Profile For KaTow

Hi

I found this reference in some general training material...

"HM-181 and 126-F Training Guidelines"

HM 126-126-F requires hazmat training (covering HM-181) be provided to all drivers who transport hazmat.

Haz Mat Regs: parts 171-180 of Title 49, (49 CFR 171-180)

... ? Hope you find details there!

Humor inject...

Saw a work truck with company website,

www.twomen.com

Now, is that "T-Women" or "Two Men" ?

Well, the name was Two Men and a Truck, but I wonder if anyone has pointed out the... duality of their website!

Well , G-Town, while was reading your words of wisdom, my recruiter called. She explained more about the Academy training, and other options; about Swifts approach to drivers' levels of experience; and the 3-wk program.

I signed up. Like you say, it increases my chance to be successful, and learn to be a better driver. And no one expects me home until late-May anyway!

The more I learn about and interact with Swift, the more I respect the company. And the more I accept their way of handling ... how many new drivers per year?!

Thanks for the info and observations. Yea, I got low self-esteem. Haven't always tho... I just need some way out of this 10-year rut.

Now, however, I start planning for a trip south!

You work the year for Swift and your school debt is zero.

The cynic: If I really can't navigate a truck! I owe the fees...

So I bombed.

Mis-judged a "stale green" which had a very short yellow. Back to Terminal to wait 2+ hours for HQ to let me go.

Three of us, actually, were on the shuttle back to the hotel, but only I had to wait until Tuesday for the next bus. Another guy talked to his recruiter, and planned to attend Swift Academy. The shuttle driver said the other option is to try agwin in 7 days, but blow that and you're done for 12 months before eligible for Orientation again.

I got to my room and reached my recruiter; she sent me Academy info, for Richmond VA. I decided to stay in Syracuse (NY) while I considered the two options. Obviously I'm paying my lodging, but the alternative was: 10hr bus to VT, home 2 days, 16hr bus to VA. (And two very confused cats at home.) From here, it's a 12hr bus ride, and the Comfort Inn rate is worth the reduced travel. (I've just hid at 6am each day, from the other trainees!)

So... how'd I blow a red light? Well, first, growing up, it was 12 miles to the nearest stop light... one of, maybe three in that near-by metropolis. My CDL school was equally rural. I really don't have the same problem in my pers vehicle... too often. And I was chatting with the Evaluator! Stupid! I even recognized the situation, but made the wrong choice. And it burns.

My conundrum is:

A) Wait out the weekend, re-try next Tuesday. I am a good driver (shifting, off-tracking, mirrors) all good. I was comfortable. It's traffic I have a problem with (and had problems with, the last 2 of 3 places hired on to). So, do I got my head together, Know I can do it right, and try again?

B) Head to VA, spend 3+ weeks in a CDL-prep environment (I admit I would benefit, but not convinced I Need it), and get unknown amount of on-road time (with, I'm sure, more than two stop lights!). Incur $2-4,000 debt and 1-2 yr commitment?

I guess I'm not really convinced I would road-test any better next week, or I would be arranging it now. But the Academy focus on getting a CDL vs getting me more skill-based time... not sure about that. (Emailed my recruiter last night, will probably call late-morning and see how much she can answer.)

Meanwhile, I have my computer here, and will continue muddling thru my options.

Wow. Writing as therapy!!

Thanks for sticking with me!

Sitting in class, 15+ of us... most of us at Comfort Inn, too.

Managed to get on 4:30 bus, and get into Syracuse as the moon was coming up. One of those magical city scape moments.

Shuttle driver touted benefits of Swift, now with Knight. And the opportunities for advancement... or just plain money-making. :)

Lalala... waiting!

Other stuff, but that's enough for now. Own your training Victor. It's your time, make the most of it.

G-town... You ROCK!

You're information and experience, shared here, is so helpful.

Thank you

Made it to bus by 9am, but apparently I was supposed to have a ticket! Imagine that. Driver accepted the printed email with confirmation number, but arrived in Albany to be told I had no ticket. Recruiter calls go to VM. No room on planned 4pm bus. Have to wait till 9pm, and arrive in Syracuse after midnight! Ugh!

Finally called recruiter supervisor. He said, "Yup, she screwed up." Oh well. At least there is a 9pm...

Packed 2 big duffels... not clothes so much, but Laptop, bookkeeping files, shower supplies, ... Food! I hope I dont get booted from the cab when my trainer sees all this!

7 hrs to kill in station with 2 power outlets. (2hrs if there's a no-show on 4pm.)

But I'm still PSYCHED!

I'm on bus right now to Syracuse. Psyched!!

Resurrecting older thread...

I'm bringing my pc laptop with me. What is out there now for ways to print? Not sure what I would have to print, but wondering what others do. Copiers/printers from USB drive? Email ahead to Terminal? Print/Copy shops? Are there any printing services at truck stops?

Thanks!