MTI Trenton, Ohio August 5th

Discussion in 'Millis' started by sgmickalitis, Jul 19, 2013.

  1. sgmickalitis

    sgmickalitis Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2013
    White Haven, PA
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    I just wanted to say hello to everyone who are regulars on the Millis Transfer Threads, especially Millis drivers and driver trainers. My name is Sean and I will be attending MTI in Trenton, OH. I thought I would finally start a thread on here. I'm set and ready to go to Trenton, I have already paid my $100 dollars for my seat in the class and I also have my confirmation letter stating what to bring and where I will be staying. Does anyone on this forum have any advice for me to help me prepare for MTI? I already have my permit and DOT physical. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. Also is there anyone else on this forum that will be at MTI August 5TH?
     
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  3. Millis85

    Millis85 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 18, 2013
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    Congrats.. I start classes Monday the 22nd in GA.. I am wondering the same things
     
  4. samurai

    samurai Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 25, 2012
    Fairborn, OH
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    just take your time and listen to the teachers. You will suck at first but eventually you will get it. Dont give up. I still sucked at backing when i went out with my trainer and i still sometimes suck now after over a year. Some days are like that. Just enjoy yourself it will go by very quick.
     
    indianaEMT, sgmickalitis and Rupe Thank this.
  5. Rupe

    Rupe Bobtail Member

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    May 20, 2013
    Chillicothe, Ohio
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    Welcome and congratulations! I just finished my second week of class in Trenton today. I have been on this forum checking out all the Millis threads since before I started class on July 8th. And, this is my first post since becoming a member. For the most part, I have been able to find the answers to almost every question I've had here on "The Truckers Report". But, there are a few things that I could tell you about the classes that you might not be able to find otherwise.

    First off, as long as you have everything on the confirmation letter you should be good to go. The only thing I would recommend is that you make sure you have more than enough spending money for meals over the 3 plus weeks you will be in school. Second, you definitely won't need your gloves or flashlight the first 2 days of class because you will be in the classroom. You will need the other $400 on the first day, and you will be given a receipt showing that it has been paid. You will also need your permit, actual driver's license, social security card/birth certificate, long form physical and and DOT physical card. They will be making copies of all of these for their records. The 6 attached contracts/files/forms do not need to be printed out because they will already have them there ready for you to fill out. You can, however, fill out your application before class to save yourself some time. But, I will tell you now, it must be LEGIBLE, or you will have to rewrite it so it can EASILY be read. They will not accept anything if they cannot tell exactly what each and every letter is! This includes your signature, no chicken scratch or rock star style autographs! I guess the DOT is very strict about this, and you could/will be fined big money down the road if they cannot read something.

    You don't have any reason to bring a laptop or tablet to class. All the reading material is provided for you, and there's no need to research anything for class. There is no real dress code, and you can even wear shorts and tennis shoes if you want. I would recommend wearing something you don't mind getting dirty only on the day you do your pre-trip inspection, which will be at the beginning of your second week. The instructor will let you know what to prepare for before the next class. His name is Bill Smith and he's is very laid back. Don't be offended when you hear him joking around! Anything expensive he refers to as "chump change". The classroom and Trenton terminal are at the same location. It's definitely nothing special to look at, but it gets the job done. I am very satisfied with the quality of my training so far. There is a driver's lounge with vending machines for snacks and drinks. There's a fridge in the classroom if you want to save money and bring your lunch. Class starts at 7:30 and goes until 4:30 your first 4 days. On day 5, Bill will have you start coming in at 6:00 and go until 5:00. Lunch is 11:30 until 12:30 every day, and if you smoke he will give you smoke breaks about every hour and a half.

    There are 2 range trucks, both are 13 speeds and have working AC. Your first day on the range will be day 3. You will bobtail and just learn how to up shift and down shift 1st through 5th on this day. It helps to familiarize yourself with the shift patterns and to have an idea of how to double-clutch if you are unfamiliar. You will get more than enough range time before you hit the road with Bill for the first time. Before you hit the road, you will learn all the backing maneuvers you need to for your CDL exam. Day 9 will be your first day on the road, and we all drove right around 90 miles each. The only thing I didn't like about it is that the road truck is a 10 speed, not a 13. And, the first time you will drive this truck is on the road. The shift pattern is different than a 13 speed, and I was not familiar with it at all. So, it also helps here to be familiar with the pattern before you drive the truck.

    There will be at least 1 to 2 chapters of material to read each weeknight and a quiz for each chapter as homework. There will be more homework on the weekends than during the week. As far as the quiz's and tests go, they are mostly common sense and not too challenging. If you passed your permit, you will have no problem doing any of the classwork. The most difficult thing to understand at first is how to fill out your log books, but don't get discouraged, Bill will help you and give you 2-3 days to grasp how it works. It took me a couple days, but after I figured it out, it became very easy. The same goes for shifting; I have driven a manual transmission since I was 15, and trucks are nowhere near the same. So, if you've never driven one, throw out everything you think you know and be prepared to learn all over. It takes more time for some than others, but don't get flustered and you will get used to it.

    I tried to think of everything I could, but I still have a week of school left myself. So, I still have a long way to go before I know all the ins and outs. If you have any other questions, I will do my best to help! Once again, congrats and good luck!
     
  6. sgmickalitis

    sgmickalitis Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2013
    White Haven, PA
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    Thank you for the advice Samurai, and thank you very much Rupe for the detailed information. Wow 13 speed I figured they would be 10 speeds, oh well at least I will have experience with both. Glad to hear your having a good experience so far. How many students are in your class? Are you staying at the Days Inn or do you drive everyday ?
     
  7. Rupe

    Rupe Bobtail Member

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    May 20, 2013
    Chillicothe, Ohio
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    Not a problem sgmickalitis. Yeah, most of the road trucks are all 10 speeds from what I've been told. But, every truck feels different, even the same make, model and year. So, it definitely helps to practice with different trucks and setups. There are only 2 other students besides myself, so that makes it really nice too. And, they are also both from PA by the way.. I'm actually staying at my dad's house in Dayton while I'm in class since it's close and it will save me money.
     
  8. sgmickalitis

    sgmickalitis Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2013
    White Haven, PA
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    I hope I have a small class too. I can't wait to get started. Keep me and everyone else following this thread informed, good luck with the rest of MTI Rupe!!
     
    Rupe Thanks this.
  9. indianaEMT

    indianaEMT Medium Load Member

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    Dec 18, 2011
    Crawfordsville, IN
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    You'll love the instructor at trenton (Bill) never a dull moment that's for sure. He is very understanding and patient. He has a way of doing things that you'll never forget. Who could forget "TWO SCOOPS OF RAISINS" all while doing a little dance, so you won't forget to do two tug tests lol
     
    Rupe Thanks this.
  10. traverschandler

    traverschandler Bobtail Member

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    Jul 23, 2013
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    See you there! I am also starting August 5th in Trenton. I have been working in trucking my entire life, but never had a CDL. I drove with my dad, have owned trucks, managed drivers, currently run a fairly successful brokerage. Just another challenge in my life. Having been on the road one way or another (either in a truck or as a musician) im ready to get from behind the desk and in a truck...Looking forward to it!
     
  11. sgmickalitis

    sgmickalitis Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2013
    White Haven, PA
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    Glad to hear from someone who is also going to be in my class!! Where are you coming from? Are you going to be staying at the Days Inn also?
     
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