2-3 Entry Training Diarys

I enjoy reading the diarys. I did one myself and feel I could have done a better job attending to it. Anyway, seems the majority only note 2 or 3 posts. How come? I can understand just being to busy but I would think if this profession/life isn't for you your valuable experience regarding the "why's" would really help folks understand the challenges...Just a thought.

I agree... Keep one thing in mind...the failure rate in the schools is high. It takes a whole lot of moxie to post a farewell note resulting from some level of failure.

I know exactly what you mean though, 2-3 gung-ho posts, then crickets. My guess,...many became a statistic on the opposite side of success and perhaps to embarrassed to write about it.

Read Paul's Prime diary...his last post, was his last post and left us with the harsh reality of this job.

Yes sir, no doubt....Jumping into this deal in all eggs in basket. I'm sure training groups would value a large pool of exit interviews for lack of better terms....Good on you guys here (TT) to always have a kind, at times needed stern, words of encouragement and support.

I agree... Keep one thing in mind...the failure rate in the schools is high. It takes a whole lot of moxie to post a farewell note resulting from some level of failure.

I know exactly what you mean though, 2-3 gung-ho posts, then crickets. My guess,...many became a statistic on the opposite side of success and perhaps to embarrassed to write about it.

Read Paul's Prime diary...his last post, was his last post and left us with the harsh reality of this job.

I’m three days into my journey at CDL school and have thought about starting a thread. I have been hesitant to do so for a couple of reasons. First, because I struggle at times to convey my thoughts/feelings in a written format and second, My experience to this point pretty much exactly mirrors what I have read here on TT from others.

I am happy to share if someone has questions, but I don’t feel as if I can offer anything that hasn’t already been said.

I think some diary authors may not see responses so assume nobody is reading. But diaries get read by alot more people than one may think.

All too often however it's probably like you guys said: They just aren't training anymore because they got out for whatever reason.

I agree... Keep one thing in mind...the failure rate in the schools is high. It takes a whole lot of moxie to post a farewell note resulting from some level of failure.

I know exactly what you mean though, 2-3 gung-ho posts, then crickets. My guess,...many became a statistic on the opposite side of success and perhaps to embarrassed to write about it.

Read Paul's Prime diary...his last post, was his last post and left us with the harsh reality of this job.

G-Town, I'm a little confused by your comment " the failure rate in the schools is high". I was under the impression that the failure rate was very low and mostly those that don't put in a tremendous amount of effort and/or don't take this profession seriously are the ones that fail?

Mike B asks for clarification:

G-Town, I'm a little confused by your comment " the failure rate in the schools is high". I was under the impression that the failure rate was very low and mostly those that don't put in a tremendous amount of effort and/or don't take this profession seriously are the ones that fail?

It's not "very low" Mike. It's high...

I was schooled at Swift's Richmond Academy. We started with over 30 students, after 3.5 weeks only 6 graduated. That is fairly consistent...

The reasons for failure run the gamut from failed drug screens, failed physicals, one was caught drinking, failed mapping tests, failed PTI (pre-trip), failed backing etc. Although lack of focus and commitment contributes to the high rate of failure, it's not always the case. Some folks just cannot learn what is required in the amount of time allotted. The degree of difficulty learning just the basics, cannot be underestimated.

I'm sure alot of it boils down to how many people are going to the same schools (think prime), and realizing there are already a ton of diaries from that school. While everybody has different strengths and weaknesses it is still the same curriculum. Honestly, if I had gone to prime I probably wouldn't document my journey because there is so many others out there. I went to a great school that I couldn't find anything on this website...no mention on forums. Wasn't even listed in the schools section. I considered doing a diary but decided against it because I wanted to focus on school and tried to stay away from distractions. I did make mentions on the forum of my experience with school so anybody that looks it up now can atleast see my post. I feel that I am in a position now with my food service job that I can contribute something of value, hence why I started a diary over there for it. I'm not really into that kind of thing but feel it may help somebody decide whether or not its for them. I think I've documented almost 2 weeks now, and plan on giving random updates when something worth noting happens including how the job changes as winter approaches with the snow and ice. I also plan on adding pictures of what I do. Keeping a diary up is hard work especially after you just put in a long day. I wont be updating mine every day because for the most part i go to the same places every week and I start work at 3am, get back home at 430 pm, get ready for dinner then play with my 2 young boys before we all go to sleep and do it again the next day. Personally, I'm documenting my experience to help people out even if they don't comment. If I can help somebody see a better look at what the job is before jumping head first its worth the time.

One thing that I think would be valuable to see some kind of post by Million Miler how he feels about teaming. We know he loves working for CRST but seeing how his experiences with co-drivers are after training I feel that would provide valuable information to prospective drivers when trying to decide if teaming is for them.

I attended a private school/community college program and even there, the pass rate was only 33%.

Same things, couldn't pass DOT , one gal with several very young children realized she wouldn't be able to go OTR and wouldn't be able to handle a local job. Others simply couldn't learn it fast enough and fell so far behind, they just couldn't make it up.

Almost 2 years out.. in my class of 12 there were 4 who passed. I am the ONLY DRIVER of that class that has worked continuously and for the same company I started with. Another driver had a few hiccups, was summarily terminated and unemployable for months and finally working again but not making nearly as much as she did at West Side. It wasn't the driving that got her.. it was personal BS. Another successful classmate, also followed me to West Side, and his GF didn't like him being gone through the week so he quit.. without finding another job first. Unemployed for months then took a class B job locally for a lot less money, got hurt and now suing for workman's comp to pay for the surgery to his shoulder that he needs to be able to work again.

The odds aren't good for rookies at all for a variety of reasons, but this site, helps improve the odds for those willing to learn and listen to all the valuable advice here. I'm thankful every day, because I love the company I drive for and I beat the odds.

I think some diary authors may not see responses so assume nobody is reading. But diaries get read by alot more people than one may think.

All too often however it's probably like you guys said: They just aren't training anymore because they got out for whatever reason.

I agree with this 100%. This is so true. I read so many of the diaries but don't comment on them all. They can be assured that they are being read by so many people and a lot of their valuable inside information is being absorbed and helping so many of the new people.