Performance

Performance:

As not to high-jack a previous thread, the idea that in order to achieve “top-tier” driver status or to become a “go-to” driver, performance speaks.

Performance based is thrown out a great deal here, and I suppose I should know, so my apologies for not. In an effort to hone in on the aspects of what performance is for a newbie trucker, I would love advice. From the outside looking in, if I were a DM this is what I would think to expect from a driver. Please correct me and add as needed.

1. Safely arrive on time. 2. Proper pre-trip inspection: avoid/anticipate problems. 3. Manage time within parameters of load requirements. 4. Remain healthy: Eat/sleep/exercise properly. 5. Communication: Read instructions throughly, twice if necessary. Ask only after all personal research is completed. Remain professional. 6. Maintain paper-work especially if Hazmat. 7. Plan route with attention to weather and arrival times in areas of high congestion (rush hour in large metro areas) Again, time management/anticipation.

I am still at home preparing to start, but the window in now within 21 days, there are so many areas of concern. My top three are:

1. Management of time. 2. Mountain driving ... have never done this, they say “appropriate speed” but coming from an area that is relatively flat, the idea that weather will change as I climb is a new concept! I may be a snail :) I have hauled enough livestock in my youth to know weight and movement is a serious issue, but I am afraid Illinois is not an adequate teacher for a true mountain. 3. Changing lanes, or driving within city limits. I do not have a “feel” for how long this rig is, nor an idea of the space it will require.

I am old enough to know that anticipation of the unknown can be an enemy but also a great motivator. Once I am “in it” I do trust myself, just not there yet.

As always, thank you all for your time and advise.

I just completed company paid CDL training. So, I'm not an expert. I can relay to you what we were told though. If you; take the loads you're assigned without complaint. Deliver on time consistently. Stay in communication with your FM and finally, don't hit anything. you will automatically be in the top 25% of drivers. Another thing that'll help a ton is a strong work ethic. Just keep the left door closed. In other words, Don't make unnecessary stops and don't stretch out your breaks. a 10 hour break means you're ready to drive at 10 hours not getting up and into the shower then getting on the road at hour 12.

As for your other concerns,

Time management - Not sure how other companies work it. At my company we're given destination, route, fuel stops and appointment time. The only thing we need to decide is where and when to stop for our 30 minute in route break/inspection and 10 hour break.

Mountain driving - Haven't experienced that one yet. What I k now so far is to use the engine brake and gears to your advantage and don't out-drive the conditions. When in doubt, slow it down.

Changing lanes and city conditions - You will get used to the size of the unit and spacing needs through school. Between following the tracking of the turns and the backing drills, you will get very comfortable with the way things look in the mirrors and how much room you have. City driving has some extra challenges like pedestrians, frequent intersections etc, but as you are forced to do the speed limit, you'll find your following distances automatically spread out and your awareness becomes heightened.

Bottom line, you will learn about all of the things you're worried about either during CDL training or on the road driver training. I'm not saying you'll be an expert when you're done with training. But you will be competent enough to be safe and efficient on your own if you work hard at it. Like any new skill, you'll get better every day but will still be learning for years to come.

1. Time Management - if you’ve done it before, you’ll do it here. It’s just different tasks.

2. Mountain Driving - you can go down too slow a gazillion times; you’ll only go down too fast ONE time.

3. City driving - you’ll get trained on some of it, but it’ll take some getting used to.

It’s much like flying a plane in that, cruising down the road is easy. It’s the take-off & landing that are tricky.

If you haven't read this article by Old School yet, you should. I think it sums up what your FM is looking for in a top tier driver. What it takes to be a top tier driver

This is a great question/subject.

Recently Dave S made this remark in one of the training diaries. It summed up the subject well. He said...

Things to remember, independent of who you drive for, drive safe, be courteous, don't hit anything, be on time and don't be a butthead.

I laughed when I first saw it, but it was the cold hard truth. Following his simple advice will put you head and shoulders above most drivers. There are little nuances that you'll develop as you gain experience.

Communication is key. I always let my dispatcher know when I will be available for my next load. I send him an email before I even leave with the current load. That puts things in motion that keep me moving. You have to develop a relationship of trust with your dispatcher. That is done by flawless execution of your responsibilities. If I tell him on Friday morning that I'll be empty Monday at 0800 then I have got to make that happen. If for any reason I see that it's not going to happen I need to update him ASAP.

When we talk about performance we are stressing reliability and dependability. Those two attributes will keep you at the top of your dispatcher's list of drivers he counts on.

You'll discover a lot about yourself out here driving that you did not know about before.

When you first start, it will be a lot to take in. This may last well past the first few weeks or months.

Eventually, you'll know when to push yourself and when to hold back.

Gentlemen, thank you. It appears I will need to pull from my youth; 8-10hrs in a field was common. Wild Bill, I love your “keep the left door closed” I will carry that thought with me. I am older, so holding my water is a bit different now. I’ll figure it out.

I did read the link from Old School. Points well taken. For myself, I hope I find a “family” feel. From there, a limit does not exist. ... Old School, would love to share a conversation some day. ... We still own the farm, but have not personally worked it for years. Livestock has all been replaced with grain. Given time, I wish to change that. I will lose that fight, but wish to keep livestock an option.

Finding my limits ... I will grant you I have found a “comfort” zone in my life. Just not ready to retire just yet. Typically enjoy work too much, but that is why I have Michelle. She will pull me to some social event, I do love that woman.