Headed to orientation this weekend.

Discussion in 'PTL' started by countryboy2870, May 24, 2014.

  1. boss2255

    boss2255 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 1, 2014
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    Second day of orientation was good. Got our Id cards, Com checks, fuel cards, and expense cards. Hopefully get a trainer and get my first load tomorrow.
     
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  3. Big Ugly

    Big Ugly Light Load Member

    158
    124
    Feb 9, 2014
    North Carolina
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    I'm gonna give you a big red flag here driver so keep your eyes open for this one... the Phase 2 fleet manager you'll be assigned after your training. There's no easy way to say it but she is a righteous bi... Ummm... Excuse me that was unprofessional. Just do the job, run the miles, & finish P2 ASAP & you'll be fine. If she pushes you to keep going harder even after you're tired (and she will) a simple QC message reminding her you are responsible for the truck, your co driver, other motorists, the load, etc & she will back off. Keep the message professional in tone but leave no room for debate on the matter. If need be call Safety explaining your concerns & you'll never hear from her again as they will silence her.

    Its a a sad fact of this business that fleet managers/dispatchers still try to push drivers beyond their limits. PTL is no different here. The 1st real company manager you'll want to be on the good side with is the Operations Director who coordinates your training & truck assignments. Keep him & his assistant happy & you'll no doubt be on the road to prosperity here. These two gentleman hold the keys to the kingdom so to speak including assigning you a fleet manager. Give them no problems & you are on easy street as your training concludes.

    Overall it's a great company & I've been here for a couple of months with issues at all. As was mentioned above the trucks are all very nice & well equipped. The trailers are in some cases very old & past the age of retirement but maintenance will fix it when given the chance. Again be firm on equipment repairs because dispatchers like Miss P2 (I'll withhold her name here in an open forum but just ask around & you'll get the scoop) will try to keep the trailer in rotation instead of greeting it fixed. Oh & a pro tip for ya too. Driver Support will become your new best friends. Give them a chance to teach you the guidelines they lay out with logging & running miles & you'll make a healthy paycheck every week. These folks know their stuff!

    And do keep in mind now that PTL is transitioning to employee ownership there is a potential huge upside to sticking around if you like the job. There are drawbacks of course as with all work but my previous time in the industry tells me this company is no different than the others. It'll be what you make of it so good luck & holler if I can help ya in any way.
     
  4. boss2255

    boss2255 Bobtail Member

    32
    2
    Jun 1, 2014
    0
    Got my first load and trainer yesterday. Got to my first load delivered today. Waiting on my load out of here.
     
    DMungioli36 Thanks this.
  5. DMungioli36

    DMungioli36 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 18, 2013
    hammonton,nj
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    I start orientation on weds... pretty #### excited
     
  6. PuritanProwess

    PuritanProwess Bobtail Member

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    Apr 10, 2009
    Crimea River
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    I won't be far behind. Just got the word from them that they're going to bring me on board. Putting in my 2 weeks notice with current employer in the morning.
     
  7. boss2255

    boss2255 Bobtail Member

    32
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    Jun 1, 2014
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    Orientation is about two 8 hour days but you will make it. But everything is straight to the point. Just get through and find you a trainer and everything will be fine.
     
  8. Big Ugly

    Big Ugly Light Load Member

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    Feb 9, 2014
    North Carolina
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    I'll concur with the above. I didn't have to do any training but Monty that runs the training program is top notch & he'll get you squared away. It's all downhill from there.
     
  9. boss2255

    boss2255 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 1, 2014
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    Explain yourself. Why is it all downhill from there.
     
  10. Big Ugly

    Big Ugly Light Load Member

    158
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    Feb 9, 2014
    North Carolina
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    Well, if you've made it that far & pass the drug test/hiring requirements I'd suggest you're on the home stretch no? Training is two phases & if you are determined & see it through it should be over in around 7 weeks ideally. Anybody can handle that if they are focused don't you agree?
     
    oldtankinfool Thanks this.
  11. boss2255

    boss2255 Bobtail Member

    32
    2
    Jun 1, 2014
    0
    I do agree. I will see it through are you currently working for the company
     
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