My Student Driver Landed Himself In Hot Water. Almost Fired!

Interesting read guys.

Now when I say he almost got fired, I don't mean I almost fired him - my DM did. I almost fired him from my truck, my DM almost fired him from the company.

As far as me ratting him out to the company. He's just another student, not my friend or buddy and as such he doesn't get away with things like this. You give the students 1 inch and they'll take a mile. It's important to remind them where they are and looking the other way when it comes to being late like this won't help them in any way. Thats hand-holding.

I also didn't necessarily rat him out to my DM. I told him that my PTA is changing due to my student and told him why. That's covering my ass because I don't want to be dispatched on a load then be late. I won't sacrifice my reputation for the sake of holding my student hand through his irresponsiblities.

As far as the outcome, he is behaving much better. Now I don't and didn't foresee any future issues with him, but at the same time you need to make them realize that this is an industry that does not accept being late very well.

As far as being his boss, I have to disagree with you guys. I would argue that he has multiple bosses, and I'm one of them.

If he gets into an accident, who answers for it? If he falls asleep while driving, I will be questioned. If he violates his logbook , I will be questioned. I am responsible for his actions and I take the liability for his mistakes. I am the one signing off and approving of him going solo once he meets the qualifications. Remember, you can have your 40k miles in, but until your trainer says you're ready you're not going anywhere. I just think that's being more than a trainer, especially since I'm paying him out of my own paycheck.

I understand that but that still doesn't make you his boss. Your doing what trainers in all different types of jobs do, you train.

Interesting read guys.

Now when I say he almost got fired, I don't mean I almost fired him - my DM did. I almost fired him from my truck, my DM almost fired him from the company.

As far as me ratting him out to the company. He's just another student, not my friend or buddy and as such he doesn't get away with things like this. You give the students 1 inch and they'll take a mile. It's important to remind them where they are and looking the other way when it comes to being late like this won't help them in any way. Thats hand-holding.

I also didn't necessarily rat him out to my DM. I told him that my PTA is changing due to my student and told him why. That's covering my ass because I don't want to be dispatched on a load then be late. I won't sacrifice my reputation for the sake of holding my student hand through his irresponsiblities.

As far as the outcome, he is behaving much better. Now I don't and didn't foresee any future issues with him, but at the same time you need to make them realize that this is an industry that does not accept being late very well.

As far as being his boss, I have to disagree with you guys. I would argue that he has multiple bosses, and I'm one of them.

If he gets into an accident, who answers for it? If he falls asleep while driving, I will be questioned. If he violates his logbook , I will be questioned. I am responsible for his actions and I take the liability for his mistakes. I am the one signing off and approving of him going solo once he meets the qualifications. Remember, you can have your 40k miles in, but until your trainer says you're ready you're not going anywhere. I just think that's being more than a trainer, especially since I'm paying him out of my own paycheck.

I understand that but that still doesn't make you his boss. Your doing what trainers in all different types of jobs do, you train.

Jeez guy, like I've said a million times now - that's your opinion. I happen to disagree with you and that's totally fine. I understand how you feel, you don't have to keep repeating yourself...

Jarod, after you get a few years experience out there I think you should become a trainer and risk your life teaching someone how to do their job. When you see him do something dangerous of course you'll correct him. And if he smiles at you and says, "You're not my boss" and ignores what you've told him to do I'd love to see how you react to that.

Daniel, you didn't do anything wrong, even the in-your-face "boss" bit. NewGuy didn't know the relationship between home time & making money. So two home visits just became part of the deal. (Daniel, next student who talks "home time", whatya gonna say, huh?)

One simple butt kick properly applied, and you've got a student who wants to learn. Ta-dah!

(I still would have reached for the clothes in the washer, but that's just me!)

"Trainers just Train" Jarod said sure i could agree with that. But we are not training this guy to make pizza's or how to give a power point presentation. This situation is a little bit different wouldn't you say?

(I still would have reached for the clothes in the washer, but that's just me!)

Dad?!?

I'm not a fan of addressing someone by saying "I'm your boss", mainly because it should be implied and if they're to thick headed to see it shame on them. Over all I think you were right, Daniel, and more importantly it seems to be paying off. Good for you!

I haven't read everyone else's posts...

I totally understand the frustration it caused you.

Your ethics are very much appreciated.

5 minutes early is 10 minutes late.

If your going to be late call at least a half an hour ahead of the time your supposed to be there to let them know.

Again your ethics are appreciated. very much you communicated in every way the time of rendezvous.

Unfortunately I do not know the kids situation. Does he have a washer and dryer or did he have to go to the laundry mat?

If he does have a washer and dryer did he not have laundry detergent until a pay day?

Same money question on the part if he had to do his laundry elsewhere.

the many scenarios that could lead up to the point that he was only able to do his laundry at the time he did.

growing up we always had a lot of people living with us so I know how it is to live crowded.

maybe he has only 5 pair of clothes.

on the other note. Id be there with dirty clothes to protect my reputation. I wouldnt care, Id just have to let you know... hey man as soon as possible i need to do laundry. I know I have been home for 11 days and ive done laundry twice during the 11 days but have not had the chance to do so again. Im on my last pair right now...

When I was younger I was a very violent person and the things I have done to others for yelling at me makes me keep my mouth shut. on a side note. If I am yelling at you ive probably already put my hands on you and im telling you why.

now that i am married and have kids. i cant do the things I used to but I can sure hope someone else does... you might want to sleep with one eye open. make sure you don't except any fountain drinks or food that is not sealed.

Funny I had to beg to get time off after my 2 month long pad phase. Sounds like dispatchers run things differently. And it's a freaking nightmare trying to get routed through sacramento Daniel. Or Auburn at least.