TransAm Orientation

Thanks Chickie, Ill let you know what happens for sure. TA is processing my app, all should be fine, I have a few other apps out there as well, and after months of researching companies, its come down to a handful. I do like the equipment TA has, others may not be able to match that, but offer other pros, however I would definitely work for TA if available. I,ve heard all the negatives about TA , but feel if you do your job, and be honest with them, things should be fine. I tend to not get caught up in all the bs , and just make things work to my advantage. Fortunately I can deal with the pay they offer, and hope to prove myself to them, and gain the experience I need. Who knows, maybe could stay awhile, not into the job hopping thing. As far as school, I aced my backing exam last week, was very happy about that, and have already gotten 200 of my 1000 road miles I need. 3 of us are well ahead of everyone else ( that's because weve been serious about it, and not leaving school early etc...) 4 weeks left till graduation, could prolly finish in 2, but I will stay and use that time to continue backing. So, my question is, coming in w a cdl already, what kinda training, driving are they going to look at before we go out w a trainer? I'm hoping they really care, like you say they do. Awesome job on all your training, it feels great overcoming all these tests and such. So much to absorb:) Love your blog, keep us posted please, and be safe out there, and good luck w ur trainer, hope all goes well. TY

Hi Bass! Great to hear I will have a TA buddy now! If you are coming to Kansas, give me a shout when you are gonna be at the terminal for orientation and such and if I'm around I'll come say hi!

In spite of the struggles I had, I think TA is a good starter company. Their trucks are amazing! The automatics rock! The trainers I have met truly want their students to succeed and put alot of effort into the short time they have with them.

Be warned though: they will push the lease hard! The best advice I can give is to just say you are gonna be a company driver and don't get sucked into it. We lost all but two of our class to the lease program.

Hopefully your class won't be as big as ours. 12! But be ready to stand around outside. It's very windy in Kansas and sunny so bring sunscreen and Chapstick. Also, save up a little cash because you provide dinner. But there are plenty of options within walking distance of the hotel.

Let me know how everything goes for you! Good luck in school! Your program sounds awesome by the way.

Voming in with your CDL and no prior experience, you will spend 3 days at the terminal on their backing range as well as doing a very short driving test. The backing range is fairly easy, but listen carefully when they explain the course as it is pretty confusing at first. They really take the time to work with anyone who needs a little extra help.

Great job on your progress and keep up the good work!

Yes girl! I told my educator "Forget a gun or knife, I got a can of wasp spray and lighter, 20 foot flame thrower" haha He laughed his head off.

That's good about TransAm. Between this site and others I've seen alot more women entering the industry now, so that makea me feel better. Any woman who walks past a construction site should be used to catcalls. I've taken a shower at a truck stop when driving a long distance and that didn't bother me. It's the pervert trainers who i dont want. I also think of the woman trucker who was raped by the mechanic who had a key to her truck that scares me.

Easy way to prevent that happening. Run your seatbelt through the door handles then latch it. Or take a ratchet strap and run it through both door handles and crank it down. Anybody wants to get in they are going to have to break a window and that's when my can of wasp spray and tire thumper are gonna be meeting their face....

Sitting here on the first day. Working on drug tests. I'm already getting nervous about the backing and road tests next week. Ugh I don't wanna be sent home. :(

Voming in with your CDL and no prior experience, you will spend 3 days at the terminal on their backing range as well as doing a very short driving test. The backing range is fairly easy, but listen carefully when they explain the course as it is pretty confusing at first. They really take the time to work with anyone who needs a little extra help.

Great job on your progress and keep up the good work!