Well let me be the first to say...your husbands trainer is a complete dumb###.

Down the hill in the same gear you came up it ?? WTF? Is the goof ball reading the DOT manual or something? Cuz he damn sure ain't ever drove a truck in the mountains. And pushing your husband, this isn't training. This is a leech pushing your husband to maximize his own paycheck.

While there are deadlines that need to be met. No deadline is worth the life of a driver...period.

Your husband is NOT getting trained, he's being used for a log book.

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I'm gonna kill the next SOB who tells me I look stressed out.

--Unknown

wow ... i am incredibly sorry to hear this. redcoat's trainer essentially has poisoned him against the industry and who knows how many others as well.

what about a different company? i don't know if i can recall why he chose covenant in the first place.

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And it's official: I Start school in Lewiston, ID - 15 Oct 08

This trainer is an accident waiting to happen. Down a hill you get plenty of chances to go slow but only one to go too fast, the trainer is doing a serious disservice to Redcoat. It doesn't matter what the trainer says, he is in control of the rig and needs to assert this to the nit wit pushing him, maybe that gentle soul thing is getting in the way? If it were me I would call someone at Covenant and inform them of what's going on and ask for another trainer. I hope this all works out for you and Redcoat, great posts btw...

Boogity - Boogity - Boogity !!!
You picked a fine time to leave me, loose wheel.


If I'm not mistaken, that .14 is for ALL miles driven. Or, .28 cpm for half the miles driven. Which is about average for a trainee.
At least that's the most common way truckin' companies pay a team operation. I reckon it's easier for them to do it that way than to try to keep track of how many miles each driver actually drives. A good team is equally yolked, and not unlike a marriage in that respect.



Hmmmmmmmmm Hmmmmmmmm NO!
Not for real.
That's old school thought.
Now-a-daze, with aerodynamics and electronically controlled engines that automatically increase horsepower, those old rules are antiquated. Hmmmmmmmm

You're correct.

Do NOT quit in the middle of a run!
More on that later...............................

Redcoat hasn't "failed" yet. His emotions may be wrecked, but I don't get the impression that he's on his knees.

You certainly HAVE made friends here Mrs. R.
And your information is more valuable to others than I think you may realize. SO valuable, ....... and this may be selfish of me, .... but I don't want it to end any time soon. Your commentary is priceless to ANYone even THINKING about entering the Big truck truckin' industry.
YeS it IS!

I hope your game plan is still on the back burner. Whereas that may well be true, I'm thinking he'd prefer going out on TOP, rather than out the back door. BoY-0-BoY!
I feel the same way about sales.

Back in the day,......... NO! Not Dale Earnhardt Jr's TV show, ..... I mean before I became a driver of Big trucks, I worked at a camera shop/photo lab. Back then I was into motorsports and equestrian photography (I tried wedding photography and portraits, but that's where MY panic attacks occured) and worked as a retail salesperson and as an assistant manager and manager. Working out of a business, I thought, was a more professional approach, and things went rather smoothly. But there was some pressure to sell the more expensive cameras to the customers, which I found extremely hard to do. Most of the customers just wanted to take family snapshots, and all the gizmmos and do-dads on the more expensive camers were features they'd probably never use. And if they did, after gaining experience, they could always upgrade later. My goal was to sell them a camera that would fit their needs. Thankfully, there was more profit in the one hour photo lab, and the owner was logical enough to realiuze that selling them a camera they WOULD use would result in more developing and processing than a camera too difficult for them to use and have it remain on a shelf.

When those customers proudly showed off their family photo albums, (also purchased from us) it made me happy. And the profits made the owner happy.
I didn't accept 'perks' from certain camera manufacturers because I wouldn't over-sell just for MY gain. Pushy, I'm not.
But enough about me, ....... for now.

Who is "Obama"?
I'm just "Biden" my time 'till election day.
Now, ....... where's M'Cane?

Tell Redcoat NOT to shoot until he sees the whites of their eyes!

