Wilson Logistics Training: Start Date: 12/13/21. A Librarian Learns Trucking!

A big hat tip to you sir!

We always try to encourage people as they take their baby steps into trucking. We know how challenging it is. There's just no way we can really prepare them for all the issues they will encounter. You've accomplished so much, yet there's still a bit of an uphill struggle before you. Hang on and ride through it all.

I recently witnessed one of our members do well through all his training and then quit trucking after running his first solo load. It was just too much for him. He couldn't rise to the challenge.

This really is an extraordinary career requiring extraordinary people. I'm proud to see how far you've come.

Congrats! You made it! Wilson seems to have a top notch training program. The solo week or "hell week" is a great finale albeit stressful for a training program.

Good luck, Archer! The trainer/trainee relationship is... difficult and complex. Not sure I'd want to be in the role of matchmaker... for either of you!

No worries, I completely understand why you wouldn't lol. I had been reading a lot of the stories on here about trainer-trainee issues so thought id ask, I'll just do my best, and hopefully, it will land me a decent trainer.

Great post on the Caverns ill put that info on the back burner and go day by day but that sounds stressful.

Stay safe out there!

-Archer out

You've accomplished so much, yet there's still a bit of an uphill struggle before you. Hang on and ride through it all.

I recently witnessed one of our members do well through all his training and then quit trucking after running his first solo load. It was just too much for him. He couldn't rise to the challenge.

This really is an extraordinary career requiring extraordinary people. I'm proud to see how far you've come.

Thanks so much, Old School and George! I appreciate the affirmation and what I've learned on here. It really is an extraordinary and challenging career. The training was definitely a marathon, reinforcing a sense of resilience as much as anything. Now I know the learning continues...

The good news is I got past that first solo load! It was a short hop from Missouri towards Chicago, to set me up for home time. There were a couple of things that needed to be worked out with the truck, but the weekend fleet managers were incredibly helpful. I only had a few hours to run that first day after all that, but once I backed into that truck stop between two trucks with little problem, I was feeling pretty decent. The next day I definitely had some learning experiences: a faulty tire warning, and then traffic that came to a standstill right around a corner. I had to maneuver into the lane beside me to make sure I had enough room to brake... and I knew the truck behind me would have even less room to stop. A couple miles down the road, that truck passed me, and the co-drivers gave me big smiles, thumbs up, and mouthed "Good job" (they had probably tried me on the CB, but I haven't bought one yet... so much stuff to buy at first!). I appreciate their encouragement... I have generally been impressed by the camaraderie out here (and I just ignore the others). I got to my delivery (at a WalMart distribution center) in plenty of time. I'm still learning how best to communicate with my fleet manager , so all the details for my home time weren't worked out. But I eventually got a place to drop the trailer, and then P.C.'ed home. It was a long day, but I got to see my daughter for the first time in 3 months! I'm looking forward to when she's in college next year and I can pop in on her sometimes.

I must say, being in my own truck is pretty great! I've spent a decent amount of time (and money) setting it up the way I like. I appreciate the privacy and the independence.

Though I of course have tons to learn still, after the training program I do feel prepared to be out here.

No worries, I completely understand why you wouldn't lol. I had been reading a lot of the stories on here about trainer-trainee issues so thought id ask, I'll just do my best, and hopefully, it will land me a decent trainer.

Great post on the Caverns ill put that info on the back burner and go day by day but that sounds stressful.

Stay safe out there!

-Archer out

Archer, just fyi, my trainer called me on Monday, and he's already picking up another student this week, so that's out... There's plenty of good advice about trainers in articles and threads here on TT. My main lessons were to always be kind, learn all I could, push through no matter what (I didn't allow quitting to even be a possibility in my mind), and to create my own mental space when I needed it (go for a walk, listen to music, etc.). You'll do fine when your turn comes...

This is a good read Matt. Best of luck as your journey continues.

This is a good read Matt. Best of luck as your journey continues.

Thanks, G-Town! It has been helpful to document and reflect upon my experience in this way.

I'm thoroughly enjoying my home time, but part of me is also eager to get back on the road again...

Excellent diary. Keep up the good work.

Excellent diary. Keep up the good work.

Thanks, Davy! Folks like you who are farther down the path have been an instruction and encouragement to me.

Great job Matt. I enjoy your posts. Taking time to write a detailed diary is helping to keep me sane out here.

Enjoy the solitude of your new truck.

Maybe we’ll cross paths some day in Springfield