COVENANT -- From a wife's perspective - Page 5 - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

MGASSEL · **^ Top** #41 09.07.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcoat wife

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.

I had to almost pry my butt off of the seat when I was driving through construction zones the pucker power was so strong. So I understand what he was going through.

A good trainer would let the trainee slow down through the construction zones I did my trainer was like what is going on I said I am not comfortable driving the speed limit going through here. He said that is allright you will be use to it and soon you will be doing the speed limit.

My trainer understood when and were I had to stop to use the bathroom get something to eat, etc. all he wanted me to do is tell him when we were leaving the highway so he could hop up front.

I agree you can only go down a mountain one time too fast tell your hubby to go as slow as he feels comfortable down the mountain there were times were I had to slow to 25 mph due to my weight in the trailer.

He needs to get a new trainer because all his trainer wants is a good check and he does not care about the student.

My trainer wanted a good check which he most of the time got but I would not let anyone push me to drive outside my comfort zone no matter what.

Your hubby seems to know how to drive safe because he wants to slow down in bad weather and in the construction zones.

That means that he knows his limits but he feels that he is not able to use his better judgment due to his bad trainer telling him to keep up the speed.

The best advice for him is to get a new trainer and stick it out for the required time in his contract.
If he can stick it out for 2 + years then he can get a local job driving a truck.

Redcoat wife · **^ Top** #42 09.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by coastie

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

You're right Coastie. Back in July, Redcoat was enthusiastic about driving a truck. He was making plans on being an O/O eventually after he got some experience. But with all the hassle it took to get his CDL and then to get hired by SOMEbody, it all put a bad taste in his mouth about the whole thing.

It's interesting that while he was driving at Roadmaster school and also the couple days he drove at Arrow's orientation, there was not one word from him about doubting his abilities. He passed all his tests at Roadmaster with a 93%.

When he started with Covenant, he wasn't to happy about their team driving but he figured he could stick it out for at least three months and then probably move on to something better.

But after only 8 days, he is a changed man. He knew the training was going to rough but never in his wildest dreams did he think he was going to be thrust into the seat by himself and told to go for 10 hours straight. I'm wondering if there are ANY Covenant trainers reading this thread who do it differently and who actually take the time to TRAIN their students rather than just use them to get the truck miles for the money. If there are, I wish you would speak up.

I was reading somewhere else on this forum a wife's description of how her husband got the trainer from hell but didn't tell her what was really going on until after he passed his road test. Then he told her about all the abuse he had been enduring. What a sad story that was.

I don't think Redcoat is being abused per se. I think he is just being totally neglected to deal with his fears on his own. His trainer doesn't communicate with him so that avenue has been shut down. He knows all of you have advised him to get a new trainer but he doesn't want the company to think that he's a troublemaker or whatever. He's pretty much frozen, too afraid to say anything to the company because he's afraid they will try to use his situation to their advantage to try to get out of paying him some how....and too afraid to say anything to his trainer because he's on the man's truck.

Monday he has to leave L.A. to go to Tennessee. Not sure where yet. The trip east on I-40 fills him with dread with all the construction going on. But he is resolved to at least get to the end of that leg while he tries to figure out what to do and how to get out gracefully without burning any bridges or getting a bad DAC.

If any of y'all have any ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

MGASSEL · **^ Top** #43 09.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcoat wife

You're right Coastie. Back in July, Redcoat was enthusiastic about driving a truck. He was making plans on being an O/O eventually after he got some experience. But with all the hassle it took to get his CDL and then to get hired by SOMEbody, it all put a bad taste in his mouth about the whole thing.

It's interesting that while he was driving at Roadmaster school and also the couple days he drove at Arrow's orientation, there was not one word from him about doubting his abilities. He passed all his tests at Roadmaster with a 93%.

When he started with Covenant, he wasn't to happy about their team driving but he figured he could stick it out for at least three months and then probably move on to something better.

