Yes there are female drivers here, not in the pro class but there are female students here. The stress test was stepping up and down on a stair for 3 mins, rolling 200 lbs 53ft and back on a 2 wheeler, carrying 70 lbs 53 ft and back, and lifting 30, 50. and 70 lbs onto a shelf and then putting it back on the 2 wheeler. I am going to be solo and basically going where ever they send me.


The second day here consisted of them explaining there logbooks, refilling out paperwork that they needed more info on, and a big safety talk. We wathed some powerpoints and videos on load securement and hazmat and took a quiz on logs. Pretty easy stuff. Tomorrow I have to check out and take all my stuff to the school. That will be fun considering I have about 5 bags, some guys have more. Hopefully my truck will be assigned to me and they will let me know where I have to go to get it. Oh! I forgot to say that yesterday they also handed out comdata cards. So after tomorrow I should be on the road. I can't really make a judgement on this company after 2 days, so I will keep everyone posted to let you know what is going on. Stay safe out there!

Thank you for the info, TGP. I sent them an application today. Their recruiter had told me I would have to lift 60 pounds, which wouldn’t be so hard. But I would detest to go all the way to Indiana and fail the stress test. I was going to rent a vehicle and drive to orientation because they told me the space in their van is very limited and I carry 2 bags + sleeping bag and a cooler. Do you know if student drivers stay longer? I thought orientation would last 6 days. I can “hear” your excitement. All the best to you and stay safe!

You are right it is 60 lbs, must have had 70 lbs in my head, sorry

For students it is a 6 day course, I am a pro driver so I go for 3 days get a truck and I am on my way. Their talk is good, but I am going to reserve my final judgement on them until I get some time in. What I have seen so far looks good, the people are nice and thsy don't seem hurried. I mean they route you at 45 mph, also they let you have up to a 1500 watt inverter as long as you buy the brand they say and let them install it. They are also, compared to Schneider, very liberal in their idling policy. I will definitely keep you guys posted as I move along to let you know if this is my dream come true, or my worst nightmare I'll reserve that judgement until I'm here a few months, because it will probably be a little frustrating at first, due to the fact that I have to learn their procedures when I am used to Schneiders. I am looking forward to getting my truck and getting rolling! Good Luck to you Rocks, and hope you find a team partner. You all stay safe out there!

I went through their student orientation.I would have stayed with them if they didnt run me and the trainer illgeal.When they say they dont train you as a team,they mean it,unless you got a bad trainer...And the people that instruct you in the yard and while you are driving,are really good people..There really isnt a pass/fail in the yard...They just wanna see that you are atleast taking directions,and willing to learn.The road is alittle different,but they understand no one shifts like a pro right out of school,and they will coach you...The physical aint to bad.You just have to step up and down a few steps for a couple minutes,,Your heart rate cant be fatsre then a certain amount...If you rent car to take down there,would you keep it with you all six days?I am not sure if they reimbusre you for that..I do know they rented me and another gentleman a car to get home and we took the van there.The only problem with all the things you would take is,if they send you home early,it will be on a greyhound.So you could only have 2 bags and a carry on..Being a student,you wouldnt need a cooler.

I would return the car on the first day (Monday), and that leads to another question, what time do they dismiss you from class? I know the rental agency closes at 6 pm. I don’t think they would reimburse me for the rental. But I would be prepared to rent a vehicle even if they sent me home early. Greyhound might not be an option. I carry a packed cooler because I’m vegetarian and it’s hard to find food that I can eat out there.

What do you mean "illegal"? Could you share some of that experience with us? Thx.

There was alot of 16-18 hour days while I was out with the trainer..He was a good trainer with bad habbits..He was patient,and pretty easy goin..He taught me some stuff..But he liked to get the very last mile he could for the day,legal or not...that was almost a year ago,so things might have changed..Class was usually done by 6...But dont hold me to that...When I went through,they said they had about 3,000 trucks..So they are not mega huge..There was probably 12 students,and 9-10 experienced drivers at the orientation..So they do have some turn over,but not as bad as some...If you get a good trainer and stick with them,you should be ok for a while...Just make sure if you dont like how you are bein trained and they say you cant have a new trainer,go above them...If they would have let me get a different trainer,I might have stayed..But if it isnt workin,take it to the ceo if you have to...

They told you 3000 drivers huh, they told us 1500 drivers. They did also say that they had dowsized. I got here to eagan and wasn't very happy. We got out of class at 1645 and then had to drive from scottsburg to eagan, about 750 miles the same day. When I asked about being up all day and driving all night. I was told we would be the first ones not to make it. So 24 hrs after getting up on the 19th we arrived in eagan at 0430 on the 20th (had to avoid tolls no ezpass in van). We got here and the truck they gave me reeks of cigarettes, and they tell me there is nothing they can do about it. They gave me a can of lysol to solve the problem. Once I get home, I will be scrubbing this tractor out to try and get rid of the smell. It reeks bad! I mean the smell of cigarettes is so bad I can taste it, and thats bad. Other than that the truck is in decent condition. They have a load for me but they won't dispatch it until I finish talking to the team leader, The ld is pick up at 2200 so I would like to get some sleep, but I have to wait for him to call. So, right now I am not very happy, but I will give it time and see what happens. I'll keep you posted. Stay safe out there.

Take some charcoal, roll it up in newspaper and tuck several of these "packages" around the cab, it will clear the odor in about a week or so.

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When I went through,the guys that had to go to eagen were in and out in a flash the last day,both expirienced and students...That kind of sucks they made you guys drive like that...

Give it time TGP. I wish you all the best and thank you for keeping us posted. Stay safe driver.