Crazy Trainer Woes.

So , I had to get this off my chest because, in the interest of job security, ill probably keep my mouth shut. Maybe though some of you can relate or offer advice. In a nutshell, my trainer is not a bad guy overall but this is what ive learned in the first few days.... 1. How to cheat your log book and where to hide your illegal logs. 2. Speed limits are for people who dont want to make any real money 3. If you can see still their tail lights, your not tailgating. 4. Eating only wastes time. 5. Stop signs are also a waste of time. Ive been asured that after training I can run however I want but for the next few weeks, this is my life. He doesn't yell or get excited but you should have heard him laugh when I said; safe, courteous and professional.

I would drive legal and safe and if he tries to have you tailgate, run stop signs, speed, or anything else unsafe I would get off his truck. If you get a ticket or accident while following his orders to drive that way it's on your record. You have to protect your driving record. Good luck and be safe out there.

Unfortunately you got one of "those trainers." Like you said, stick through it, then move on. You will probably learn something useful and try to filter out all the crazy stuff. Seems like you have a good head on our shoulders so you will do fine in figuring things out for yourself once you get off the trainer's truck.

I also would advise filing some sort of formal complaint AFTER you are off his truck. That way there is a record, and if his next few trainees also file complaints... action may be taken.

Good luck!

Isn't it just possible that all (or most) of his actions are a ruse to try and get you to turn to the dark side? A sort of Company Sponsored Training Trap? Just to see if you're tripped up by the opportunity to cheat?

LittleJoe

Isn't it just possible that all (or most) of his actions are a ruse to try and get you to turn to the dark side? A sort of Company Sponsored Training Trap? Just to see if you're tripped up by the opportunity to cheat?

LittleJoe

That would mean his company is telling the trainer to do this on purpose and I can guarantee you that is simply not the case.

Personal opinion this guy needs to be taken off the road. He is a danger. Tailgating....that logic he is using is dangerous.

There is one and only one thing I use to see if I am tailgating and it works every time.....I look at the vehicle in front of me and ask myself if that vehicle stopped right now on a dime and became a stationary object without notice could I stop in time before I hit it? If the answer is no then I back off.

Yup...you got one of the rogues....his own actions will be the end of his trucking career...I only hope that he doesn't hurt or kill someone in the process. Don't run illegal....just put in your time, and get your training time in, and get off his truck. After you have your one truck, and are on your way, I urge you to talk with the safety department regarding this trainers methods. They may, or may not know about them. But in the very least, he should not be a trainer, and in my opinion, he shouldn't be in a truck, as he is a danger to all. Good luck, and keep us posted....we don't want you to be hangin' out there with no support....thats what we do best...support our drivers !!!

As far as speeding and money goes..... It's been my experience that the door handle has a much bigger impact on my paycheck than the accelerator. Keep the door closed. Move the truck. Make money. I've already seen several instances in my short career where some guy flew by me in his great big 379 with all the chicken lights only to be passed by me again while he was getting ticketed. And that is why trucks have city horns my friends.

Scott......I don't care what anyone sez....there's no sweeter sound than that deep rumble blare of a tuned set of air horns.....well....unless its a set of true brass train horns...now those are the dammit

Nice, thanks for all the advice. I think he's starting to realize that im just smiling, nodding and then doing what I want. He's got some good advice so Im just learning what I can and taking the rest in stride. Thanks again for the support, training is a trip for sure.

As far as speeding and money goes..... It's been my experience that the door handle has a much bigger impact on my paycheck than the accelerator. Keep the door closed. Move the truck. Make money. I've already seen several instances in my short career where some guy flew by me in his great big 379 with all the chicken lights only to be passed by me again while he was getting ticketed. And that is why trucks have city horns my friends.

Sage advice.