But after only 8 days, he is a changed man. He knew the training was going to rough but never in his wildest dreams did he think he was going to be thrust into the seat by himself and told to go for 10 hours straight. I'm wondering if there are ANY Covenant trainers reading this thread who do it differently and who actually take the time to TRAIN their students rather than just use them to get the truck miles for the money. If there are, I wish you would speak up.

I was reading somewhere else on this forum a wife's description of how her husband got the trainer from hell but didn't tell her what was really going on until after he passed his road test. Then he told her about all the abuse he had been enduring. What a sad story that was.

I don't think Redcoat is being abused per se. I think he is just being totally neglected to deal with his fears on his own. His trainer doesn't communicate with him so that avenue has been shut down. He knows all of you have advised him to get a new trainer but he doesn't want the company to think that he's a troublemaker or whatever. He's pretty much frozen, too afraid to say anything to the company because he's afraid they will try to use his situation to their advantage to try to get out of paying him some how....and too afraid to say anything to his trainer because he's on the man's truck.

Monday he has to leave L.A. to go to Tennessee. Not sure where yet. The trip east on I-40 fills him with dread with all the construction going on. But he is resolved to at least get to the end of that leg while he tries to figure out what to do and how to get out gracefully without burning any bridges or getting a bad DAC.

If any of y'all have any ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

The company has to pay him no matter what.
He will not be labled a trouble maker for requesting a new trainer. He just needs to be honest with the company tell them he does not think that his trainer is the best one for him because he is not leting him stop to use the bathroom or get something to eat, plus the trainer pushes him to drive faster even though he does not feel safe to do so.
If he mentions something regarding saftey they will be more than happy to get him a new trainer.
Look at it this way if your hubby just bails out and says nothing to the company this trainer could force someone to drive faster than they feel comfortable to drive and there can be a serious accident because of this trainer.

inthewindaz · **^ Top** #44 09.08.2008

[/quote]I don't think Redcoat is being abused per se. I think he is just being totally neglected to deal with his fears on his own. His trainer doesn't communicate with him so that avenue has been shut down. [/quote]

That's just it... he is being abused, and will continue to be abused for the remainder of his time there with a trainer. He makes what, a couple hundred gross a week ($300-$350?) and the trainers gets his miles... Welcome to OTR training for newbies... it's a joke. Trainer makes money, company makes money. Student driver... gets depressed and leaves and is replaced by the next one in line. The company couldn't care less.

coastie · **^ Top** #45 09.08.2008

I have to agree with inthewindaz, request another trainer. Nobody should force anyone to run faster than they are comfortable. Running in 9th gear bad for the trans? Only of he over RPMs or under, then it worst on the engine. But you can run in any gear..

AfterShock · **^ Top** #46 09.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGASSEL

I had to almost pry my butt off of the seat when I was driving through construction zones the pucker power was so strong. So I understand what he was going through.

Me too, Mr. G.
When I started my REAL training, I-5 through portions of the Siskiyous was under construction on the downhill side. Lanes were narrow and the right lane was closed. I felt like I was holding up traffic and was tempted to push it beyond what I felt was comfortable. My trainer told me NOT to do that, but rather drive within MY comfort level. He put it this way,
You're hauling precious cargo, that being you and me.
Drive accordingly.

He also turned the CB radio off so we didn't have to listen to the less than understanding drivers behind us, trying to speed things up.

Quote:

A good trainer would let the trainee slow down through the construction zones I did my trainer was like what is going on I said I am not comfortable driving the speed limit going through here. He said that is allright you will be use to it and soon you will be doing the speed limit.

Absolutely correct!

Quote:

My trainer understood when and were I had to stop to use the bathroom get something to eat, etc. all he wanted me to do is tell him when we were leaving the highway so he could hop up front.

Common decency dictates no less.
By definition, a trainee is not up to speed yet. They're not used to sitting for hours at a time while driving OR riding in a vehicle. It takes time to develop the ability to do that.

Taking breaks more often than a seasoned driver would normally take can be beneficial. It gives the trainer and trainee a chance to relax and collect their thoughts. Review what has transpired that day, so far, and review what's ahead. Go over the maps to become better at map reading and recognize what's ahead. Mountains? Flat lands? A combination? Knowing these conditions can help a new driver understand where they'll be able to make time, and where they'll be slowed down.

