Start CDL School For Stevens Transport Mon. 6/6/16 (Whew, Glad That One Is In That Date!!)

That is why I always try to be careful what I type. I don't like having serious discussions in email or text as I can't get the nuances of voice. I often mess up when posting my thoughts on line as I sometimes have trouble typing my intentions. I too raise my voice to vent. I try to do that when alone. With this said, I also understand Brett's point about the company doctor having only the company's best interest in mind. A DOT doctor doesn't know what company one is going to and only has to certify that you meet Government standards. So, I guess we all need to realize this. Though we may pass a DOT physical at home, the trucking company doctor may have different standards. Company standards are dictated by the insurance companies.

I did understand you were just venting and that you were very frustrated. I'm glad you did because it allowed Brett to teach people about the difference between DOT doctors and company doctors. Thanks Brett. I hope people will don't be discouraged from venting their frustrations here, because we can all learn from the advise given to the venter. We just have to watch our tongues when venting.

Good luck DSTURBD. Did you get back to Steven's for another orientation? How is it going?

That is why I always try to be careful what I type. I don't like having serious discussions in email or text as I can't get the nuances of voice. I often mess up when posting my thoughts on line as I sometimes have trouble typing my intentions. I too raise my voice to vent. I try to do that when alone. With this said, I also understand Brett's point about the company doctor having only the company's best interest in mind. A DOT doctor doesn't know what company one is going to and only has to certify that you meet Government standards. So, I guess we all need to realize this. Though we may pass a DOT physical at home, the trucking company doctor may have different standards. Company standards are dictated by the insurance companies.

I did understand you were just venting and that you were very frustrated. I'm glad you did because it allowed Brett to teach people about the difference between DOT doctors and company doctors. Thanks Brett. I hope people will don't be discouraged from venting their frustrations here, because we can all learn from the advise given to the venter. We just have to watch our tongues when venting.

Good luck DSTURBD. Did you get back to Steven's for another orientation? How is it going?

Hey there Scott,

Yes, I'm back in Dallas and have been assured that their doctor has cleared me. Yes, I do have to take the physical again, but they say that it is just a formality at this point. I start orientation again 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Thanks for your concern, I really do appreciate it,

DSTURBD

Great to hear. Keep us posted. When do you take the physical again? When you do, make sure you are relaxed and in good spirits.

Great to hear. Keep us posted. When do you take the physical again? When you do, make sure you are relaxed and in good spirits.

Should be Monday when we take it. Oh, be assured that I will be in the right frame of mind and have all of my paperwork with me! LOL!

Thanks again Scott!

DSTURBD

Welcome.

I came to what I thought was a safe place to get it out and get my head straight again about it and go from there. I won't make that mistake again, I assure you

I got carried away. I now realize that this is not the place to do that as many seem to take everything literally.

Ah, so a nice set of criticisms, disguised as an apology, aimed at all of us who are simply too dumb to get your advanced communication style.

"I'm not perfect, but it's everyone else's shortcomings that are the real problem here." - we get the message. Great job.

Yes Brett we are non of us are perfect. We all mess up. Some worse than others. The important thing is to learn from them and better ourselves.

Hey DSTURBD. How are things going?

I'm wondering the same thing myself. Hopefully it's good news and he's just so busy he hasn't had time to post!

7/20/16

Hey there guys!

Thanks for thinking of me! It really does mean a great deal to me! As a matter of fact, Chickie was right on the money, we have been doing 16 hour days for the last three days, but it was really cool. Classes all day and then driving and maneuvers until about 10:00 at night. And speaking of money, today was my first day as an official Stevens Transport employee! We finished up all of our orientation classes on the Qualcom, etc., got our fuel cards and learned how to use them for fuel (truck and reefer , our own cash from payroll, etc.), got my picture I.D. badge and Rand McNally Truckers' Road Atlas (lots of essential goodies to play with LOL), and..........got my assignment to a training driver. We leave the yard together Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. to begin my 240 hours of road training!! He sounds like a really cool guy and is exactly the same age as me. Talked to him on the phone this afternoon and I think it's gonna go quite well.

Maneuvers were really cool and a lot of fun. Also, it was kind of funny as the instructors I hadn't worked with yet all looked at me after a few minutes and said, "You've driven before, haven't you? Okay, this is going to be easy." Made me feel kinda good that I still had some noticeable skills, 'cause I wasn't sure they were still there at all!! One of our main classroom instructors got in a really good final parting shot on me last night during dinner. He comes in and says my name kinda loud and I answered, "Yes?" He says, "You're on med hold." I was shocked and turned around saying, "Whaaaat?!?!?!?!?!?" He busted out laughing as he couldn't hold a straight face......I about had a heart attack!!!!!!! He got me good though and I had to admit it. The classroom instructors are the ones who work closely with us all the way through orientation and have really been encouraging and pulling for me. The other one told me earlier today, "Hey, this is the first time you've gotten to the last day, good job!! I'm glad you stuck it out." The day before, I noticed him looking at me kind of pointedly and was wondering if I was doing something wrong or something, so I asked him what was wrong. He said, "Nothing. I was just thinking that when you get to doing something, you really stick with it! With everything you've been through on this, I'm really glad you stuck with us, a lot of guys wouldn't have."

Made me feel really good to know that they were concerned about it, too.

My next goal is to try to beat the record for completing road training. As they were explaining all of the various stages today, they told us that it has been done in thirty days only four times, ever. All of the check-offs, requirements, and 240 hours of driving time in thirty days......hmmmmm.....I wonder?!?!?!?!?

Anyway, thanks again guys, and I am moving forward and looking forward to the next stage of working toward going solo!!

DSTURBD