truckingwithgerald7532]

good video,I used to train and what you said is right along with what I used to tell my guys,I still am in contact with most of my former trainees and they still call me for advice

[@markshirley9513]

From all the videos I seen so far about trainers, you are the exception to the trainers. I am smart enough to know that if I watch more videos I am sure I can find more good trainers!!! I won't hold it against you being from 3rd ID!!! my last unit before I retired was 25th ID!!!

[@stylinstu]

Like your video. I listen to the video while I'm working at my current job. Keeps the mind awake during the non demanding job. Really like how well spoken the video was and the pace. Made a good video to listen too.

[@jimmy5650]

And there it is again, mention of the greyhound. I have yet to hear anyone explain why a trainee would take the bus? I'm sure there is a good reason and hope to find out why. I just feel like I would rather have my own car even if it just sits in an employee lot for 3 months. I dont car if the bus is free either. Are a lot of people poor that go into trucking and dont have a car or do they tell you not to bring it? Anyway I look forward to reading your knowledge. Also love this video on what to bring.

[@bobpendergraft8422]

It depends on where you live an where the company is I rode the bus on one because it was out of my state an I left the car for the wife. Side note I'll never do that again......

[@sammuel9385]

Awesome video boss. About to start school on Monday and this answered lots of questions I had.

[@benboland2652]

Do you have a vid about wat to take in your new truck you get for when you start driving? If not, could you make one?

[@thesilentcartographer5273]

I'm going to Prime, Inc. orientation in Pittston, PA next week. Very excited to get into trucking.

[@dcmacnamara6014]

Enjoy your slavery.

[@toast47624]

I run heavy equipment and sometimes drive trucks. I could never be a trainer. Trying to teach the finer points of running an excavator to guys who already know everything does my head in. Fact is I just don't bother any more, I just get on with my day and do my thing. People wonder why you get like this. My boy is now 11 and I do enjoy teaching him and he is doing well. I no longer employ anyone as I just don't need the hassle. Like you when you meet a young guy who is fired up it fires me up. I too enjoy helping those guys.

[@angiemac3587]

Im no trucker but I worked and lived out of my Chevy C10 in the oilfields. Wow did I overpack! I realized that when I got there! 😂😧😳

[@MrBurleyfish]

So a 36x15 duffel bag is going to be to big. I figure i can keep the back pack inside of the duffel bag. ?

[@londog71]

I love it when they start saying "WELL THAT'S NOT HOW I LEARNED IN CDL SCHOOL" LMAO, Good video Mark as always, Thank you

[@jonathanmckinnon777]

Thank you for your insight! I also look for positive attitude towards trucking. I also will answer any questions that any student of mine has. You also taught me more positive approaches to becoming a successful trainer. Thank you sir.

[@JohnMichaelDesigns]

Great video Mike. I am starting CDL school Monday and am planning on signing on with a company in March. Not really sure right now which one but have a few ideas. I'm an 18 yr army vet myself and will definitely watch more of your videos as I get the opportunity. Great insight

[@joseyka]

How many sets of clothes you pack to the training, and where y’all do laundry

[@TorahisTRUTHPsalm]

Truck Stops

[@1211wendy]

Do you Recommend Prime for women who want to get in the business?

[@MarkStaite]

Absolutely! Prime has the highest percentage of female drivers among the starter companies. 12% of Prime drivers are women! The industry average is 6%. Good luck!

[@1211wendy]

Thank You. Prime is one of my options definitely.

[@IAmSuperPerfect]

Why not a laptop? I have a tablet but it is very slow. Plus, my laptop is a 14" screen. I'm a bit older and the eyesight isn't what it used to be.

[@davidcason3054]

I'm going back into driving end of this year. been out for 3 years. I hope my trainer's as good a trainer as you seem to be.

[@tonymurray2724]

Thanks I'm in the process of getting into this career and as a son of a of our driver this seems to be my biggest worry....what my trainers will expect

[@michaelsteiner230]

How does training work with hours of service ?

[@wolfgangresch1650]

Outstanding 🇺🇸, they are the trainer, we are the student-period-down the line, thankful, thankful 🙏🏼

[@BIGSB5150]

Thanks for your service. I am a 7yr army vet

[@stanleymcvay9283]

When you train, you should have a place to put stuff.

