Chip...it sounds like you went to the Ft. Wayne school...any comments on the program there?

cool. I'm starting on the 14.

Are you going with PAM transpo, or Decker? I'm going with Decker.

He told me that from MI, you could only hire in to PAM or USA Truck...I told him PAM would fit my criteria the best.

Well, I talked with a recruter from DS today and I have to say this is the nicest person I have talked with about schooling and my issues. The rest have been nothing but BS and treat you with an attitude. Now I'm waiting on my package to arrive and hope that I finally get my break.

Has anyone gone to the Ft. Worth school or going to attend it?

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"I'm not a truck driver. I'm a non refrigerated load relocation engineer".

Yes I did.... But from my understanding it's done a little bit different now...

When I went, we were in a crap hotel. They have moved hotels a couple times, but they are still crap as far as I know.

Week one we did major classroom stuff.... from noon till god knows when at night...

Week two, it was all range and road training. Range meaning backing up stuff... You do straight backing, offset, and parallel parking.

But, it's my understanding that the classroom time was shortened during the first week and 2nd week students are attending class after range time (after 4pm).

Ft. Wayne is a smaller school, so there is more time behind the wheel. Classes tend to be around 20 students to start out. The classes dwindle down anywhere from 25% to 40% by the end of the first week.

You will be required to change your license over to IN.

I also suggest getting your tanker and doubles endorsements while your there. It's only another 10 pages of reading before the test and doesn't cost you anything extra...

I liked the school even though they are a CDL farm... They will work with those that need extra help and the range is open on the weekends when the school is closed for those that want to practice their Pre-Trip.

C-1 testing is harder than the state testing. But the state testers are STRICT!!!!! I watched a guy pass everything and goof up his turning coming back into the range after doing great on everything, then failing...

Don't use the time to party like some will do... Use your time wisely and learn what you need to learn.... All C-1 does is teach you how to pass the state test.... The company trainers teach you everything else (well, they are supposed to).

The trucks are junk... If something doesn't work like it is supposed to during your state test, pretend it does and explain to the tester what it is your acting like your doing. For example, during the 4 point brake test, the brakes didn't set like they should have while purging them. All I did was kept purging until the tester reached over and pulled the brake and told me to stop. Another guy got sick of pumping the brake and pulled them himself... He failed....

Anyway, use the time to learn all you can. The instructors are great people there and will help you all they can. You only get out of it what you put into it. Partying will only lead you to failure...

Thanks Chip...I appreciate the honest imput!

Chip, I like the input you gave. I'm wondering. Do you have any other information like the brake purging that would help? I've added that to a list I just started on "do's and dont's" and would be of much help. Thank's much brother.

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"I'm not a truck driver. I'm a non refrigerated load relocation engineer".

Still waiting to hear how it's going with your 2nd trainer BRICKMAN. You still with PAM? Inquiring minds would love to know. Hope your okay brother.

Well, the brake purging is part of the 4 point brake test. I don't remember the exact name of it.

Never be afraid to ask a question or to drive as slow as you need to. And when doing your state skills test, be constantly moving your eyes from the road to the mirrors to your gauges. You'll learn about it. But you will loose points for not doing it enough.

Also, don't be too proud to get out of the truck when doing backing excersises to see where you are and where you need to be. Take your time, there is NO time limit on these test. Do it slow and get it right...

You can never be too cautious or careful in class or on the road when you go solo... I would rather ##### at you for being slow and cautious when I'm driving behind you than see you wreck your truck.... LOL...

Chip