Profile For Kim T.

Thanks everyone. When I went to orientation and training there was 100+ new people every week. I was just curious how they and other companies are handling this.

You all be safe.

Hey drivers! It's been a while since I've posted but I've been lurking and reading. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.

I have a question that may have been addressed already but have not seen anything so far. How are trucking companies handling orientation and training during the COVID-19 quarantine situation?

Good morning!

I haven’t posted in a minute but I am still trolling the site regularly and living vicariously through you guys. Just wanted to give an update on what I’ve been up to lately.

My medical certification was getting ready to expire soon so I went for my DOT physical to renew it. Passed with flying colors...still the healthiest fat girl I know. lol

I am dealing with possible cancer right now after a scan found a mass. However, I am keeping positive about this and have decided that further testing will show it’s nothing. If it is something, I’m going to fight like hell and beat it.

The happiest news: I got married on July 20!!! My wife is a driver trainer and life is great!

I miss you guys and wish you well and lots of safe miles.

Way to go, Donna!!!

Hey Old School, PackRat, and Turtle! Yep PackRat, I’m still a driver.

I come in and read the posts all the time and laugh at the antics in here. lol

I would love to be at Prime this week when he talks to Ms. V and George. That’s going to be hilarious!

Oh, and hi drivers!!

Brett, you’re right, I was jumping back and forth between two very different careers. The law firm is financial security, trucking is a lifelong dream. I knew going in that the first year in trucking is hard financially because you are learning the ropes and getting settled into this very new and very different career. However, I didn’t give myself time to learn. I gave up. That is completely on me. I own what I did.

Here are my honest thoughts on my training. Don’t get me wrong, I am not putting blame on anyone but myself. These are my opinions on my own training. In TNT we are running team. Did I need my trainer in the passenger seat while I was driving at all times? No. But, if I am in a sticky situation and need immediate help I need that help right then. At times it was hard to wake her up. And if I had to wake her up several times then she would not be rested for her shift and that put us both in danger...so I didn’t try to wake her up a lot. Also, driving team you didn’t have to worry about finding parking for the night very often. We did not do much trip planning because we didn’t have to find places to park. I think I was on the phone with Ernie every day talking about this stuff. The truck was run as a team truck. I was not taught the little nuances needed to run a solo truck. Yes, I had several drivers that gave me awesome advice and I appreciated that more than they will ever know. In a team truck I didn’t have to back into a busy, packed truck stop.

I KNOW all of that comes with time and experience. I know this. But as a new driver the aggravation and frustration of what I didn’t know was daunting. I know I can do the job. But at the time I didn’t have enough faith in myself.

Minnis, thank you. I will keep that in mind.

Jeremy, I agree. Not all training is successful for every person. Everyone learns differently. I have an opportunity to go with another company. Since I upgraded to my own truck in December, I would go with a trainer so they can see what I do know as far as running solo and what I need to learn then they would take it from there.

Like I said, I own my mistakes and giving up. I blame no one but myself.

Anyway, I need to get back to cleaning house (Ugh!).

Thank you drivers and have a great day!

To reiterate what I was trying to say in my first post...I realize I should have stuck it out the first year. That is one of the main things I am kicking myself about now. I gave up too soon. That is my big regret. I’ve wanted to drive a truck since I was 6 years old. That’s 50 years! And I gave up. I am a very determined woman, and if you read any of my posts about my health scare that happened almost two years ago you will see that determination. But I lost sight of that determination. That’s what disappoints me about my decision. I’m trying to fight back from that and see what my options are.

I see several have commented and I will respond to those when I get home from work.

Thank you all for everything...even giving me hell when I need it.

LOL I know what you meant. For the new drivers I wish there had been a camera crew with you your first year. “Rainy’s First Year.” That would have probably been the best reality show in history.

PJ, I’ve always wanted to get my CDL and drive a truck. I did that. When I decided to walk away and come back home I truly thought what I had accomplished would be enough to satisfy that dream. I’m finding out that it’s not. I’m working my way through the rest of it. I will eventually figure it out. I thought a long time before finally deciding to get my CDL and I will be thinking long and hard this time too. Thank you.

Rainy, Clark Griswold?? LOL I’m not a major screwup...I don’t think. Once again you have given me a lot to think about. I appreciate you and your advice more than you will ever know. I have thought about the PSD training but I have to get to that point first. I will also think about your other suggestions. I miss you lady! Thank you.