Jim Palmer Wilson Logistics Training Montana

Alright people's, I'll try to do this and hopefully provide some helpful information..no promises as this isn't really my thing.

Day 1 04/01/2019 Van picked us up at 6:50 dropped us at driver lounge to go back and pick up 2 more people. Sat there until 7:29 when they took roll call. Will be doing paperwork, physical and apparently a lot of busy stuff today. 5 people in our class. Did the tour and met everyone that was here and now waiting 1/2 hour before drug test. Being highly organized, it's funny to sit back and observe where things could be tweaked to capitalize on the time available. However, perhaps it's practice for learning patience.

Several people from California that got here by bus that left Friday to arrive Sunday...ouch! Can't find fault with my 1 hour 20 min flight. Greyhound would have been 11+ hours and I have a bunch of airline miles so after being reimbursed the greyhound cost I should make some $$ on the deal to offset dinner costs, sweet!

Was suppose to have a roommate but no one showed up, even left the light on for them but finally turned it off at 1:20am since it was causing some lousy sleep.

Half hour turned into an hour. 8:28 off to drug test. 😄

The rest of the day was spent going over paperwork and agility test at the truck...in/out cab, in/out trailer, raising/lowering trailer gear and coupling uncoupling. We we're done at about 4pm

Cheers

Flying definitely sounds better than what those other students endured on the bus! I look forward to following along on your journey if you feel so inclined to share it. Remember although many people don't comment there are a ton of people reading. Good luck!

Day 2 04/02/2019 Van pickup at 7am, filled out CDL permit transfer paperwork then off to the DMV. Between paperwork and testing, took about 2 hours. Passed all 3 tests with 100%. What I recommend is using the DMV Driver genie app set to the state you are testing in, as well, go to cristcdl.com and take those tests, take the test on here and I also searched CDL permit practice test (insert state you are testing in). What I found is between all these, you will find different questions or similar ones but worded differently. I figured if I took several tests from different sources, there are only so many questions and ways to ask them.

Testing is progressive, so once you get 80% correct or 79% it is either pass or fail. The key is to answer the for sure questions, skip the unsure ones, then if/when they come back round, you answer the kind of sure questions. If that makes sense.

So far out of 4 other students, 2 passed all, 1 failed general test and the other failed combo. They will retake the failed portions tomorrow and if they don't pass, find your own ride home time.

It is stressful leading up to the test wondering if you'll pass, but if you've studied, then study some more, no worries, it was fairly easy.

Back to the yard, lunch, pre-trip video then spent the rest of afternoon driving on the simulator and shoring up paperwork.

Tomorrow should be live in truck around town bobtailing.

Cheers.

You know, i'm really looking forward to the simulator. it just sounds like a good/horrible time. Best of luck in your training.

Thanks Rob T

Avvatar, the Sim is a weird sensation but fun. The instructor liked throwing stuff at us like an overpass to low..watch your signs, or if not checking your mirrors enough you'd start slowing down, air pressure drops you lose your brakes...why he asks? He'd make you sweat a bit then tell you to look in your mirrors and see you trailer is on 🔥. Rain, fog, ice and a blowout on the steer tires, he is a bit of a jokester but it makes for good learning and some good laughs.

Cheers

Ok, so here are the seat classes

*4-seat classes *Permit holder will complete a total of 40k *Start to completion takes approx 3-3.5 weeks.

D-seat: At the end of week 1 we head out with a trainer for 10k miles minimum of 75 hrs drive time. Once complete we come back to Missoula for evaluation, interview and actual CDL road test/pre-trip. NO PAY during this phase but they will advance you $200 a week then deduct $25 per week once hired. Something to consider if $$ is tight. Personally I didn't want to start in the hole so opted out of the advance because I had saved $.

C-seat: You've acquired your CDL everything good to this point receive job offer. Pay is .12/mile for ALL team dispatched miles or $600 per week guarantee. Now you must complete 20k miles. IF you are Palmer permit holder, you are credited 10k from d seat plus the 10k you'll do for c-seat = 20k OR you come in as a CDL holder and go out for 20k essentially skipping D-seat

B-seat: B-2 and B-1 pay now goes to .14/mile or $700 minimum. This where it can get confusing. B- seat must complete 20k I don't recall the exact break down but B-2 will be 17 to 18k then back to Missoula. B-1 you will complete a solo week of 2k to 3k consisting of properly operating the vehicle, pre/post inspections, not hitting anything, no moving or dot violations and providing on time service. When completed, back to Missoula for evaluation reports and interviews to determine upgrade.

A-seat: you will attend onboarding in Missoula (unpaid Tuesday-Thursday so plan ahead) successfully pass upgrade skills test is agility, backing and driving. If you've made it this far, should be no problem.

Now you are fully qualified, receive truck and become a solo driver. .44/mile + .05 fuel incentive (material says .40+fuel but think that was raised) for OTR. Regional is .45cpm no fuel incentive running Western 10, very little to no running New Mexico.

Side note: So you want to lease? Sorry but no can do for minimum of 90 days after achieving A-seat.

Welp, think that's about it. Any ?? Ask and I'll do my best to answer.

Cheers!

Noworrez, thanks for the detailed entries. They're going to be really helpful to people who read them in the future.

Here's a side note from those of us experienced enough to see through the lure of leasing... PUHLEEEZ, DON'T DO IT!

Here's a side note from those of us experienced enough to see through the lure of leasing... PUHLEEEZ, DON'T DO IT!

Yes sir Old School! That message has been shouted loud and clear. Great advice people, listen to experience. Cheers.

Hey there! Current Jim Palmer driver here. Been solo for 5 months now so any questions you might have, ask away.

Yes, the waiting around is to test your patience. Marc and Darwin will test your patience, nerves and willpower. Especially Marc. He'll purposefully try to get ya going. It's all to see how well you manage the stress. Even more so after you come back to test. LOL

Oh, by the way, Noodle Express is what's for lunch today. HA HA! Thursday is Costco's pizza. Friday might be Freddy's or MOD pizza.

Thanks Dave, that's some great stuff. Noticed that with Marc for sure. Haven't had much interaction with Darwin as he's doing onboarding. They must have drawn straws! 😂. That will change today since Marc is on vacation. Believe it will be Carina (spelling)? And Casey today.

Are you running regional or otr?

Cheers