Top Sleeper While Team Driving :/

So I passed my CDL test and am doing team driving however the trainer has relegated me to the top bunk while the truck is in motion. I feel like I'm going to fall out and break my neck.

Advice on how I should address this without causing a crap ton of friction? I like my trainer otherwise but this is a deal breaker for me. I'm also sure it's against company policy. 😕

First off Congratulations! Not long ago you were despairing that you couldn't do the maneuvers to pass the driving portion of the test. Now you've got a whole new set of problems - that's progress!

You should have been given a name and number of some sort of new driver liaison type person at Prime. That is the person you should call and ask them this same question. I'll bet they can get this resolved for you fairly painlessly.

You can make that call privately while at a truck stop if you don't want your trainer to hear you.

Or you could talk with your trainer and explain you position and if that doesn't work then like Old School stated call your driver liaison

Thanks. I put in a ton of extra time but it was worth it. I wonder how many people just tough out sleeping on the top bunk.

First off Congratulations! Not long ago you were despairing that you couldn't do the maneuvers to pass the driving portion ofvthe test. Now you've got a whole new set of problems - that's progress!

You should have been given a name and number of some sort of new driver liason type person at Prime. That is the person you should call and ask them this same question. I'll bet they can get this resolved for you fairly painlessly.

You can make that call privately while at a truck stop if you don't want your trainer to hear you.

I can tell you that at Werner sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is in motion is against company policy. I can also tell you that there are quite a few trainers that make their students do so anyway and that the students usually just do it.

Now, with that said, you should take Old School's advice. There are reasons it is against policy

It is absolutely against prime policy and is stated as such both in orientation and in the Trainers certification class. Talk to the trainer the fleet manager or stan or Brooke in the training dept

Swift says No Top Bunk while driving also.

I talked to the trainer on break and was told it was no problem, sleep on the bottom. Much ado over nothing I guess lol.

Good for you!

Sounds like you handled that just right.

Getting started in this is really tough sometimes. It's hard for us to know what is a big deal or not. Be prepared for several bumps in the road.

We're really glad to hear that you are off to a start on this incredible journey. If you have the time, we'd sure enjoy an update every now and then.

Nice. Great lesson here...best way to handle a situation is at the source and before it becomes a problem. Well done on both counts. Two things occurred here; you were able to change something that wasn't correct and you likely gained some respect with your trainer

Good luck and safe travels!