They may not be able to digest ALL that information, but over time and repetition, it begins to sink in.

Quote:

I agree you can only go down a mountain one time too fast tell your hubby to go as slow as he feels comfortable down the mountain there were times were I had to slow to 25 mph due to my weight in the trailer.

YuP!
Try this ------ dispatch informs you that the load in your wagon is valued a over one million dollars. Knowing that, even the mountain grades I was familiar with, and comfortable descending faster considering the weight in the trailer, I STILL elected to back 'er down, Jake on high and geared down.

If/When other drivers made comments about my speed, I just thanked them for their concern and explained I wasn't hauling Shake & Bake. That's why I made the bigger bucks.
And enjoyed my job.

I've hauled custom, one of a kind calendar motorcycles, a Super Bike race team to the guidance system for Navy BIG guns. Those loads HAVE to arrive in one piece. Failure is NOT an option.
I was well paid for my abilities to git 'er done. And I thank my trainers for instilling in me a professional attitude. That carried me to my goal of being one of the better Big truck truck drivers.

A GOOD training is not unlike the foundation for a skyscraper. Without a good foundation, the building WILL be compromised.
Same thing for a trainee's driving future.

Quote:

He needs to get a new trainer because all his trainer wants is a good check and he does not care about the student.

It sure appears that way.

Years of driving experience does not necessarily a good trainer make. I've known trainers, and I'm told I was one, of the trainers with less road experience who were actually better trainers. Why is that?
Hmmmmmm
In my case, I think it's because I could still well remember what it was like being a trainee, and adjusted my methods to each individual trainee. Some folks seem to be better as trainers than others, too. IMO, there's nothing worse than a trainer with an "I'm the boss who knows it all" attitude.

Quote:

My trainer wanted a good check which he most of the time got but I would not let anyone push me to drive outside my comfort zone no matter what.

BINGO!

Quote:

Your hubby seems to know how to drive safe because he wants to slow down in bad weather and in the construction zones.

That means that he knows his limits but he feels that he is not able to use his better judgment due to his bad trainer telling him to keep up the speed.

Double BINGO!
I agree.
And after speaking to Redcoat over the phone, I'm even more convinced.

Quote:

The best advice for him is to get a new trainer and stick it out for the required time in his contract.
If he can stick it out for 2 + years then he can get a local job driving a truck.

I think so too.
But ultimately it's going to be Redcoat who has to make that decision.
I think, if he decides to call it quits all together, the truckin' industry will have lost a fine prospect. In fact, with more experience, I think Redcoat would make a great driver trainer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcoat wife

You're right Coastie. Back in July, Redcoat was enthusiastic about driving a truck. He was making plans on being an O/O eventually after he got some experience. But with all the hassle it took to get his CDL and then to get hired by SOMEbody, it all put a bad taste in his mouth about the whole thing.

And that right thar is a cryin' shame.
There oughta be a law.

Quote:

It's interesting that while he was driving at Roadmaster school and also the couple days he drove at Arrow's orientation, there was not one word from him about doubting his abilities. He passed all his tests at Roadmaster with a 93%.

Why doesn't that surprise me?

Quote:

When he started with Covenant, he wasn't to happy about their team driving but he figured he could stick it out for at least three months and then probably move on to something better.

Did he mention that he didn't plan on driving for Covenent for very long to the company, or his trainer?

Quote:

But after only 8 days, he is a changed man. He knew the training was going to rough but never in his wildest dreams did he think he was going to be thrust into the seat by himself and told to go for 10 hours straight.

IMO, he shouldn't have had to be concerned. What he's going through now, NO trainee should be subjected to. At least not if a company plans on them succeeding and remaing with the company for any length of time.

Quote:

I'm wondering if there are ANY Covenant trainers reading this thread who do it differently and who actually take the time to TRAIN their students rather than just use them to get the truck miles for the money. If there are, I wish you would speak up.

