Cartersville 6/9 class

Orientation Day 2

We all came in at 8am today. Greg had to go over the paperwork we did yesterday, so we didn't actually start class until 9:30. We discussed most of the things that are in the employee handbook, including what to do in case of accidents, how Millis wants trailers loaded, and all about customer service. It wasn't much to report.

I forgot on yesterday's update that my trainer called me last night. His name is Randy, and he's trying to get routed to Cartersville on Thursday or Friday. He seems pretty cool. Still, I'm nervous as anyone would be when starting out.

I have one day left in Cartersville. I can't believe I've made it this far! Here's hoping that bacon isn't a Controlled Substance according to the DOT!

 

Orientation Day 3

Today we had a short day; we came in at 8:30am. Jamie did a safety meeting about extreme weather conditions, and went over the cameras again. Greg gave us our ComData cards and went over our trip envelopes. As of 11am Eastern time today, the eight of us are employees of Millis Transfer Inc.

Thanks to all of you who read, subscribed, and commented on this thread. Your words of wisdom and even your questions were helpful in this crazy three and a half weeks. Like I posted before, I may put up a thread about my adventures while training (I don't expect much time in the day to do so, but we'll see). This is finalsomia, real first name Isaac, and I approve this message.

 

Sorry about the lack of updates, I've been running pretty good since I was picked up on Friday the 4th. My trainer and I are... for lack of a better term, two different kinds of people, but he's patient with me and I've shown a lot of improvement out on the road. I'm still not as smooth with everything as I'd like to be but I've come a long way - figuratively and literally - since I got on this truck.

 

So, another update. I've had my own truck for a month. It has been nice. I tell you, it's really strange how much less stressful it is on my own. I didn't realize it at the time, but the fact that my trainer's personality was so much different than mine was really the biggest cause of stress for me while training. He was good at training, but he talked too much and I really don't think highly of him as a person for a number of reasons. There was no good reason to switch to another trainer, so I didn't. Enough about that, though...

You'll find, for those of you who are reading this thread to see what the whole thing is like, that getting your own truck is scary at first. You'll make mistakes, you'll get lost, you'll forget to update your status on the Qualcomm. Just remember to always go back to the basics of what you've been taught, and learn from your mistakes.

Also, take it from me... don't be too hard on yourself.

 

I've been getting pretty much as many miles as I'm willing to run. I think my average has been 2800, but that includes weeks that don't as many miles thanks to home time. As for the cost, they will outline it for you on the first day - It is a total of $5000 - the $500 you'll have paid by the first day, $2000 for the school that is paid back thanks to paycheck deductions, and then $2500 for the on the job training (15,000 miles with a trainer and getting your CDL) that you are not responsible for if you stay for a year. Hope that helps!