Looks like FFE for me.

**Cochise** · 03.15.2012

Originally Posted by teqntexas

wow, this thread seems pretty quite.

anyway I've talked with and have been accepted for training @ Central, Stevens and FFE. they all have their perks, Stevens equipment, Central take the truck home, and FFE training cost. (with Cental $25 a week for the first year, and with Stevens $28 a week for two to three years.)

Last of all, with FFE the pay seems to be better, 29 cents a mile to start with out any per diem pay. (with central it was 22 cents a mile plus 6 cents a mile per diem and Stevens is pretty close to that as well.)

I understand that typically you get what you pay for. With FFE that will probably mean older equipment, and may be less miles.

with all of that plus a few other things, it looks like i'll be starting FFE march 15th. anybody else starting around then?

Finally made up my mind and coming back out after 4 year hiatus. Going to FFE 3/21/12. Should see you there.

**teqntexas** · 03.20.2012

Originally Posted by Cochise

Finally made up my mind and coming back out after 4 year hiatus. Going to FFE 3/21/12. Should see you there.

after seeing my doc yesterday, i won't be back till the 29th. sucks for me that this keeps getting pushed back but, so far... FFE is working with me.

remember their rule number 1 in training. Follow Directions.

**The marlboro man** · 03.20.2012

i wish you guys the best at ffe when you get here.... gl... and as far as greg goes... i would have to see that to belive he said that... his tough, but not a liar... to give you example.... there was a girl i was training and she got kicked out of the program for not following their rules( calling in every week )... so i talked to greg myself ( just a dto/trainer) and asked him to give her that second chance.... he told me it was a lost cause... but on the other hand i am not a person to give up on someone... so i said greg... give her one more chance and lets see what she's got .... and he said ok man, but its on you... she came back after they rehired her into the system.... and she went home cause she was sick... and she never returned... i still speak to her and her family from time to time... and theres no hard feelings... but the point is that greg dont play games with people... if he knows your giving it your all and your in the right... he will stand by your side... atleast thats the extent of my dealings with him so far... he does come off as a jerk though, but he isnt... like me he just has a realy high guard up for bull... as far as your home time and taking the truck home go... that up to you and your d.m. ( driver manager )... and the 2012's are not allways ready to go when your coming off the trainer truck... be glad your not my trainee... lol only 2 people have made it pass me... but they tested out with a score of 98 out of 100... thats better than alot of seasoned drivers that are testing for jobs at ffe... i produce on the best because i do not give anything less.... and on the lighter side... i dont want them making me or themself look like a fool... where not swift.... and we will not drive like it... 10-4?

**mark62** · 03.21.2012

Originally Posted by The marlboro man

i wish you guys the best at ffe when you get here.... gl... and as far as greg goes... i would have to see that to belive he said that... his tough, but not a liar... to give you example.... there was a girl i was training and she got kicked out of the program for not following their rules( calling in every week )... so i talked to greg myself ( just a dto/trainer) and asked him to give her that second chance.... he told me it was a lost cause... but on the other hand i am not a person to give up on someone... so i said greg... give her one more chance and lets see what she's got .... and he said ok man, but its on you... she came back after they rehired her into the system.... and she went home cause she was sick... and she never returned... i still speak to her and her family from time to time... and theres no hard feelings... but the point is that greg dont play games with people... if he knows your giving it your all and your in the right... he will stand by your side... atleast thats the extent of my dealings with him so far... he does come off as a jerk though, but he isnt... like me he just has a realy high guard up for bull... as far as your home time and taking the truck home go... that up to you and your d.m. ( driver manager )... and the 2012's are not allways ready to go when your coming off the trainer truck... be glad your not my trainee... lol only 2 people have made it pass me... but they tested out with a score of 98 out of 100... thats better than alot of seasoned drivers that are testing for jobs at ffe... i produce on the best because i do not give anything less.... and on the lighter side... i dont want them making me or themself look like a fool... where not swift.... and we will not drive like it... 10-4?

well, how many trainees have you had in your truck? what 2 made it out of 100? I am getting ready to go to the school and of course im a little nervous or anxious about it...

