Training Question

As I get closer to my decision to take the leap into truck driving as my second career, I have a question. I read this site as well as some others.

Do the rookie drivers have any say in the trainer that that they have to ride with during their training? Is there a screening process to match compatibility between rookie drivers and trainers?

I have never quit anything, but based on what I have been reading, a common theme seems to be the cleanliness, or lack of cleanliness regarding the trainer. I know I could never ride with someone who is not clean, has poor hygiene habits and/or is a slob.

Every company is different. My company tries to match up personalities the best they can. But you train in the region you are going to work in. So the pool to choose from is based in a region.

My company tried to pair me the best they could. Remember it's a short period of your life. You have to keep your mind on the big picture.

When I went into training, they asked me a few questions as to what I would....sort of prefer in a trainer. Mostly, it was things like if the trainer had a pet or if they smoked or what gender they were. I didn't care about gender or pets but since I have asthma, I can't handle being with a smoker. A few days later they gave me the number and name for my trainer and I got to talk to him over the phone before I met him. He came and picked me up from the company headquarters and I started driving the next day. We did have a few issues with communication but that happens when you put two people in a smaller than usual space for long periods of time. Be that as it may, I loved my trainer and I still keep in touch with him. Just don't get frustrated right out if they do something you don't like. Remember to talk with them first and then, if it's not fixed or you feel unsafe, then talk to whomever you need. For example, I had to tell my trainer several times I hated driving at night because I can't make myself stay awake for that long. He eventually got it but that was in the first week and a half. So, just make sure to talk with your trainer as you go along.

My company really didn't pair us up. I met and talked with both my trainers at the terminal and we hit it off. The first one quit. The second one took a long vacation and sent me to finish training with her friend. That was a really bad experience, but...other than that, it was totally random.