Profile For Johnnylite

So here’s a couple; bring a notepad and pen and pencil to write notes to yourself. Boots or slip resistant good shoes will save your toes. Sheet set and a sleeping bag plus your favorite pillow. Most important thing to bring is an open mind free of advice about the job. You’ll figure it out yourself and by observing other drivers including your trainer. If you’re at a truck stop watch people back into spots you think are impossible . Take pictures and watch their setup. Practice,practice, practice and then practice some more. Remember also it’s a job you’re trying to do not a lifestyle or label you’re trying to achieve. Be a listener not a talker and you’ll be amazed what people will share with you.

Last and most important never forget you’re always learning and if you see somebody who needs help even if it’s just a pair of eyes do it. I cannot tell you how many people helped me and I’ve tried to help that at the end said “ we were all new once.

Any and every chance to back that trailer in is key. No two spots are the same and as they say practice, practice, practice.

Just a thought but check some of the larger companies and see if they have class B jobs available. I work for Schneider and I know we do. Get a job then get your Class A. Check the websites and you’ll be surprised. There a few big guys up here as well as Fed Ex UPS etc. as well as lots of smaller companies.

In a nutshell your first year is a lot of work and a lot of time way. The plus side is you will learn how to trip plan, deal with all kinds of people, budget your time and money and depending on first hire offerings see the country or a region. Check where you live to see if either adult education or local colleges or city colleges offer training. Company sponsored typically requires you to sign a contract and pay off the cost. This puts you in their control and generally you work some tough hours to pay it back. I’d you can start with CDL in hand research company job boards and look for Regional or Dedicated jobs. The dedicated ones generally ask For more experience but it’s worth a try. Keep an open mind and don’t settle. Check Indeed and other job boards also there’s a lot of jobs out there.

So I made it to week three and was in the first group to go to orientation. New terminal in Jurupa Valley was quite impressive. Lot's of paper/ computer work and videos. Some great presentations from employees and a chance to see the facility. I made it through and got my driver number so I am officially an employee. The odd part is they hire you before you get your Class A. Three days later back to TDA for practice and test scheduling. This is where it get's interesting. Due to the large amount of recruits they had gone to a split schedule. Newest class stayed 6 to 3:30 and current class moved to 3:30 to midnight.

We all called it a puppy mill. New classes were typically 40-60 students with about a 40-50% retention rate through two weeks. 15-20% were lost first week. Quit, Physicals or other issues. There were also as always good students and let's say not so focused students. The hotel was typically brought up as not a place to party. Of course many did. 4-5 got sent home for it. The hotel itself was clean and well run.

So off to Thursday practice and had a great night until midnight. We were all asking for schedule of testing and instructor said none of our class would test until Saturday. This meant wait until Monday when DMV opens to finish paperwork. They were testing in house which made the process easier. Murphy's law was invoked and I got a call at 7 a.m. Friday and was told previous nights instructor was wrong and was I able to test that day. Answer was of course and off I went. Luckily I had my own car to get there. Passed easily and then off to DMV with two other students. 20-25 thank yous and about 20 minutes at DMV and we were all official Class A drivers.

Off to to Swift terminal to set up Mentor for the 4 weeks and not enough mentors. I am at home waiting for a call. Luckily I am only 125 miles from the yard. Plus my wife is quite happy to see me. Cats also.

Overview of program is medium. The school was not very organized but the equipment and instructors were great. My group was very supportive of each other and that was probably the best part. Would I recommend them? Yes just concentrate on yourself and ignore the distractions. Last part is go in Fall, Winter or Spring. Hot as you no what in Fontana.

I'll update when I get a Mentor.

So no computer for 3 weeks but here is the recap.

Week one was mostly about other people getting permits, drug tests, physicals etc. Surprising how many people had issues and hadn't taken care of them prior to arriving. Eye tests, blood pressure and other things. Classroom and this stuff until Wednesday when everyone was off to DMV for permits. I already had mine so a day of videos and studying,

Thursday was yard day and mostly Pre-trip and air brake test studying. 12 rigs varying in make and 53 foot trailers. Most were in the 5-6 year old vintage and in fairly good shape. Instructors were varied in approach and demeanor.

Friday was our first day doing skills practice. Parallel, offset and straight line backing. Pretty fun and three stations to use. Good advice on what to look for when turning including the famous Half Shoe. Day started at 6 and we were done at 4:30.

Saturday was more of the same and lot's of pre-trip practice. Sunday was day off.

Monday through Saturday was finally over the road and pretty pleasant. Exception was Mid Week when a new group from another TDA showed up. Couple scary moments driving and thankfully I dropped out of their group Friday.

Grandchild number 2 did show up and still on track for June 2nd. Looking forward to real training and getting started. I'm like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

The training program really works. The repetition helps. Go ahead and do as many as you can. I tested on the basics first when I got my permit including Tanker and Doubles. I went back later for the Hazmat. Good to get it all out of the way. Either way keep drilling it into your head. Good luck and keep us posted. I start Monday with Central in Fontana.

Maybe recheck the information on costs, etc. I am Starting with Central on the 2nd of June and the costs are different. The total is now 3900 taken out in deductions. There also is a deduction for the pre paid housing. The total ends up free for the tuition if you stay for 26 months. If you stay for 13 they pay for half. It kind of points out the free versus financed reality of company schools. Thank you also for this great place to come and get the facts about the business. I find myself really getting to know people through their diaries and posts. The old adage work hard and be nice and you will go far still works.

Really cool layout. How much can you keep in that fridge? The fact that you can keep things with you is a big plus.