Orientation Over And On The Road

Well out of 30+ folks that started we were down to about 12 or 13......for various reasons did not make the cut. I had a hard time believing it but then I saw it ...so..... I have now been on the road several days with my new trainer....nice guy, helpful and years of experience....He does his best to lighten the my stress and explains things in sufficient detail so that even I can follow along. The flatbed is a lot different that a box truck....and it is physical which I need....sitting all day in a truck seat without any movement is hard on the bod. It is a bit more spartan for me because I am sharing a truck...pb and j sandwiches, fruit and coffee are my mainstays...I am trying not to spend money on food at stops...too spendy......My trainer springs for showers....self protection I think....lol...and so far the road has been kind to us. My biggest worry is not learning enough in the time we have available....since flatbeds go all over you never just get a slot to back into...speaking of which my backing up skills need work....sigh.....ok electronic logs are easy but then I am doing practice paper logs also so that when the electronics die....oh...yes...they will die....I can stay legal. I am just beginning to realize what a money target we are.......ok enoug for now....when I get another chance in a week or so I will update....take care all...this can be done and it is fun!!! ok Ice snow wind.....but it will not last forever.......take care....

THANK YOU, George, for posting about a decent trainer!

Positive reviews are about as common as a pull thru spot at a Pilot at 9:30 at night.

I had a great trainer, myself. And your observations about Trainee Life are pretty good, too!

A great trainer will make you or break you. I was a trainer for sometime and can tell you that we do not get enough time with some trainees. If there is anything you feel you need more help with just speak up and ask your trainer. They are there to help you learn what it needed to get you down the road as safe as you possibly can. I was taught growing up that anything you can do tired you can do awake. So when I trained it was normal for me to have a student that had been only asleep for a couple hours, I would wake them up and have them back the trailer into a spot at the truck stop. They might not have liked me at the time, but I am still in contact with everyone of them (13 drivers) and they have all said how much of a difference that it made. Just remember that the trainer is there to help teach you. They cannot help you if you don't let them know where you need help. Good luck with your training and keep it shiny side up...

P.S. ~ Remember to only drive in conditions that you yourself feel safe in. Just because someone else is comfortable doesn't mean you have to be. I have seen too many people wad a truck up over pushing themselves in a situation that they are not comfortable with.