[@johndowd7010]

Yes I always use to make sure my students had their own place to put the iui r stuff away.

[@Twisted86]

@@johndowd7010 Yeah, I heard at Prime they give you the trainers number so you can talk/ask questions before you even get into the truck. My number one question is if I have a small space to store a little bit of dry food, I'm not eating at truck stops for every meal and blowing my first 6-10 weeks of pay because the guy doesn't want to give me small section to store anything. Primes moto is Do your best, Do what's right, and Treat others the way you want to be treated. I wouldn't screw a trainee over like that and I damn sure wont let them do it to me either.

[@lolstatus3062]

Mark have you throw hands at stop?

[@BANANAHAMMER420]

No sorry dude..(thank you for your service)👊😎🇺🇸....after 17yrs of actively driving OTR/OVER SIZE/END DUMP no trainer has shit to show me...unless a specific trade of truck driving...shit done did ready mix along with box trailers inside the 17yrs I been driving..flat bed...belly dump,side dump,...I understand what you're saying but damn it seems like you're painting a broad picture. 😔...fuck rolling anything that does partners I roll solo.

[@lucasw2880]

And that is exactly the bad attitude he was talking about

[@Greg3070]

There are a few guys that are good at sharing knowledge without being a dick. They arent usually the 25 year guy waiting for retirement though. You don't need 25 years to train. You need competence and the skill to train.

[@BANANAHAMMER420]

@@lucasw2880 please explain!

[@BANANAHAMMER420]

@@Greg3070 yes and no.... there's definitely people out there that take to whatever task is handed to them no doubt but the vast majority of people are clueless and lack common sense....I.e..."swift".

[@andrewbennett6884]

Great video Mark. Most informative video I have seen so far. The question I have is when it comes to bringing food or snacks on the truck what do you recommend? I am a big guy and I plan on doing portions and mealprep while I am on the road. Do you have any suggestions when it comes to riding with a trainer?

[@imrecsikany6349]

You crack me up.Thanks from a combat vet.

[@tonyaking7517]

Can you basically wear what you want ? Such as shorts?

[@dcmacnamara6014]

No you may not.

[@justinw8512]

How do I get with a trainer like this. This stuff makes me nervous

[@mariaelmeier3927]

What about food for on the truck?

[@garydavison7695]

thanks for the info, I will however need to bring my laptop, as i have financial programs that do not work on my phone & I do not have a tablet, so I hope this won't piss off my trainer. I will however keep my guitar at home

[@johnnyjones132]

Your a great man, thanks so much for sharing. I definitely plan to come to Prime .

[@roblacoin7207]

What are you allowed for self defense on a commercial truck? Any difference if you own the truck or the company does?

[@MarkStaite]

Sorry Rob... That topic is too big to cover here. I could write a book on that. In short: Check with your carrier. The various situatuon, options, and Laws are different from state to state.

[@vernoncox6476]

Mark thanks for another great video the information you give is very useful i will be in Springfield on the 15th hope i get a good trainer be safe out there

[@markshirley9513]

You mentioned the must brings into your trainers truck but you never mentioned anything about food or drinks. How do you work that out???

[@adventuresofperseus945]

When I ask questions like why are we in this lane or why did u do that I get a look like I pissed them off, I'm just wondering why not piss any one off but because I'm thinking if I have to do it down the road I will know why. Inwrode with my dad's freind for a while, not saying I knew everything but I was shifting good I didnt grind the gears or jump the clutch or anything, but what made me mad is when he said " u dont need to try to i press me" i wasn't doing that. I felt comfortable enough to shift the truck after watching him for a bit. Definitely not saying i know everything or like some people do is act like they know everything.

[@rosannashaun193]

you definitely convinced me to come to prime, in 2 weeks I will be applying to prime and putting your name down as a referral, Thank you for all that you do..

