a new driver journey with Magnum Logistics in Fargo, ND

After much sesrching for a company that is solid and hires newly graduated drivers I decided to go with Magnum logistics in Fargo, ND.
I will try to update on a regular basis so maybe someone else like me can find it helpful.
I received an inviencounteredntation from Paul (by the way they do all the background checks before they even invite you). I live near Fort Worth so they set it up for me to fly, I fly in saturday to fargo, they arranged for taxi service to pick me and take me to the hotel. I get checked in and go to room and find only one bed, yes I have a room to myself.
So, orientation srarts Monday, thry have a van that picks you up at the hotel and also pick you up and return you in the afternoon. So I am eating breakfast at the hotel and in come a very nice lady. I strike up conversation with her and it turns out she has been with Magnum for 5 years and her truck was in the shop. I took the opportunity to ask her whst her opinion is of magnum and she says she loves it and would never leave, i was floored.

Orientation day 1....morning begins with filling out tons of paperwork with HR, then we did our introductions, next up is safety came in showed some videos and powerpoint presentations. Lunch is provided to us and we had dominos, not pizza, but had our choice on the menu. Really awesome!! After lunch a little more with safety and then it is time for the driver trainer to start. We srarted with quite a presentation on hazmat. I have my endorsement but what he covered really taught me alot

Orientation day2....start the day off with going to get drug screens and physical if you didn't have yours already. Next up, driving test. I volunteered to go first since i am the only inexperienced driver in the group. 2015 peterbilt, I will say that is the nicest truck I have ever been in. 10 speed, I started off a little shaky but did fine on the test by the time we got back to the yard. Did my back perfectly and he tells me some things to work on with the road trainer and he gives me my certificate. 4 or the 5 got finished by lunch. Todsys menu, chinese food from a local restaurant, I am a picky eater but it was awesome. After lunch the last guy does his road test and then it was time to move on. Next up is presentation on distracted driving and then defensive driving which included some videos that if you have a weak stomach be careful. End of day 2.
As I sit hereat the hotel I think of the huge expense that this company has invested in me and will say that so far I am very impressed by not only that but the quality in the equipment, upkeep and finally how open and friendly EVERYONE I have encounted has been.

Tomorrow I will post more as i experience it

 

Orientation day 3.....started the day with a couple more videos that had quizzes with them. About 930 the guys that are going with LTD division (OTR) got to go on a trip down to go over payroll stuff at the main office. Then we got to meet one of the load planner who went over a bunch of different things mostly about communication and how to keep the wheels turning. Then we got to go see what the load board looks like and meet the rest of the team. The other two guys have alot of experience so they were asked where they wanted to go since they were getting their trucks tomorrow. Me, I found out my trainer won't be here until Monday so I get to hang out a few more days. After that we head back to theclassroom for lunch which was subs from a really nice local shop, really good. Then it was time for more videos and quizzes. Then we had a guy from the shop come in and talk about the maintenance end of the business which was real informative. Then we had time for one more video before we got picked and taken back to the hotel. We had homework so we all got together and got it knocked out.
Just like the previous days everyone is so friendly and welcomed us to the family.

 

Thank you Janet!!

 

To my fellow Magnum drivers, I really appreciate each of you and how outgoing you all have been. Maybe at some point we will meet in person. My name is Jeff

 

Daryl if i spelled right