I think that request is MORE than fair. And I would be interested in hearing from them also. I don't want to believe this is the norm.

Quote:

I was reading somewhere else on this forum a wife's description of how her husband got the trainer from hell but didn't tell her what was really going on until after he passed his road test. Then he told her about all the abuse he had been enduring. What a sad story that was.

YeAH!
Her handle escapes my feeble memory right now, but I well remember the emotions she expressed, as well as the emotion it generated within me. I was AfterShocked!

Quote:

I don't think Redcoat is being abused per se. I think he is just being totally neglected to deal with his fears on his own.

"Not" being abused?!
Isn't neglect a form of abuse?
I think so.
That trainer he has, whether he realizes it or not, is messin' with another man's future. And that just ain't right.
A trainer's job is to produce a QUALITY product, --- that being a trainee trained to the point that they can be successful after being released. Some trainees learn quicker than others, while other's are a tad slower to catch on. But as long as I saw progress, I'd take the additional time to get the job done RIGHT. Several times I recommended another week or two, and/or concentrating on a particular weak point, like heavy, big city traffic. It wasn't meant to pad my pay check, and more often than not reduced my actual earnings. But to my way of thinking, monitary reward came in second to producing a quality product.

I don't mention all this to ring my own bell, but rather to impress on ANYone considering becoming a driver trainer that the responsibilities involved with that gig go far beyond a pay check. Satisfaction in a job well done lasts longer than money.

Quote:

His trainer doesn't communicate with him so that avenue has been shut down.

Communication SHOULD be number one.
Communication is the key to learning.
I realize some folks are better with communication skills than others, but a LACK of communication will NOT produce a well trained trainee. If/When a rainer isn't completely understood, they SHOULD welcome additional questions UNTIL they're understood. If their communication skills aren't the best, they SHOULD be aware of that fact, and be even MORE open ot additional questions and/or repeating their instructions.

Quote:

He knows all of you have advised him to get a new trainer but he doesn't want the company to think that he's a troublemaker or whatever.

I don't think they will.
Who knows, perhaps his trainer has had other requests from trainees to be placed with another trainer, and it may come as no surprise to management.

As I've said before, I wouldn't badmouth the trainer. That can burn bridges. Just calmy state that he's not learning at the rate he knows is possible, and that his desire is to be a productive driver for the company.

If that angers management, then I think it's time to reconsider staying with Covenent. ANY company that stands in the way of an employee's desire to be the best they CAN be, is a company setting folks up for failure.

Quote:

He's pretty much frozen, too afraid to say anything to the company because he's afraid they will try to use his situation to their advantage to try to get out of paying him some how....and too afraid to say anything to his trainer because he's on the man's truck.

I understand Redcoat's reluctance, but SOMEtimes a heart to heart conversation will resolve problem situations. Then again, on the other hand, SOMEtimes a heart to heart isn't received well by a trainer because they are, in essence, insecure in their abilities. Not necessarily as a driver, but as a trainer. And those insecurities they may have are well founded.

EVERYbody has their strengths and weaknesses, and SHOULD be able to recognize, realize and admit to themselves which are which, and accept that. I have little respect for those so blind that they WILL not see. What those types don't seem to realize is that OTHERS see and are aware of their shortcomings. It's usually pretty obvious to others.

Quote:

Monday he has to leave L.A. to go to Tennessee. Not sure where yet. The trip east on I-40 fills him with dread with all the construction going on. But he is resolved to at least get to the end of that leg while he tries to figure out what to do and how to get out gracefully without burning any bridges or getting a bad DAC.

Man-0-Man!
I wish Redcoat's trainer were more prone to stopping to smell the roses. I know of several places that are nice to stop to relax.

Tell Redcoat that if he's driving the night leg coming into Albuquerque he's in for a treat, seeing the lights.
There's a Flying J at exit 193, I think, that's a good place to stop for a break.
Also, in Santa Rosa, there's ####'s Route 66 Auto Musieum on Old Rpoute 66, not too far from the T/A truck stop. And the Blue Hole, where scuba divers are trained, within walking distance of the Super 8 motel.
Maybe those attractions will be of interest to his trainer, and he'll agree to stop for awahile.

