Profile For Flathead

Oops. please delete the above post. i wasnt aware that my previous posts are visible until now.

thanks

My trainer's last four trainees walked from his truck. He tells me it's bc they were not cut out for the job. Now, I'm pretty sure it was bc he's filthy, and more than a little bit racist. I've heard the N word in the last few weeks more than I have in the last decade. I've also been told from the get go that the company sucks and that he's going to quit soon. He's been with this company about seven years.

Some things that make him less than a good trainer:

1) routinely tells me to speed on country roads marked 45 mph. I just say "okay," and keep the legal speed limit. Also, wants me to speed through construction zones when no workers are present. Again, I keep the legal speed.

2) expects me to memorize the way to shippers and customers while driving and with zero trip planning. Actually gets bothered when I'm driving and ask what hwys we'll be taking and how long we'll be on such and such hwy. All the while, he sits with his phone GPS only announcing turns RIGHT before the turn.

3) Not one PTI has been done, not one tire check, nothing.

4) Gets visibly upset when we are off duty if I speak or help another driver.

5) passive aggressive threats of firing me after he learned that I don't stand for "in your face yelling and tantrums." He mentioned that he would drive once we stopped at a rest stop. After he went in to pee, I jumped in the passenger seat. He started throwing a fit saying, "did i f...ing say I was driving!" etc. I just looked at him in the eyes and asked if he was alright and if there's was a problem, while remaining very calm. That threw him for a loop.

6) Spends more time on the phone with friends than pointing out different procedures, etc. Example, I haven't been allowed to touch the Qualcom once since starting with this guy.

Anyway, I'm going to see this through until I get to the main terminal, take my final tests and get in my own truck. thanks for letting me vent

Try Mabe. There's a guy from my class with a 3 year old DUI and a few 5 year old felonies and he just got on with them. No one else would even look at him (except Carolina Cargo). Pay is average; you run solo, etc.

Heading to orientation Sunday night! According to my trucking school instructors, it's just a really thorough training. It can be overwhelming. Just have to stick it out, listen to the trainers, and stay positive.

The Pro Star has a digital tv antenna built in, so you won't need to worry about channels, you'd be amazed how many you can pick up. I run to some pretty rural areas and can tell you that Sprint works pretty well for me. Is Verizon a little better? Yes, but not for the price imho.

Thanks! That's very helpful info.

In order to get a driving permit to start a company sponsored CDL training program will I need to completely understand all sections of the High Road training program? I see there are several sections such as Hazmat, Doubles/triples, Tankers, etc. or do I only need certain sections for a permit? Any advice would be welcome

my state required air brakes, general knowledge, and combinations for the permit. The other stuff is just endorsements that you can pick up at your own pace.

I know Verizon is the best carrier but before I knew that, I signed my life away to Sprint for two years.

I just have to suck it up and make the best of the situation.

I'll more than likely be parking and delivering in rural areas (flatbed). So, I'll be investing in one of those cheap HDTV air channel antennas for nights with no Sprint service.

So here I go I am starting school on the 8th and am looking to flatbed I live in Murfreesboro Tennessee and am looking specifically at TMC and McElroy I'm just looking for any drivers for both companies to let me know a little more about a rookie driver coming into either place what to expect and what not any and all information will be great thank

I've spoken with a few mcelroy drivers in my area and they are fairly satisfied with the company. One guy said the hardest part is living on $400+-/week for seven weeks until you get in your own truck.

Anticipating being put in a 2013-74 prostar.

At home, I use a smart tv and wifi to watch Netflix, etc. I'm hoping make my truck as homelike as possible. I'm wondering if most trucks will accomodate a 32" led. Also wondering if it's worth paying Sprint 19.95/month for the ability to use my phone as a wifi hotspot and i wonder if that hotspot would even be strong enough to stream netflix to a tv.

Any ideas?

I've been putting together my clothing for flatbed orientation.

I have synthetic thermal longjohns, short sleeve polo type shirts (company requires collared shirts), heavy sweatshirts, a few fleece pullovers, and a Colombia medium weight jacket.

Shoes: tennis shoes and a pair of steel toed boots. Pretty sure I won't be able to drive in the steel toes so after the first week of orientation, I'll grab some waterproof hiking boots, if needed. Several pairs of wool socks.

Head: dog-ear G.I. helmet liner paired with a synthetic wool blend cap for cold, wind, and rain. If I need a heavier coat, I'll grab a Carhart off brand heavy work type coat with a hood.

I'm about the layers. I need to be able to rip off all the fleece and coats in order to be comfortable driving. But I need to be able to pile on the layers to secure the loads.

This company stays in the southeast so I don't think I'll need a Canada Goose -30F puffy coat (hopefully).