New Swift Road Training Policy For Mentor Trucks
Topic 16120 | Page 1
Probably a smart move - even though most fleets appear to be going automated-shift tractors (keep in mind - these are not "automatic transmissions - as in FLUID DRIVE, but AUTOMATED TRANSMISSIONS - as in manual tranny's that are shifted by the computer).
Drivers NEED TO BE ABLE to drive anything they are put behind the wheel of. Nevermind that some states still have the "automatic only" restriction for CDL's that train/test on auto's.
Rick
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Shouldn't this fall into the I heard...I read...I whatever category. LOL
J/K Errol! I actually asked to be put into an auto anyway. Probably because I needed an inverter for my CPAP and most of the newer autos already have them.
JJ
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
I asked for a manual but got put into an auto. LOL
Shouldn't this fall into the I heard...I read...I whatever category. LOL
J/K Errol! I actually asked to be put into an auto anyway. Probably because I needed an inverter for my CPAP and most of the newer autos already have them.
JJ
You are right, I've called people out on the "I heard..." stuff. But I believe the "veteran lady driver mentor with a crew cut". I also believe that if I ever got her mad at me, I'd be 5th wheel grease by the end of the day!
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
You are right, I've called people out on the "I heard..." stuff. But I believe the "veteran lady driver mentor with a crew cut". I also believe that if I ever got her mad at me, I'd be 5th wheel grease by the end of the day!
Wow.... That's really saying something! I've met Errol, he is a Big Dude!
I don't know, there are a lot of owner ops who are mentors that chose autos just so they wouldn't have the students tearing up their transmissions. LOL
JJ
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I thought manual were the standard/typical still these days?
I thought manual were the standard/typical still these days?
They are with small to mid size companies but most of the large carriers are either mostly automatic or going in that direction quickly.
I was at the terminal today, talking with a mentor. She told me that Swift has a new policy that mentor/ trainers will drive in manual transmission trucks. This will help train new drivers in the finer points of shifting, regardless of what kind of truck they move into after their upgrade.
This part of our conversation came about because this lady mentor has been driving for 30 years, and now has an automatic. But she told me she refuses to drive a manual shift, even for training purposes!
(If you're getting a mentor, watch out for the veteran lady driver mentor with a crew cut. I'm sure she's an excellent teacher - her student says he's having a wonderful time - but she drives an automatic.)
I have heard the same thing, but I don't know how strictly it is enforced. I know a LOT of mentors have autos already, and considering many of these mentors are lease ops, they won't be switching back to manuals. The mentor I met a week or so ago said the same thing you said though. He was training in a 2016 Freightliner with a manual tranny--didn't know they even still made the manuals.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I was at the terminal today, talking with a mentor. She told me that Swift has a new policy that mentor/ trainers will drive in manual transmission trucks. This will help train new drivers in the finer points of shifting, regardless of what kind of truck they move into after their upgrade.
This part of our conversation came about because this lady mentor has been driving for 30 years, and now has an automatic. But she told me she refuses to drive a manual shift, even for training purposes!
(If you're getting a mentor, watch out for the veteran lady driver mentor with a crew cut. I'm sure she's an excellent teacher - her student says he's having a wonderful time - but she drives an automatic.)
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.