**LuckyTexas** · 04.24.2012

Originally Posted by The marlboro man

i wish you guys the best at ffe when you get here.... gl... and as far as greg goes... i would have to see that to belive he said that... his tough, but not a liar... to give you example.... there was a girl i was training and she got kicked out of the program for not following their rules( calling in every week )... so i talked to greg myself ( just a dto/trainer) and asked him to give her that second chance.... he told me it was a lost cause... but on the other hand i am not a person to give up on someone... so i said greg... give her one more chance and lets see what she's got .... and he said ok man, but its on you... she came back after they rehired her into the system.... and she went home cause she was sick... and she never returned... i still speak to her and her family from time to time... and theres no hard feelings... but the point is that greg dont play games with people... if he knows your giving it your all and your in the right... he will stand by your side... atleast thats the extent of my dealings with him so far... he does come off as a jerk though, but he isnt... like me he just has a realy high guard up for bull... as far as your home time and taking the truck home go... that up to you and your d.m. ( driver manager )... and the 2012's are not allways ready to go when your coming off the trainer truck... be glad your not my trainee... lol only 2 people have made it pass me... but they tested out with a score of 98 out of 100... thats better than alot of seasoned drivers that are testing for jobs at ffe... i produce on the best because i do not give anything less.... and on the lighter side... i dont want them making me or themself look like a fool... where not swift.... and we will not drive like it... 10-4?

I'm starting training there next week... I hope I get a trainer who will dedicate himself to helping me be the best that I can.

**LuckyTexas** · 07.31.2012

Just an update. Finished the course and my training and now I'm on the road teaming with my husband. There were ups and downs, but overall I feel that the FFE training was great. My only criticism would be that they use the fear tactic a little too much. My first week I was afraid to go around a curve over 45mph, fearing that my truck would tip over... Didn't take but a couple days to get over that. Now we are running 7000 + per week as a team. This was a great career choice and I have no regrets.

**ipogsd** · 07.31.2012

I just graduated on Monday and I'm at Lancaster doing orientation. Today I passed the road test and got my CDL. I should be officially hired tomorrow. I haven't heard anything about my trainer so far. I hear the 6 weeks go by quick. Overall I'm impressed with FFE. Some say just another driver mill, but i don't buy it. Would a driver mill send 25 of 46 people home? Would they teach you things other than what is needed to pass the CDL test? Are they perfect? No they are not. After a while you can tell they have only been a school for a short time. The instructors are mostly all well over 1to mil miles. But this doesn't make them all good instructors. You just have to realize this and overlook it. I would recommend them to my best friend if being a OTR driver was their goal.

**LuckyTexas** · 07.31.2012

Yeah I do agree with you. Like I said, its all in the attitude. Too many drivers out here are lazy or whiners and of course they stop treating them well. The good drivers that I have met are happy here. Congrats on graduating! Keep your head up, work hard and you will be rewarded. The 6 weeks go fast. Learn as much as you can and buddy up to JD and Sal and they will take care of you!

**teqntexas** · 08.01.2012

guess an update here is kinda needed. i finished the academy did my time with otr trainer and enjoying home time after my second solo trip out. it's not been all rosy, but overall feel that ffe was the right choice for me. when i upgraded i was given an 09 century, at the end of my first trip out solo, traded it for a 13 international. love a lot of things about the prostar, but the fixed 5th wheel has caused me to have to pass on a few loads. (getting that moved next time @ lancaster so that should help a ton.)

miles have been getting a lot better (3200 this past week love those trips out west!)

bottom line is that i'd def recommend ffe as a place to get started to about anyone. the training was rough at times, but in the end they have kept their words with me in what was promised. just remember to keep a postive attitude and things tend to work out.