Pam/Driver Solutions Contract

Thanks for all the input, sorry I stirred up a hornets nest on this, I get all of your replies and understand, I guess I just thought that pushing you to get your cdl as fast as they did was setting us up for failure. I already had a permit when I started. I guess what got me is the driving time or lack there of. You would learn to drive in one type of Bobtail and then learn how to back a trailer in an older model which is totally different clutch than the one you got used to. Then on top of that you could only spend 45 min a day on the track. I guess I was expecting to be trained on the same kind of rig through out and more time in cab. My hope is to go back into a training school as that was not the only reason I had to bail.

From one of the experienced people that works there, you will be on the road forever in order to make the money you want but that is not the reason I would like to pursue driving. I have a passion for it, but guess I had a totally different thought process of training. I do currently have all my tests passed I have a permit all I need now is to pass the CDL drive test.

Maybe now that I have all that behind me, that is what may have got me feeling the way I was. It would be great to get with and awesome trainer because I dont have any issues with being on the road with a stranger or anything. I guess time will tell....

Thanks again to all of you...........

One last question.......Do you always have to double clutch in a rig?

Carla, unrealistic expectations are what trips most people up when they try to start this career. You fell right into the most common pit fall. What happens now if you don't end up with an awesome trainer?

Commitment on your part is more important to your success than the level of professionalism in your trainer. Everything about this business is performance based. You may need to prove you're up to the task while dealing with a less than stellar trainer. Many of us had to work it that way. Your entire first year behind the wheel will be a full bore training experience. That's the way you have to look at it. This is not like any other type of job where most everything can be covered in a few weeks of training.

You need to take a serious look at your approach to this. I want you to have real success and enjoy your new career. You've got bigger things to concern yourself with for now than wondering whether you'll be double clutching for the rest of your life.

Javon wrote:

....what is going to happen the first time you are faced with a serious and potentially dangerous situation like descending into the depths of Donner or Cabbage Patch or the Grape Vine with only a thin piece of bent aluminum separating you and a 500 foot drop-off? This is part of the job and cannot be approached timidly, indecisively, or with paralyzing fear.

Wow that sounds scary as hell...

Actually I wrote that as a reply to Javon's current level of fear. The above is why the carriers who will hire a rookie, require 6-8 weeks of road training. Mountain driving is something you will be taught while you are with your trainer/mentor.

No Carla, you don't have to double clutch after training. But get through it first, then ask your road trainer to show you...it's awesome

No Carla, you don't have to double clutch after training. But get through it first, then ask your road trainer to show you...it's awesome

...show you how to "float" gears, AKA shifting without using the clutch. Don't hold your breath though, many carriers are transitioning to auto-shift transmissions.

@Javon W I hope, very sincerely that everything works out for you. I definitely hope that you like your situation at Stevens Transport, and would encourage you to stay for a long time. If you ever decide to go to another company, keep in mind that all trucking companies go back 10 years for employment history. It's perfectly ok to switch jobs a couple times within that period. It is not ok to do it 5 or 6 times. I understand your trepidations about teaming, but in your situation I would have a bigger fear of my employment history.

I just finished school at Millis Transfer and I'm getting picked up by my trainer in the next few days. It's been a great experience with them so far, but I already have plans for my future that do not include staying here beyond my commitment. I know where I'm going and what I'm doing, because I did a ton of research. And who knows? Maybe I'll decide to stay. But if I don't I'll make sure I land in a place I won't be leaving for a very long time. That employment history means everything in this industry. That, and a good safety record!

@Javon W I hope, very sincerely that everything works out for you. I definitely hope that you like your situation at Stevens, and would encourage you to stay for a long time. If you ever decide to go to another company, keep in mind that all trucking companies go back 10 years for employment history. It's perfectly ok to switch jobs a couple times within that period. It is not ok to do it 5 or 6 times. I understand your trepidations about teaming, but in your situation I would have a bigger fear of my employment history. I just finished school at Millis and I'm getting picked up by my trainer in the next few days. It's been a great experience with them so far, but I already have plans for my future that do not include staying here beyond my commitment. I know where I'm going and what I'm doing, because I did a ton of research. And who knows? Maybe I'll decide to stay. But if I don't I'll make sure I land in a place I won't be leaving for a very long time. That employment history means everything in this industry. That, and a good safety record!

Millis popped onto my radar a few days ago. How was their school?

Honestly you probably should have done your research. There's tons of information available in this day and age. I want to say there may be a few team drivers here but it would probably work best for a couple. As long as you pay them back it doesn't really matter I suppose.

The problem with this is that most information on this forum is outdated.

Great catch there, Chuck! The last comment is from more than 5 1/2 years ago. Imagine that!

If the problem is most everything on Trucking Truth is outdated (a completely BS claim of yours), then why are you on here digging up older threads?

Jasper 2 names wrote:

The problem with this is that most information on this forum is outdated.

Not based on what the OP missed. It’s like anything else, never limit yourself to one source. When you get serious about any company research their website and then call a recruiter with intelligent questions.

This is a five year old thread that you resurrected with a grenade.