Heading To H.O. Wolding

I'm headed to H.O. Wolding for orientation June 13. If all goes well, I'll be driving in their Midwest regional fleet. So, for the next two weeks I'm busy getting hearth and home ready for my initial absence of 4 +/- weeks. It's a daunting task to prepare for such an absence when both the family and I are accustomed to my daily presence and ability to fix stuff as it breaks around the house. The thought of starting a new job, especially one with orientation and training as intense as this promises to be, does give me pause. But, I live to learn and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Thanks to everyone here for sharing their knowledge - I feel about as prepared as I can be at this point.

Awesome news. I am sure Patrick will check-in on this development. Congratulations and Safe travels.

If you have any questions about Wolding let me know. I would be glad to answer them. Both Ann and Jamie in the recruiting department are pretty good at answering general questions.

Maybe I will get a chance to come thru while you are there.

Drive Safe and God Speed.

BTW if you want a sneak peak at the obstacle course it is on YouTube. Wolding has a lot of useful videos on YouTube.

Thanks G-Town & Patrick! Patrick - I have watched the obstacle course video - It looks like a good one! I've read your training diary and other responses and posts you've written about your Wolding experience and both Jamie and Ann have been great to deal with. One question I have is if Wolding has a specific pre-trip they train or follow?

It would be great to meet you as well, Patrick. If you get up my way in the next couple of weeks let me know. I'm close to Rogers, Hasty, or Clearwater on I-94 if any of those stops are on your routes. Don

Thanks G-Town & Patrick! Patrick - I have watched the obstacle course video - It looks like a good one! I've read your training diary and other responses and posts you've written about your Wolding experience and both Jamie and Ann have been great to deal with. One question I have is if Wolding has a specific pre-trip they train or follow?

It would be great to meet you as well, Patrick. If you get up my way in the next couple of weeks let me know. I'm close to Rogers, Hasty, or Clearwater on I-94 if any of those stops are on your routes. Don

There isn't a specific pre trip. just follow the pattern you learned in school. It is more important to be able to identify parts, their function, and what is serviceable/non serviceable. I rarely go past the twin cities. I have only been up that way twice. Both times I have been on my way to Fargo, ND.

Since I stay out 2 weeks at a time (tried a month, but the wife wasn't happy about it), I mainly am in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Although I did go to NY state last week. I enjoy it when I get to go a little farther than my normal places.

Thanks for the info Patrick - any other tips on what to bring/not bring to orientation (Jamie sent me the list), or anything to study or prepare for? Hope to run into you sometime. Don

I would bring mainly the bare essentials. A sleeping bag (one that completely unzips) a pillow, a sheet, 3-5 pair of jeans, 7 days worth of socks and underwear, 7 shirts, a pair of shower shoes (flip flops), shower supplies, etc.. remember everything you bring you have to lug around. I wouldn't have more than a military style duffel and a medium backpack worth of stuff. Once you are done with orientation and depending on what your trainer runs you may make it home a few times during training. They tend to put you with a trainer that will be running what you are going to be running. I wouldn't count on getting home, just saying it may be possible. Once you are done with training and test out to go solo, your first load will take you home.

There isn't much to study for. Everything is practical stuff. You will get a physical done on Tuesday. You will demonstrate the ability to climb into a trailer and work the landing gear. You will do yard work some on Tuesday and Wednesday. You will test out of the yard on Thursday. Friday you will do paperwork, get your official offer of employment and meet/leave out with your trainer. You will do a road test but that could happen Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

I will be heading towards that way. I deliver Monday in St Cloud, MN and Tuesday in Fargo, ND. Both at a Sysco. I really dislike Sysco they take all day and overcharge on the lumper fees. At least for what you get. A bunch of people twiddling their thumbs for 12 hours.

I can swing up to St Cloud Monday if that works. Sysco is about 2 miles from the CDL school I attended. What's a good time?