[@wendellgayheart9228]

Sometimes the trainer is the ass too....I met one in training for averitt a few years back...put me with a different trainer and things went great. I hope that drivers such as yourself don’t always blame the new guy for your attitude that you might have brought with you and expect everyone else to miserable because they are👌🏻

[@syali3935]

I know you going through what u going through but don't stop now, I'm asking 4 everybody 4 u to come back. even tho I'm not on the truck yet I've been learning from you Mr State. Drop a knowledge one like this video Sir ..

[@jdomi-924]

Hey Mike did Stevens Transport have apus on there trucks

[@jamescarlin569]

I appreciate your time, seriously 34 y/o just got his cdl ...am serious about it

[@markryanplatypus]

"ooh look kitty" lmao

[@lunasphinx]

Respect...Another person that should be doing voice-over work, u know, that guy you hear in the movies theaters or commercials.

[@DuWayneOdom]

Have a question on a touchy subject for some... what if student is a smoker? are you able to get a trainer that smokes... and vise versa if you don't smoke, to get one that doesn't? or do all trainers not smoke?

[@MarkStaite]

After age and gender matching... smoking/non-smoking is the next matching that gets done. So... Yes you can.

[@heath7427]

quick question obviously new trainee sleeps on the top bunk but how much weight does it hold yea know some of us big guys have some extra padding in the mid section lol. and how difficult is it to get up there.

[@MarkStaite]

I weighed 360lbs when I was a student. held my weight fine. no problem getting in out out of top bunk for me.

[@jlanthripp]

I'm closing in on a year off the road after a decade and well over a million miles OTR, about half of it in my own truck. If I decide to get back on the road in June, I'll have to go back to a training company so someone with 6 months of experience can teach me how to drive. That's funny :-) I have to hand it to you though. I tried training newbies one time and discovered real quickly that I don't have the patience for it. Also, the company I was with at the time wanted trainers and students to run as a team after the first week, and I found I can't sleep in a moving truck being driven by a student. So my days as a trainer were very brief.

[@eddieesparza1706]

Thank You Mark!!!! This answer most if Not All my Questions!!!! I leave tomorrow for Truck School!!!! (:

[@Drakeman2003]

Breaker Breaker 1-9 how do you copy? over

[@2preach]

good info for rookies what about trainers that doesn't train and use rookies for cheap labor I am Hungry and I want a trainer who will put the work in to train even when I make my mistakes what advice you have when we get a bad trainer

[@MarkStaite]

+preacher ... Get a new trainer.

[@OldSchoolNiner]

I understand and appreciate being considerate. To this end, if I were training and someone didn't have that "6 piece luggage set", I'd probably make room for them to store a duffel and a backpack so that they aren't sardined in the already small top bunk. Guess that's just me though... 😉

[@terrywaters6186]

It's not just you. That's common courtesy.

[@CLOJAMES-L78]

He seem very rude and anal. I appreciated the tip what to bring but he seem very arrogant. First treat others how you want to be treated. Respect their adults and not kids.

[@MarineDevilDogg]

@@CLOJAMES-L78 He is just a LO he don't even own the Tractor Prime does. Yes he feels like he has some authority so he chooses to be a Ahole

[@Silver_Whale777]

i like your videos so far. i am a class b driver in the process of getting my A and have been researching the industry and trying to decide on my first company to work for and things i will need etc.

[@MarkStaite]

+FirstKnightofJansen ... First 12-months of a new career are important as you'll be at your 'Starter Company' for at least one year before any other company will take you. So... Go with the company THAT WILL PAY YOU THE MOST FOR THOSE FIRST 12 MONTHS!

[@Silver_Whale777]

Mark Staite Right now I have hires from Stevens and Werner. I really liked Stevens and the long haul does not really bother me. At my CDL school the career placement has been very helpful in guiding me with the right choice. I asked them about Prime because of your videos. However, they told me they like to push you to lease a truck. and atm im not interested in doing that. atleast until i learn the industry pretty well.

[@MarkStaite]

+FirstKnightofJansen .... Based on your reply, I'd suspect your school is getting kickbacks from both Stevens and Werner, which both have the worst job satisfaction scores amongst drivers. As to your school's statement. No... Prime does NOT push the lease program. They will tell you about it but do not force it down your throat. BTW... Prime's OTR training pay is $700/wk guaranteed and once solo $0.435/mi. I challenge any starter company to top that. Hit me up at Mark Staite Trucking on FaceBook.

