Service Failure?

I actually still have every piece of written data I ever recorded since I went into business in the 80's.

Yeah, I watched my Grandpa run his business that way too when I was growing up.......in the 70's

I see the value of what your describing, I’m just not that capable.

If you can fill out a form you're capable. You just enter information into a form and you're done.

I have to head out for the day but I'll be back later to revisit this.

Yeah, I watched my Grandpa run his business that way too when I was growing up.......in the 70's

Ok soooo.....? Is that supposed to mean something?

Look Brett, I get it. I'm not disputing that data entry and retrieval is simpler and/or safer electronically. That's a given. But the notes I put on paper are inconsequential, have zero effect on my trucking career, and can be found electronically within seconds or minutes should I choose to do so. I choose to do it my way. Hell, I don't even own a tablet, PC, or laptop, nor do I want to. That's just me.

You can call me a dinosaur or whatever else you want. I don't care. There are far worse things to worry about, my friend.

Couple of things...

(Great thread btw...)

Electronic records some have referred to are the Company's record. While that worked in this case I think it is important that the driver keep his own - if only to make it easier to catch something incorrectly flagged by the system or an individual. Notebook could work. Electronic better.

If Brett is willing to create something that would be awesome. Quick easy input, long-term storage and ability to print would be keys for me.

I would definitely be interested in any Application or form, but I also plan to keep paper records as well.

The only thing i track is my TnTs miles. I use Google spreadsheets. It allows me to do a countdown so i can say, "only 3,956 miles until you get rid of your mean nasty trainer!" lol

Rainy says :

It allows me to do a countdown so i can say, "only 3,956 miles until you get rid of your mean nasty trainer!" lol

You don't need to tell them, I'm sure they've been counting down every mile!

In all seriousness from what you've said it seems that you're training these people perfectly. From what Splitter used to say he knew exactly how to run his truck when he went solo due to having him do everything. He was able to jump in and get great miles almost immediately. That's the way it should be. They may not like the way some things are done but when they're solo they'll understand and be quite grateful.

Being a company driver, it affords me more downtime so we can sit and discuss topics in a classroom type of situation. My truck was in the shop a whole week when i picked up this trainee, so we walked the terminal finding all the problems with trucks and trailers, i showed him how the reefers work, explained the macros and worked on the Atlas and trip planning. I was so excited when i heard him tell his wife "i learned more in 2 days than i did of 2 weeks in PSD , and we haven't even driven the truck yet." my heart swelled.

I also insist on showering daily (almost, unless out of my control), and we sit down to a real meal every other day or so. I make it a point to stop the truck for hours at a time to catch up on sleep, and ill grab us a 34 in the terminal if things get too stressful, hoping to.give.them a break.

i dont understand trainers who push and push...5500 to 6000 miles a week, pushing people to exhaustion and adding to the already stressful situation. Most of those are lease ops and need the money, but i am more interested in 1.) staying alive 2.) creating a productive driver which will make my FM very very happy. 😁

A happy FM makes for a happy wallet!

I also already planned on tracking everything. I think a forum would be great in order to not forget anything and to keep a constant format.

Rainy, sounds like you are a great trainer. Just a thought, but since you are both a writer and a trainer maybe you can write a manual on how to train students 101. I know there is no one correct way to train students, but it seems to me that there's a lot of people needs guidance in how to train drivers. Once done you can either keep it as a solo project or share it with other trainers that you respect and get notes and/or collaboration. Just an idea.

I also already planned on tracking everything. I think a forum would be great in order to not forget anything and to keep a constant format.

Rainy, sounds like you are a great trainer. Just a thought, but since you are both a writer and a trainer maybe you can write a manual on how to train students 101. I know there is no one correct way to train students, but it seems to me that there's a lot of people needs guidance in how to train drivers. Once done you can either keep it as a solo project or share it with other trainers that you respect and get notes and/or collaboration. Just an idea.

thanks...i already did one for new drivers 😁 25 pages and Prime is even using it in their orientation classes!! how cool is that?

Its mostly prime procedures and macros....i need to cut that stuff out and post the tips n tricks everyone here can use.

I never thought about doing one for new trainers....interesting. I have a couple trainer friends and we share ideas with each other. We even meet each others trainees to offrr extra support and answer questions. Several.of my lease op friends trainees have my number to help with company driver issues.

(sorry turtle..i stole your thread)

::hugs as an apology::

sorry turtle..i stole your thread)

::hugs as an apology::

Haha hug accepted but not necessary. Some good info to be sure. An article on training the right way would be welcomed.

In regards to sharing customer-specific information like operating hours, numbers etc., I'm wondering if other companies use a system similar to the one Prime uses. We have the macro 19, which along with the basic info has tips, tricks, and directions provided by other drivers who have visited the customer previously. I find that very useful sometimes.

Do other companies do something like that?