Son Heading To Melton's Early Tomorrow. Very Anxious!

I know this is going to sound harsh, but it comes from a place of protection for him.

Do not touch the phone. Do not call him and tell him how much you miss him or how worried you are. Just do not do it.

As said previously, this industry is extremely intolerant of inattention. The first few days and weeks are brutal, with information coming at a new driver quickly. He does not have the mental space to handhold you, and learn how to be successful at it. Him being distracted about how you are affected could cause disastrous things to happen.

Kearsey said it better than I could. He's 23. He is NOT a baby, and it's time you started treating him like a fully functioning adult.

Hi everyone!

Thank you for all the encouragement and advice! I was really panicking when I joined this forum, but am off the ledge and you all have helped so much.

Yes, he has his medical clearance. He has been off seizure medication and seizure free for over 15 years and the CP only presents as left side weakness when very tired (looks like a slight limp). He researched extensively before going this route and got all his ppw in order, plus got all additional endorsements he could, with the exception of hazmat.

Melton is treating him very well! They paid for the flight, hotel and shuttle the trainees to the facility. They even provide a sit down lunch.He PASSED his initial physical exam this morning. Had to carry an 80 lb. tarp and climb some boxes. He says it looks a lot higher up there. Now they are learning load securement. There are so many in his group of trainees. He said around 60 people.

And I am not calling him at all, only responding to his texts (haha)!

He has read on this forum, but I do not think he has joined yet. It would be wonderful for him to have as much assistance as possible when/if he goes out on his own.

Again, thank you all for being here for ME. This is new to me and was a complete surprise, so quite a learning curve. i think he is really enjoying himself!

Great to hear. 60 isnt that much though. The largest class i remember at my company was about 250... but my company does mostly one on one training. Class size does not matter.. it is just to get you through onboarding paperwork and policy info.

Hang in there. He will be fine. I put up a funny video on my youtube channel that may make u laugh. Go check it out.

And.... i wrote a bujchnof blogs on this site that may help you..

Kearsey's OTR Reality Blog

Welcome Mom... you have received some sage advice from the veteran mindshare. Two things stick out to me that have been covered.

Letting your son find his own way is incredibly important. I'm sure he wants to succeed. Kearsey and NaeNae said it best...no point in adding anything.

Davy C wrote:

Trucking in itself isn't dangerous, it is incredibly intolerant of inattentiveness.

100% spot on! The above statement is powerful and absolutely correct and should never be forgotten or dismissed. 4-wheeled vehicles, cars, light trucks and the cookie cutter SUVs are incredibly forgiving pieces of machinery. 80,000 pound trucks on the other hand, incredibly unforgiving. A slight moment of distraction can be catastrophic. Many of us have seen the aftermath of such things. His focus must be on total awareness of his situation, his truck,... never losing attention.

I wish him well... encourage him to engage with this forum. It will help him greatly. We all know what he is about to experience. Good luck to you both!