YER NOT GONNA BELIEVE...

At the week of the 5-year anniversary of my trucking career, I did something I thought I'd never do --I applied to the company I originally started with but had to leave because I failed their road test --XPO, formerly Con-Way.

Fresh out of CDL school, I joined Con-Way and went through their 5-week course for new drivers. The road test was rigorous and having this new program in place, they didn't have a plan for re-testing a new driver if he or she failed on a couple of things and just needed another few days' more practice, like I did.

In my self-confidence, from the last three years with 400,000 miles of accident-free driving, I went ahead and applied last week and they called me immediately for a road test.

But in my enthusiasm, I forgot two small details...

1) I HAVEN'T DRIVEN A MANUAL IN TWO AND A HALF YEARS AND

2) I HAVEN'T HOOKED A SET IN OVER THREE --

both of which I have to do on Monday.

HELP!

Hooking a set: I'm not TOO worried about, except, getting that dolly under the back trailer can be a little tricky, if you're out-of-practice and it's a timed skill with XPO.

Am I just over-thinking this and maybe everything will come right back to me, no problem?

Has anyone ever done this? Gone from automatic back to manual? Did it all come right back to you, like riding a bike?

-mountain girl

Hey, it's always great to hear from you!

I can't help you with hooking a set, but I do remember after being three and a half years in an auto shift, I got put back in a manual for a brief period. Honestly, it came right back to me. I might have had a couple of mis-shifts, but overall it was simple. I would think this is a common issue for them when hiring drivers. I suggest you tell the person riding with you that it's been a few years since you drove a manual shift transmission. They know what they're looking for and I'm sure they will overlook a few rusty shifts. Just drive that thing with confidence. That's what they really want to see.

Just keep swimming!

MG

On hooking the two trailers together, when you are trying to line up your dolly, make sure you are straight. When I had to do it we had manual mode using your own strength and electric. If they have the electric(battery operated), easy on the switch it can get away from you. Now I'm not trying to scare you. I just want you to nail this thing the first time.

Raptor

MG!!! Long time! Don't run off again, stick around.

I'll let you know, manual shifting is like the ol' bicycle thing - you (your muscles) don't forget that. Let the road check driver know, you should get a little slack as you grind those gears to your liking. :) Can't help yo with the doujbles hook up. (Does Expo do double pups?)

If you get time in Memphis, let me know. I live very close to their yard and I'm home every day. Email to TT.errolv@spamgourmet.com for a better contact.

At the week of the 5-year anniversary of my trucking career, I did something I thought I'd never do --I applied to the company I originally started with but had to leave because I failed their road test --XPO, formerly Con-Way.

Fresh out of CDL school, I joined Con-Way and went through their 5-week course for new drivers. The road test was rigorous and having this new program in place, they didn't have a plan for re-testing a new driver if he or she failed on a couple of things and just needed another few days' more practice, like I did.

In my self-confidence, from the last three years with 400,000 miles of accident-free driving, I went ahead and applied last week and they called me immediately for a road test.

But in my enthusiasm, I forgot two small details...

1) I HAVEN'T DRIVEN A MANUAL IN TWO AND A HALF YEARS AND

2) I HAVEN'T HOOKED A SET IN OVER THREE --

both of which I have to do on Monday.

HELP!

Hooking a set: I'm not TOO worried about, except, getting that dolly under the back trailer can be a little tricky, if you're out-of-practice and it's a timed skill with XPO.

Am I just over-thinking this and maybe everything will come right back to me, no problem?

Has anyone ever done this? Gone from automatic back to manual? Did it all come right back to you, like riding a bike?

-mountain girl

If your only problem is getting the dolly underneath just try to make sure your tail is on level ground (for ease of moving the dolly). Back the dolly within 20ft or so and drop it. Then get out and push it back towards your tail, aligning the fifth wheel with the kingpin. Make sure the tail trailer is low enough so you won't high hook it when you push the dolly back.

Drop a glove or other object about 3ft from the dolly.

Back your lead trailer towards the dolly stopping when the rear of the trailer is at the glove on the ground. Get out and hook the dolly.

Back your lead and hooked dolly under the tail until you feel it hook. Tug test.

Finish your hook. Don't forget to open the air valves on your lead trailer.

Old School! Errol! Raptor! Auggie!

Hi GUYS!

Thanks for the encouragement! You're right. I GOT this. Thanks for the specifics, Raptor and Auggie. All good stuff. I'll have to do a full up pre-trip and possibly do some backing with a pup and a 48, as well. Those will be a piece of cake. I'll be able to hook the set. Auggie, what you described IS how I used to do it. Thanks for all the reminders. I'll get it. If not, I can't worry about it all weekend, either.

Thanks so much, Guys.

Just keep swimming.

-mountain girl

GO Mountain Girl GO!

THANKS, Pacrat!

Oops.

Spelled "packrat."

Great to hear from you Mountain Girl. Best of luck on your test. You've got it.