Triletter Goes to Melton

Today starts orientation here in Ohio. I have been very happy with the recruiting process with every question being answered promptly. The very frequent calls from recruiting were unexpected, but have me thinking this is going to be a good fit. Will update as time permits.

Thanks to Azcannon and Noggin for their insights and assist. Yes, Noggin, I've got ya covered. : )

 

Chinatown, NFO

 

First day complete. Normal drug test and medical items first thing in the morning. You are required to not eat or drink anything other than water from 9 Sunday evening for blood work that can help your health insurance costs.

The ability testing is minimal; take each of the 3 different types of tarps from a shelf to the floor and then place them back on the shelf. The heaviest is about 80 lb and the height is about 5 ft. Then, with your hands on your hips, stand on one foot for 30 sec then switch. While simple sounding, the nurse said people sometimes struggle.

There is a computer profile that you do which helps them assign a compatible DM. Was told that if you are honest that it pretty much works. If you are not truthful, suffice it to say life can become interesting, according to our instructor.

Drive test was interesting. Every one took the truck around the building, set up and backed in. Only one of us had experience with a split axle. I was last and learned a lot from the guys before me so not too bad. Sight picture/visibility is different in a 660 than a Freightliner. The truck being a 13 vs the 10 that we were all used to, made for some interesting shifting. Lots of narrow, hilly and twisty roads to navigate. Lost one guy to a yellow/red light. Was given the option to take another spin tomorrow, but declined.

Finished off the day with benefit info and log book review. While most trucks have the QC not all do. They are pretty stringent on logs, so a couple of days review with some homework thrown in.

All in all, pretty much what I expected. Both instructors are easy going and want to see us all succeed. Based on today, I think I made the right choice.

When I came to the paper work for referrals I had a brain freeze and couldn't remember the driver that gave me so much information. Couldn't find the truck number either!

Just kidding Noggin. ; )

 

Day two in the books. Finished off some administrative items, did Smith System training and then got the safety presentation with pictures. Reminded me of my Navy days and "Man From Lox". Gruesome, but makes one understand what safety gear is for.

Got a lesson in untarping. Pretty simple with two and time consuming solo. On to securement, suicide and shotgun coils. Plate steel I understand the set up, but putting the puzzle back together was we will just say interesting. I'm not sure who was the monkey.

Good honest days work. I will be sore tomorrow, but enjoyed the mental and physical aspects. I think at one time I had the instructor concerned because I was drenched. I told him I don't sweat I melt.

Tomorrow is strapping and tarping with some driving thrown in. Looks like the two experienced guys are being flown to Tulsa for new trucks. They have narrowed my truck down to an older truck or a "newer" truck. Don't really care. Just looking forward to having "my" truck and getting a load assigned.

Still thinking I made an excellent choice.

 

Well, the orientation is pretty much done. Moved into my new home away from home. Feel incredibly lucky to get this sweet ride; a 2013 with just under 30k on her.

A couple of phone calls, a quick drive to get a handle on the bells and whistles then on the board about 1100. Pretty nervous, but looking forward to the challenge.

Loving life!

 

Truck #9118. I'll be the driver that looks lost, but still has a smile on his face as he flails about. : )