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If any of y'all have any ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

My best suggestion to y'all is to keep an open mind and your spirits up.
And please tell Redcoat I wish him the best of success.
He's a most delightful person to talk with, and I sure liked his accent. I understood EVERY word.

If I were looking to team drive, Redcoat would be high on my short list. I might even pick up his accent.
Can y'all just imagine ol' AfterShock with an English accent?
Wouldn't THAT be a hoot?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGASSEL

The company has to pay him no matter what.
He will not be labled a trouble maker for requesting a new trainer. He just needs to be honest with the company tell them he does not think that his trainer is the best one for him because he is not leting him stop to use the bathroom or get something to eat, plus the trainer pushes him to drive faster even though he does not feel safe to do so.
If he mentions something regarding saftey they will be more than happy to get him a new trainer.

For the most part, I agree with that advice. However, I'd draw the line at any badmouthing. Just clearly, sincerely and factually inform the company that another trainer would be beneficial to everyone.

I can't imagine a company not desiring to honor a heart felt request for another trainer. Whining and/or complaining will most likely fall on deaf ears though.

Quote:

Look at it this way if your hubby just bails out and says nothing to the company this trainer could force someone to drive faster than they feel comfortable to drive and there can be a serious accident because of this trainer.

Excellent point, Mr. G!
Perhaps SOME trainees won't be or aren't bothered by this trainer's methods. But those who are shouldn't be forced or required to remain with ANY trainer who can't or doesn't help bring the best out in a trainee.

Mrs. Redcoat tells us :

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I don't think Redcoat is being abused per se. I think he is just being totally neglected to deal with his fears on his own. His trainer doesn't communicate with him so that avenue has been shut down.

InthewindAZ replies:

Quote:

That's just it... he is being abused, and will continue to be abused for the remainder of his time there with a trainer. He makes what, a couple hundred gross a week ($300-$350?) and the trainers gets his miles...

I think Mrs. Redcoat mentioned that Redcoat is paid 14 cents a mile --- all miles driven

Quote:

Welcome to OTR training for newbies... it's a joke.

To an extent, ITW, but not always.
There ARE better starter/training companies out there that don't treat their trainees shabbily. Some offer better than average training and treat their drivers with respect. I don't think it's ALL a joke. But I agree, some companies are a joke beyond being funny.

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Trainer makes money, company makes money. Student driver... gets depressed and leaves and is replaced by the next one in line. The company couldn't care less.

Too often, too true, I fear.

I think part of the problem now-a-daze is the number of job applicants truckin' companies have piled on their desks. With so many folks laid off or displced when their former employer either moves out of the country, or closes their doors, there's a new-found glut of potential employees to choose from.

I can imagine driver trainers are painfully aware of this by the quality of trainees they're expected to graduate as ready to go, when perhaps they're not. But the pressure from management causes them to do things they wouldn't ordinarily do. Many of the better trainers may even be giving up, and/or those considering becoming driver trainers might be reconsidering that gig.

Now-a-daze, folks with no real Big truck truck driving aptitude are attempting to enter the truckin' industry out of sheer desperation, rather than a desire, and driver trainers are required and expected to be miracle workers and turn them into something they may not be up to doing. Therefore, I think the quality of driver trainers might be going downhill in a handbasket.
And who's left to train?
Those with a less than stellar aptitude, ability and attitude to train properly?
I think so.

Redcoat wife · **^ Top** #47 09.08.2008

Well I sure do appreciate everyone's comments. I talked to Redcoat this morning. He managed to make a local run in L.A. rush hour traffic and he's still alive (feeble attempt at humor). He said he was petrified but he got through it.