If he SHOULD decide he's not cut out for the truckin' lifestyle, there's NO shame in that.
NopE!
Many in the industry are still IN the industry because they won't admit that to themselves, and they're just miserable.
Some folks take to truckin' like a duck to water.
For others it's like oil and water. And the meek shall inherit the Earth. Me too! Believe it or not, that's not an entirely bad frame of mind for a Big truck truck driver to have.
Not to the point of stressing out, but lingering in the background. YeAH!
Not only the films, but what he'll see out there on the road.
That's one thing, besides roadkill, that really bothered me, too.
I've seen terrible crashes, and have assisted in rescue and care at several scenes. Very sobering.
Funny thing though, ...... DURING the time I'm assisting, I function rather well. It's when it's all over and I've left the scene that I start shaking, and it can take several days, sometimes, for me to get it out of my mind, but NEVER entirely.

I find that to be beneficial, in that when I feel the urge to come unglued and/or lose my temper while behind the steering wheel of ANY vehicle, I get flashbacks and adjust my attitude accordingly. "Obviously"?
Hmmmmmmm
Not from what I've been reading so far.
Actually, I'm reading a LOT of ME in what you're writing And we for him.
Those of us who are seasoned, and/or well seasoned drivers realize it's no picnic when first starting out. Some may not be willing to admit it, but, IMO, that's a shortcoming on their part if they can't or won't admit it.

Personally, I NEVER want to forget my beginning daze/days. It keeps me humble, I hope.

I'm gonna hold you to that promise, Mrs. R.

Let me run o few of my thoughts up the flagpole and see who salutes, ............................................

One of my alltime favorite gigs was that of a driver trainer.
Now, granted, I AM a baaadd man ----->
But while a driver trainer for a LARGE truckin' company with orange Big trucks, I had the reputation of being their mellowest trainer ------> and had a waiting list of those who had heard that.
Being a single or ---- (take your pick) trainer, while most of the other driver trainers were married males, I was assigned mostly female trainees. Probably 80% female trainees. All I asked for was a good attitude of any of my trainees, and that's what I usually received, with a few exceptions. But I learned from ALL of them, especially the female trainees who taught me another perspective and ways to look at situations. I thank them one and all.

Among the trainees I was asigned were a few who had bad experiences AFTER graduationg to driving solo. I considered them to be a challenge, and I'm happy to report that after a few weeks with them, they remaind as drivers. It was just rebuilding their confidence. And that's where I think Redcoat's problem may lie. Confidence, or lack thereof.

For that reason, if I were him, I would RESPECTFULLY request another trainer. One a tad more mellow and understanding. I WOULDN'T critizise his current trainer, just explain that, perhaps, another trainer with a different approach and/or training methods might be the answer. I WOULDN'T call it quits without first exploring that option.

It isn't always a scum-bag trainer that isn't able to get their point(s) across, more an understanding of a particular trainee's needs. Not all trainees require the same approach. Not all trainees are in possession of the same frame of mind, and won't mesh with certain trainers and/or their methods.

Personally, I would welcome Redcaot's concerns, and work WITH him. I WOULDN'T demand, or even expect him to drive a Big truck the same way I do. I learned early on to exploit a trainee's strength and work with them on their weaknesses. Cool, calm and collected --- easy does it.

For the record, I DON'T agree with a trainer sleeping while a trainee is trying to learn. I refused to do that. I was always watching them, either from the passenger seat, from inside the bunk if THEY were comfortable with that, or from the driver's seat as I demonstrated how to git 'er done. A trainee CAN learn by observation, and often better during certain situations.
Adverse weather conditions, heavy traffic, narrow big city streets and mountains being a few such situations.
When a trainee can observe their trainer taking it all in stride, hopefully without breaking a sweat, I've been told by more than a few trainees that that's a confidance builder for them. And, heck!
I enjoy driving a Big truck anyway.
MANY times I wanted to drive too!
So it's a win/win situation.
(I love driving across the desert on a full Moon night, and would often plan my trips to include doing that. And although I've driven triple digit Big trucks, but not while training, just knowing I COULD exceed 100 MPH was enough satisfaction for me) I sure didn't rush that experience. I also insisted that trainees drive within THEIR comfort levels.)

I tried to have my trainees do most of the driving, but SOMEtimes I did more driving in a day than they did. As long as they were paying attention, I figured it was a learning process. They seemed to agree, based on the favorable comments they made to me as well as management.
I reckon my mom's teaching abilities found their way into me. She had a genuine concern for her students, and so did I. I considered failing an ernest trainee as a failure on my part, and I only failed one such trainee. But I felt I HAD to, based on poor performance and no real apparent aptitude. One thing I wound NEVER consider is putting a potentially dangerous driver on the road.

