Profile For A D

I think it's incredibly important for us to point out to new drivers the difference between being safe, and being lazy. We need to point out how important it is to have high expectations of yourself because trucking is no ordinary job for ordinary people. New drivers will come across these types and they need to be able to recognize when someone is taking the wrong approach so they don't follow the wrong path themselves.

Couldn't agree more. This is the essence of Trucking Truth itself.

Great tips. A must read. Thanks G-TOWN.

Hey guys,

I'm heading into my second week of training at a school outsourced by the large carrier that accepted me. We planned only 1 trip in class, the minimum required, and I did well, but I want to get more practice in before I head to my company's orientation in two weeks. We're pre-tripping and in the truck here on out.

My question is, do you know of anywhere on the web I can find example loads as set by a major carrier, with their expected fuel stops, load/unload appointments, etc? I can make up some trip, but I don't know if it even would be realistic or not because I only have the one example in class to go from, and they kept all the materials after we tested out on it, so here I am.

TIA!

Great idea.

I always ask myself would be great to have some training or info regarding trip planning.

This could make another great thread/article/podcast from Brett.

A lot less hectic. But, I am willing to do what it takes to get the job done. I want to be the go to guy the load planners look at, when needing to get a hot load delivered that doesn't require a team. Simply put, I want to be considered one of my companies top tier drivers. I will do what it takes to get there. I take every load offered. I do favors for the load planners when need a load rescued. I want to be that driver that gets it done when others can't or won't.

Yes the 8/2 split is there to help us wen it suits us.

For the rest of your post,I totally agree... it is a must for those who want to be in the top tier driver's.

Same with the company I work for... no line 5/personal conveyance, and also no 10/2 split sleeper berth allowed. Company policy is to take a 10hr break. Can't say that I've needed either however; definitely haven't been challenged to the point where the 10/2 would have proven useful, and I must admit I don't fully understand the 'personal conveyance' rules.

It is an 8/2 split sleeper berth provision. It has saved my hide more than I care to admit. I had to do almost an entire week with a rolling 8/2 sleeper. That week sucked.

And how that week would be without the 8/2 sleeper ?

I had a phone interview last week with a Schneider's recruiter from across the border. It is very different from the US side from what I've been reading on TT. 500 miles radius from terminal, eastern seaboard at .37/mile first year then .39-1/2 for year 2,3. $10 each border crossing. Different choices for home time. 6 days out 3 days home 14 out 7 home. In both options you have to take your stuff with you home. Only Manuel trucks to start. Options for your own truck are 11out 3 home or 12 out 2 home or you can stay out longer if you want. Cab has no fridge, no microwave, no apu, no electric connections. It only has lighter connections. Training first week mostly paper work and some yard training , second week out with trainer for local deliveries, third week more paper work Qualcomm, logbook and in cab training then road test.

I need alot more training then this for me to be comfortable.

While you do only get 1 week doing actual deliveries while training, you can, and definitely should, ask for more training if you feel like you didn't get enough.

I was trained by a chicago local. I never went further than 150m from the Gary OC. Being hired on as Midwest regional, I didn't feel like I got the necessary training I needed, so I asked for another week. I was paired with a driver who did Midwest regional and I felt a lot more comfortable afterwards. It also helped considering he constantly kept saying, "I don't know why you're still in my truck. You're doing just fine." Of course my backing still sucked throughout that week and to this day, I still can't do a 45° back to save my life, but the opportunity for help was there.

Thanks, it's good to know. I didn't go to a training school, I did a non vocational course training in yard. You basically pay as you drive, training is very basic as trainers spend more time on cell phone then training you. All the study is on you, you only go there to drive.

That was before July 1th. Now law changed you need minimum 107 hours total training. I was able to pass my road test with less then 10 driving hours.

So I need to have real training with a real trainer for at least a few weeks driving only. I might go back to school for a refresher course since I already have my CDL.

I had a phone interview last week with a Schneider's recruiter from across the border. It is very different from the US side from what I've been reading on TT. 500 miles radius from terminal, eastern seaboard at .37/mile first year then .39-1/2 for year 2,3. $10 each border crossing. Different choices for home time. 6 days out 3 days home 14 out 7 home. In both options you have to take your stuff with you home. Only Manuel trucks to start. Options for your own truck are 11out 3 home or 12 out 2 home or you can stay out longer if you want. Cab has no fridge, no microwave, no apu, no electric connections. It only has lighter connections. Training first week mostly paper work and some yard training , second week out with trainer for local deliveries, third week more paper work Qualcomm, logbook and in cab training then road test.

I need alot more training then this for me to be comfortable.

So much invaluable information all over the place. This site is something else. The gift that keeps on giving. Soon I will be in training, hope to give back as much as I got.

Just Focus on the task ahead. You know what to do, just do it. Like G Town said, Focus Focus Focus

Great news. This place keeps rocking with all the super mods + Rickypedia. There's also the experience driver's/posters with all the info to help newbies. Thanks to all of you for making Trucking Truth The Bible for those seeking Real knowledge on a trucking career. A special thanks to The one that made all of it possible... Brett Aquilla.