I'm not sure when he leaves for Tennessee but I tried to boost his spirits a little. I told him that since he's hit rock bottom there is nowhere to go but up. He has nothing to lose so he should sit down with his trainer before they leave and make him listen to him. I told him to tell the man that when he (Redcoat) is driving that he has GOT to stop to eat and use the bathroom and that if he starts to feel tired that he's going to pull over at a rest stop to get out and stretch his legs. I told him to tell the man that he's not going to drive faster than he's comfortable with and that if he has problems with that, then Covenant needs to make other arrangements. There is no sense in feeling like he's constantly under pressure all the time as it gets to be mind numbing which is dangerous. I told him to tell the man that he has tried to do it his way and it's just not working and that now he's got to do it the best way he can. If his trainer has ANY sense of empathy at all, then he should wake up and do the right thing. If not, then I have to agree with everybody here that the man is more of a user than a trainer.

Redcoat is still planning on getting out when this load has been delivered to the shipper. Then it's just a question of figuring out a way to get to Iowa. If he can get within 200 miles of Cedar Rapids then I can go fetch him.

I wonder if it would be considered a bad thing if *I* were the one to call Covenant to see about getting him with somebody else. I know Redcoat will not make the call as he doesn't want to be perceived as a complainer. It's probably a moot point anyway as Redcoat has made up his mind that he finished and he doesn't even want to get anybody else. The damage to his psyche has been done. But for for any other spouse following this thread I think this is a good question. If you know your husband/wife is having issues with their trainer, is it considered bad protocol for the person at home to make the call to the company to request another trainer? Or does that call HAVE to come from the trainee to be taken seriously by the company...

It's raining here in Iowa City today so I have the day off. Y'all take it easy out there.

baseballswthrt · **^ Top** #48 09.08.2008

Wife, Redcoat needs to call the company himself to ask for a change of trainer. You are not his mother, and he doesn't want to look like less than he is. There is no shame in changing trainers! Many do it and succeed on to a wonderful life in trucking. It is like not getting on with your roommate in college. Some mesh, some don't. Not everyone gets along and becomes best friends. If he changes trainers 6 times, then the problem is Redcoat, if it is once or twice, it is the trainer!

You are a teacher....some kids don't mesh with a teacher...I have called and gotten my kids switched. It is the same thing with Redcoat! Every teacher has a gift to give, some students aren't able to accept it. You have to match the teacher and the student when you are doing 1 on 1 teaching.

Unless this is something that you or someone else pushed him into and he really wants it, he should be able to make it with another trainer. Look at the threads! Many switch and go on to wonderful careers.

It would be wonderful if Aftershock were his trainer (heck, hubby and I want him too), but there is a good trainer out there. He needs to ask for them.

I wouldn't badmouth the trainer to the company, but explain that his and the trainer's learning styles are different. These days almost everyone understands the "learning styles" thing!

Good luck, hon, and let us know if we can help in any way. I am not a trucker yet, but I am here and if you PM me, I will give you my phone number to talk.

Baseball Sweetheart

AfterShock · **^ Top** #49 09.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcoat wife

Redcoat is still planning on getting out when this load has been delivered to the shipper. Then it's just a question of figuring out a way to get to Iowa. If he can get within 200 miles of Cedar Rapids then I can go fetch him.

I'm thinkin' once Redcoat quits, Covenant will tell him he's on his own to figure out how to get to Iowa. If he can make arrangements prior to terminating, they might work with him. Hard tellin'.

If he expresses his concerns about his training as his reason for quitting, Covenant might suggest another trainer. If they do that, I would recommend that he take that offer. If another trainer works better, it will at least answer one of his questions, that being was it Redcoat or his current trainer. If I were Redcoat, I'd want to know the answer to that question for my own peace of mind.

Quote:

I wonder if it would be considered a bad thing if *I* were the one to call Covenant to see about getting him with somebody else.

I'm assuming that you mean will Covenant consider it a "bad thing" if *you* called.
Hmmmmmmmmm
I don't know.
But at this point, what difference would it make?
I'd venture to say, with your persuasive communication skills, if ANYone can git 'er done --- YOU can.

Who knows?
Maybe Covenant will appreciate your concern and forewarning and put a plan B in place to offer him instead of letting him go without any attempt to retain him. If Covenant made Redcoat the offer to switch trainers, what do you reckon his reaction would be?