Anyway, ........ again, enough about me.

I hope Redcoad will take my suggestions to heart and not give up the ship prematurely. I don't sense that he's incapable of being a good Big truck truck driver. Quite the opposite. I think it will just take the right driver trainer to bring out his potential.
I realize he's frustrated, but as I've stated, I believe the RIGHT trainer will make a huge difference.
I'd sure prefer a trainee who is a tad TOO concerned about their abilities than one who thinks it's a breeze. Over confidence can be dangerous.

If/When Redcoat is in the Los Angeles area, and if you think he'd like to talk, I'd be willing to give y'all my phone number in a personal message here. I don't think you have enough posts to PM other's here yet, but if you ask one of the Staff, like Cybergal, Wiseone, or Baack, I'm sure they'll put'cha through.
I really don't want to see Redcoat wave a white flag.

Tally HO,........ &

Lemmie know?

(As they say in racing --- in order to finish first
first y'all have to finish.)

Aftershock you will make your mother proud the way you step up. Nice job, I too salute you.

Redcoat have him make that call.

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Charlie

Oh my God, that trainer needs to go through the complete training period again. At the very least, the trainer needs remedial training on driving in mountains and steep grades. For those who are reading this saga and do not have your CDL, I am posting the following.
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In the Commercial Driver's Manual, which is available for free at your state's DMV, it lists the entire steps for driving down steep grades safely. Read the manual to learn the correct way to do it.
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This trainer does not have a [bleeping] clue. As a very general guideline, if you are driving a regular 10 speed transmission you can do the following. If at the top of grade, the posted speed limit for trucks is 25 mph, for example, add 2 + 5 = 7. Then 7th gear is the ABSOLUTELY HIGHEST gear you should use in descending the grade. Note: this guideline works for speed limits that end with the digit 5 as in 15,25,35.
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Going down a steep grade in the same gear you used to climb the grade is beyond just being dumb it is down right dangerous. This practice endangers yourself and others. With changes in gearing, aerodynamics, tires, gearing etc. it is no longer appropriate. This practice is NOT even close to being the correct way to do it. The trainee should get a new trainer. The Safety Dept. should make sure that trainer loses his training status until he learns how to decend steep grades. And the Safety Dept. should hold mandatory attendance training to ensure ALL drivers are using the correct proceedure listed in the CDL manual.
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Okay, I am done venting now. I apologize for interrupting. Proceed.

IMO it sounds like a mismatch between trainer and trainee. I would encourage Redcoat to call his training manager and ask for a new trainer. No one should be pushed to drive too far outside of their comfort zone! Confidence comes with time and patience.

20+ years ago I learned to look out for HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, and tired). If you get too many of these going on at once, something is going to give! It sounds like he has found HALT.

Being a vegetarian on the road makes things more difficult, but not impossible. The trainer should make it possible for Redcoat to get something to eat every day. Many t/s offer salads and nuts and dried soups in cups that require hot water. He needs nutrition to function! You can't handle stress with no calories on board.

I have heard many say that it is hard to get used to sleeping in a moving truck, but that will come with time. Lack of sleep just increases your stress level.

Being hungry, tired and stressed to perform beyond my limits would make me angry.

I'm sure he misses being with you which will make him feel lonely, particularly if he is with a trainer that is scaring him (or encouraging him to scare himself).

He seems to feel unsafe with this trainer. I doubt he has any confidence in his current trainer, so have him ask for someone better suited to him.

Best of luck to both of you and please keep all of us posted!

I start orientation at Covenant's Chattanooga terminal tomorrow. I don't know if I will be able to post to this thread as I don't have a laptop, just a desktop, but will follow it if possible.

Wow! Ya'll have brought tears to my eyes. What you are saying is exactly true. Especially the HALT thing. (Thanks Baseballswthrt!) This is exactly what is happening. Last night when he called me he had just finished almost 9 hours of non-stop driving by himself. His trainer apparently gets upset if they stop "for no reason" as it slows them down. But Redcoat really had to use the bathroom and so after 8 1/2 hours of non-stop driving he had to pull over at a t/s to relieve himself. He was exhausted. So his trainer took over and finished his last hour for him. Yes, the .14 cents are truck miles so the more miles they get, the more money his trainer makes as they each get paid for the other's mileage and his trainer gets like .28 cents or something like that. I think this is where most of the problem lies and why his trainer is pushing him to the limits like he is.