[@Silver_Whale777]

Well this why im going around and researching, and asking other drivers. Now I looked at reviews for alot of companies and to be completely honest they were all about the same. and it seems like the higher paying companies want experience. Aside from Prime what are some other good companies?

[@chuckyd317]

during training, how much drive time should the trainee expect vs Ride Along time?

[@brandonpeterson395]

Great video. This helps me out when I go with a trainer.

[@joshramirez5013]

good video...I just subscribed...hey mark...what wuz that web site yu mentioned on ytta....maximizing your dash something.....yu hav some excellent info....thank you sir'

[@MarkStaite]

+joeangel rodriguez www.maximizing-alliance.com

[@markkeith9055]

Don't trainers sign up for this? Do they not get paid for training?

[@vernoncox6476]

Mark were you been leaving for prime next week miss the videos be safe hopefully meet you soon

[@jovanottic53]

Hi mark,Hopefully you’ll see these questions, are we allowed to where sweatpants?

[@MarkStaite]

Jovanotti C .... That issue is decided by each company's policy. Sime do, some dont. Check with the company you're training with.

[@luisf7105]

Humility ALWAYS takes one extremely far! Thanks for the vid, Mark!

[@15055chevy]

Great vid Sir! i'm also a Vet currently working in Afghanistan as a contractor. I hope to start driving school in Jan 17, i wish you were my trainer. Stay safe out there!

[@MarkStaite]

@HenryVanNoy ... I love guys like this... He's over in the sandbox and he's telling me to, "...Stay safe out there!"... Dood... YOU stay safe man! Holy cow! We have it good in the Land of The Big PX, you got it rough over there. Keep that head on a swivel brother. THanks for watching and get your ass back here in one piece for school.

[@maxwillrobbins1802]

If you already have your class a CDL and I have 160 hours of certified training from a truck driving school do you still have to be with a trainer

[@dcmacnamara6014]

You still need to go out with a trainer.

[@brittinsimpson1107]

Hi Mark,this is the first that I watched of your,and I found it very helpful,Because I am about to go in to trucking for the very first time,and I am trying to get all the information much as possible,so be looking for more of your videos,I hope get a trainer like you and you are right,you should be mindful of somebody's else property,so thanks

[@ALTMowing]

Rock of the Marne. Thank you for serving in the 3rd inf div.

[@johnkincaid1757]

Hey Mark, how sturdy are those top bunks. I'm a big boy close to 375 and 6 ft tall

[@bobpendergraft8422]

I've had big guy's on my truck but I do know they hold alot of weight the hard part is getting up there

[@jordanhewitt7386]

Are you allowed to bring family on your truck

[@m.savage8318]

Jordan Hewitt Not if you are a student

[@georgebuchanan3835]

Do you think prime will open a school closer to the west coast soon. Also I don't see near as many pictures of prime trucks doing stupid stuff like swift. Is prime that much better at training?

[@MarkStaite]

CDL training and OTR training is done 1-on-1. Your not stuck in a big class of 30 people with only 4 trainers. It's 1-on-1.

[@londog71]

+Mark Staite Well not to mention, Soon as you do get a trainer at Swift, it's here's the keys, We're heading East, Wake me up if you have an issue. Only if there's an issue, Although YOURBOYE THE TRUCKER was a good trainer for them.

[@georgebuchanan3835]

Now all I need is Prime to open a school in SLC UT.

[@georgebuchanan3835]

No school in SLC. You can just do orientation

[@erikcaldwell2913]

What have you got against fingerless gloves????

[@chadepps4021]

Mark do you know anything about the Tanker division at Prime ? I live in Conway, SC just outside of Myrtle Beach, SC I'm looking to get into that division either on a dedicated route or maybe O/T like to know how I can get more information on there routes and how they work or run. Can you please help me with that?

[@MarkStaite]

+Chad Epps .... Chad, Tanker info on my end is scarce as I have not networked with anyone in that division yet. Best bet is to call a recruiter and ask them to forward your phone number to a couple active tanker drivers and ask them to call you. Good Luck!! Please apply at: www.PrimeDriver.info