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I know Redcoat will not make the call as he doesn't want to be perceived as a complainer.

The question might be how would Redcoat perceive your calling Covenant?

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It's probably a moot point anyway as Redcoat has made up his mind that he finished and he doesn't even want to get anybody else.

It ain't over 'till it's over.
I still wonder what Redcoat's reaction would be if Covenant were to make the trainer switch offer first. If they agreed to let Redcoat calm down for a week, or so, at 'home' with you before jumping back in a Big truck, do you think he'd agree to that?

Keeping in mind that COMMUNICATION is the key to success, keeping Covenant's management in the information loop could result in their cooperation on getting him to Iowa, --- hopefully not to vacate the Big truck, but rather for a breather before giving it another go with another trainer. I would think Covenant would appreciate knowing that Redcoat has no intention of jumping ship midstream as many newBees do. That he's still willing to work WITH them at this point speaks volumes about his character and desire to leave on a positive note, or give it another go.

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The damage to his psyche has been done.

Damaged beyond repair?
When thrown from a horse, get back in the saddle.
Cowboy up!

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But for for any other spouse following this thread I think this is a good question.

IMO, this thread is chock full of good, must read questions for ANYone to read and consider asking.

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If you know your husband/wife is having issues with their trainer, is it considered bad protocol for the person at home to make the call to the company to request another trainer?

Screw protocol!
Especially in times of desperation.

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Or does that call HAVE to come from the trainee to be taken seriously by the company...

I don't think it HAS to come from the trainee. But the trainee would have to agree to make any changes, I would think.
As I stated earlier, at this point, what would be the harm?
And if Covenant were to make the offer to exchange trainers first, it might reassure Redcoat that Covenant is willing to work WITH him in this matter. And at this point, we don't know for sure that Covenant won't be willing to improve Redcoat's training if/when presented with the details of the present situation. That might encourage him to give it another go, which, if that's the case, I think he should, --- after a suitable rest priod to recharge his batteries and confidence. I think Covenant owes Redcoat at LEAST that, under the circumstances.

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It's raining here in Iowa City today so I have the day off. Y'all take it easy out there.

Well, .......... here's wishin' y'all sunny days and a bright future.

AfterShock · **^ Top** #50 09.08.2008

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Originally Posted by baseballswthrt

You are a teacher....some kids don't mesh with a teacher...I have called and gotten my kids switched. It is the same thing with Redcoat! Every teacher has a gift to give, some students aren't able to accept it. You have to match the teacher and the student when you are doing 1 on 1 teaching.

EXCELLENT point, BBSweetheart!

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Unless this is something that you or someone else pushed him into and he really wants it, he should be able to make it with another trainer. Look at the threads! Many switch and go on to wonderful careers.

ANOTHER excellent point.
You GO girl, you're on a roll !

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It would be wonderful if Aftershock were his trainer (heck, hubby and I want him too), but there is a good trainer out there. He needs to ask for them.

Shux Howdy --- it's comments like that that encourage me to return to the road as a trainer. Of all the driving gigs I've had during my (too short) career, training rates right up there at the top.
Very satisfying.

If the right truckin' company made me the right offer, I think I'd take it in a heartbeat, and be a happy camper. My first question would probably be "How soon can I start"?

(With no end in sight)

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I wouldn't badmouth the trainer to the company, but explain that his and the trainer's learning styles are different. These days almost everyone understands the "learning styles" thing!

I agree.
If a company doesn't or can't recognize a potentially good driver employee, they're headed for failure, IMO.
Too many of the new breed drivers are barely adequate at best these daze. To lose a conscientious driver isn't in any company's best interest if their intent is to best service their customers.

In these days of truckin' companies folding, I would think Covenant would be anxious to be a people pleasing company --- and perhaps they are. One won't know for sure if one doesn't try to work through a situation.

If Covenant isn't flexible, they might be the next truckin' company to lock their doors one last time, and for good.

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Baseball Sweetheart

YeS you ARE!

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