How Do I Get Out Of This?

Hey all, first thanks for all the good advice here. I have read a lot here, and it helped me get started trucking.

I signed up because I got a problem I haven't seen here. I need some advice on what to do.

So the problem is my trainer is threatening to not pass me so I can go solo. I can drive pretty good, my backing needs work but who doesn't? I haven't hit anything or got any tickets, nothing like that. It's more a personal thing.

So my question is do I go to training before the trainer gets a chance to say anything and ask for a different trainer? Or do I do what my trainer wants, but I don't want to do now? And anyways not sure that will fix the problem prolly only make it worst. I only got a couple weeks left.

Any help is great. We're sitting today so I should be able to reply quick sitting at a driver lounge at a truck stop so no privacy worry.

Welcome Road!

Well the first question is why wouldn't he want you to go solo? If I had to guess, I would say it's because he trusts your driving and wants to keep making good money by teaming with you as a student. Otherwise, I can't imagine why he would say that.

Is this trainer a lease driver by chance?

I would start by immediately keeping track of anything you can think of that he has said about this, and the date and times if you can remember them. If you do decide to approach the company about it, you want a list of statements he made and when he said them so that the training department knows they're dealing with a student who is thinking logically and being rational. Sometimes in training tempers can flair and the student and trainer start getting in a battle to make each other look bad to the company. You want them to understand that this wasn't just a heated argument and you're not just being reactive. From the way you describe this it seems to be a premeditated plan the trainer is considering putting into place for his own benefit, and presumably to take advantage of having you as a partner. So make a log of anything you can remember that was said.

Fill us in a little more about what you think his intentions are and anything else he's said so we can understand the situation better.

Let people know which company you are grinding for .... that will help

Road R wrote:

So the problem is my trainer is threatening to not pass me so I can go solo.

Is that really the problem? It might be...but you don't really know.

First of all, if someone issues a threat like that, my advice is to ask him why. If everything you say is true, then he has no factual grounds to fail you. I'd talk to him before you do anything else. Communication skills and working through challenges are part of the job. You are going to have potential conflict with many people you interact with on a frequent basis; dispatchers, shipping/receiving clerks, security guards, other drivers...no time like the present to work on your conflict resolution skills. Proactively communicate with him...look past the threat; try to understand what the issues are.

Remember you are a guest in his house and must respect his boundaries, etc.

Try to give us more information.

So first I don't want to say which company cuz I don't know who is reading this forum. It could get me in more trouble.

Also, my trainer is a "she" not a "he." And yes I'm a "he." She's a lease operator but idk if thats why she's acting this way. I don't think so. It's embarassing but basically I told her I don't want to be with her anymore and that's when she started the threats.

She's been with the company a few years. I am afraid she could really screw this up for me. I just really want off her truck now because she's so mad since I told her I'm done with the relationship part of the deal. I get that I made a mistake but I'm 21 and she got me at a weak moment. I never should of gone with a female trainer I know.

What do I do now?

Wow, this is way beyond my area of expertise then. I honestly have no idea. I would say your best course of action is to come to an understanding with her and work it out between you. At the same time I would continue to keep track of what was said and what transpired in case she does decide to make trouble for you, then you'll have an accurate record to help the company understand the circumstances.

Welcome Road!

Well the first question is why wouldn't he want you to go solo? If I had to guess, I would say it's because he trusts your driving and wants to keep making good money by teaming with you as a student. Otherwise, I can't imagine why he would say that.

Is this trainer a lease driver by chance?

I would start by immediately keeping track of anything you can think of that he has said about this, and the date and times if you can remember them. If you do decide to approach the company about it, you want a list of statements he made and when he said them so that the training department knows they're dealing with a student who is thinking logically and being rational. Sometimes in training tempers can flair and the student and trainer start getting in a battle to make each other look bad to the company. You want them to understand that this wasn't just a heated argument and you're not just being reactive. From the way you describe this it seems to be a premeditated plan the trainer is considering putting into place for his own benefit, and presumably to take advantage of having you as a partner. So make a log of anything you can remember that was said.

Fill us in a little more about what you think his intentions are and anything else he's said so we can understand the situation better.

Also I'm not sure what the company will think since we had a relationship. Can I be in trouble for that? I don't have anything like text messages or anything since we're in the truck together so we don't text lol. I don't know most exact dates but I sort of know close to when things started. It hasn't been that long. Just not sure if I'll be in trouble or they'll just say "too bad shouldn't of done that."

I wouldn't think you'd get in trouble for it but I don't think either one of you would want the company to know about this. That's not going to help either one of you.

Now that is the part that we were missing. Have you thought maybe that she is scared you might report her to HR?

Wow, this is way beyond my area of expertise then. I honestly have no idea. I would say your best course of action is to come to an understanding with her and work it out between you. At the same time I would continue to keep track of what was said and what transpired in case she does decide to make trouble for you, then you'll have an accurate record to help the company understand the circumstances.

OK I can do keep track of stuff now but I don't know if I can work it out with her. She's madder than I thought she was gonna be, thought it was like a fling for her too. She started it if that matters, but I know some people will say its always the guys fault or I'm lying.