Another thing that REALLY bothers me is his trainer rarely communicates with him on what's going on as far as their agenda. Redcoat woke up this morning and they were in L.A. somewhere (the Pamona terminal I think?) and his trainer was in watching TV. Redcoat went in, said good morning, took a shower, got some coffee and went back out to the truck to call me. He has no idea of what the game plan is or where they are going next if anywhere. This happens quite a bit. When he calls me I ask him what's coming up and usually he has no clue. He just knows that he's supposed to go to X place and use X route to get there and that's it.

This goes totally against everything I belive as a teacher. I used to coach an NCAA women's bowling team and when we prepared to leave for a tournament, I made sure that every member of the team AND their parents AND my administrators knew everything about our travel. Where we were staying, when we would get there, how we would get there, where we were going to eat, all the approximate times, tournament format, etc. I made sure everybody was kept in the loop. It seems to me that this lack of communication is a serious flaw with Redcoat's trainer. It's like a shut-up and just drive attitude. This may not actually be the case but it sure seems like it to me.

This is so disappointing. And, yes, Redcoat DOES miss me (and I him but I'm used to dealing with it after flying for 10 years). He said he didn't come all the way to America from England to spend all his time in a truck and never get to see his wife. So HALT is definitely in play here.

Xcis, that was a great explanation about how to handle driving down a grade. I'll pass that on to Redcoat and I do believe he has his Texas CDL manual with him so he can have a look.

AfterShock (and any others who care to), yes please do PM me your phone number. Redcoat has gone to L.A. for both trips so far and I believe words of encouragement from other truckers might help. But please don't let on how much information I have shared with you all here. Redcoat is a very private person and he's not too keen on having all his thoughts aired out in public like this. That is why I've tried not to be too specific on the details out of respect for his feelings but specific enough so that others can learn from our experience.

Tomorrow I will definitely call Covenant and see about the possibility of getting another trainer. I will be very diplomatic and non-accusatory.

Gotta go to work. I had a good day yesterday. Sold six pictures and so made about $300. So far for the three days I've worked here in Iowa, I've sold 11 pictures which comes out to almost $600. Not too bad. I work for straight commission. I get 33% of everything I sell and an 11X14 print sells for $169 so I'll let ya'll do the math. If I make a certain break point on a roll of film, anything I sell after that I get 43%. So you can see that it can be very lucrative work. There is no hard selling. The pictures basically sell themselves. At first Redcoat was adamantly opposed to going door-to-door but after his experience this past week I think he's changed his mind and now it doesn't seem so bad compared to what he's gone through.

I'll post again tonight and thanks so much for ALL your encouragement.

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It's not how bad you screw up; it's how well you recover.

WoW what an ending to a beginning of a career. Shame really.

It was mentioned about the hardest job is the wife at home, there are 2 I feel for, the truckers wife, and the Military wife. My last wife was both, she stood by me as my military career fell out from under me cause of my joints, and with me most of my previous trucking career till she went nuts on New Years Eve and cost us our foster kids.

I am hoping to get on with one of the larger companies soon, after working for some questionable outfits these last 9 months, which one almost killed me. But if it works out, when I am able to I like to become a trainer. I had 4 years then took a 7 year retirement break till Oct last year. Back in Jan I had to fly a friend out to meet me in Denver to help me get back to Georgia. All he had was his Class A Learners permit, but I could not have made it other wise, I was just to sick to continue. Though I was not in top health, could not make it to the fuel desk from the fuel island anymore with out passing out, (running out of Blood), I did help him learn more about the driving of an 18 wheeler. He did have his class B CDL and currently drives a 10 wheeler.

But I would never force an trainee to drive faster than he or she is comfortable. Slow down maybe but not speed up. At first till I am fully comfortable with a Trainee I would not go back into the sleeper, and I am not easy comfortable with anyone else is driving.

Going back on memorylane my trainer also went to sleep minutes after I started with him, and I asked him why later on. He was comfortable from the get go. Yes he spent time with me, and was back up front when I was nervous (going through a weight station for the first time with me driving). When I asked him about it, his reply was he was more comfortable with me, but went on and told some horror stories of other trainees he had, one dealing with a female trainee who went around Indy 6 times and then stopping in the middle of the road on the loop lost. He had to jump out and drive in his boxers to get them going in the right direction.

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