Well… I made it through my first week of Millis training down here in Cartersville. Georgia is a fine state, and even though they talk kinda funny down here – I like everyone I’ve met so far. Southeners are cool! There’s a good down-home feel to this state.

Class has been fast-paced, and we’ve been taking in a lot of information. The instructors are seasoned road dogs and their sense of humor is intact. They are very professional when we’re getting down to business. Millis seems to be a great company. Everyone I’ve talked to has been friendly and helpful.

We hit the road for the first time today after grinding around the yard yesterday. I didn’t hit anything, but shifting is rough. My frustration level is high, and that isn’t helping. We got back to the yard this afternoon and had a few more hours of stick time. I made some smooth downshifts, but still grinded ‘em way too much. I got to try coupling the trailer once, and that was smooth.

This has been a humbling experience. Shifting a Big Truck is more challenging than I had expected it to be. There’s a lot more to driving a truck than just rolling down the road. I have tremendous respect for the drivers that do this every day.

Next week will be the deal maker or breaker. Any of us that don’t get shifting and backing down to a level that the instructors find acceptable will be finished. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.

Hope I make it.

Later, y’all.

You'll be fine. Everybody grinds a few pounds when learning. And even once you get it down well if you change trucks you will have to play with that one a little to find out what works best. Sounds like they're going to have you demanding grits before they're through with you. Your kinfolk will be calling you a Reb when you get home.

Hey New York, hows it swingin? I'm one of Zombies class mates and let me tell ya, it's alot of info to take in for sure. Greg is an outstanding teacher, and Edie is also great. I'm from Georgia and even I have to listen hard to understand Edie's speech sometimes. He has a real southern drall to him. The equipment is pretty good to teach on. We have 2 older freightliners, and a newer t200 trainer truck. One is burgandy and 2 white. The two white ones have had all the inside of the sleeper pulled out and 5 air ride seats put in the back.
I can honestly say that I am getting the shifting thing fairley well I'm shifting okay. still grinding sometimes, but gotta work on the downshifting some and the 5th to 6th thing. coupling and uncoupling is good, just gotta center a little better. straight backing is also pretty good. Some guys are allready earning nick names from Greg our instrucktor. Our first little road trip went well I think. Zombie was'nt in the truck I was in so don't know how he did. According to Eddie I did well I just have to stay centered in the lane better especially when other trucks are comeing at me in the other lane. I have a tendancy to want to drift over toward the sholder. Shifting went well, except for the 5th to 6th thing like I said earlier, and when I downshifted to slow down, I ground a few. Gotta remember to keep the rpm's up. I think that's if for now, will update next week I hope.

I bankrolled a win bet on Millis, never even bothered to hedge up. Done past the clubhouse turn… best be opening up on the stretch!

Zombi, I hope your training is going well. I'm interested in knowing to what extent Millis scrutinized your financial situation? I'm considering applying with them and am wondering how much they, or others, look at things other than MVR's and work history, particularly finances (debts, amount of mortgage, etc.). Thanks.

Good to hear from ya Zombie. I was wondering what happened to you. It sounds like you're soaking it up, and adapting well. Using the clutch much? And are the trailers you're hauling loaded of empty? How many students in the cab, anybody axed for undisclosed reasons yet, etc? Give us some detail, and best of luck!

Zombie, havent heard from ya in a while. Leave a message sometime. Hope to talk at ya soon.

I was kicked lose from class for bad backing.
I still think Millis would have been a food company to work for.
Maybe the Lord has other plans for me.
We’ll see….

Zombie, good hearing from ya. Let me know how things go for you.