Starting 18 Day Orientation In Atlanta Next Week

I recommend red wings boots, if you don't mind spending about 150 bucks, most comfortable to drive with and they have warranty on them, and if you are like me and take care of your stuff they last 2 years. They also have many safety things about them.

 

I just finished my sqt today. I did the training out of Indianapolis. The requirements they told us is no shorts, only while at training in the yard so shorts to sleep in are fine. Also some of the cbt's you do will not work on some laptops. As far as sleeping bags and linen. Bring it just in case. It's for when you go out with your training engineer (TE) or if the case comes up like did with me and there are 2 students per TE then you will get a hotel every night. As far as the book bag goes I used one only because they give you a logbook and your guidebook to success and week 3 you'll get an atlas. Definitely bring gloves and flashlight. As far as boots go if they are stamped as slip resistant and oil resistant your fine otherwise they will advise you to get theirs which are 35$. I got a set and they really aren't bad and actually pretty comfortable. Any other questions feel free to send me a pm but everyone on this site is so helpful that they will answer if they know more then what's been posted. Good luck and make sure you get the cbt's done asap or else you will be staying all day your final day to get them done.

 

I know I am allowed one bag on the bus but does greyhound charge for carrying the sleeping bag and an additional laptop bag?

 

Sqt is your skills qualifications test. What it entails of is you have to prove you can do a pre trip their way. The way ours went is they gave us a truck to pre trip when we were done we told them what we found wrong. They know because they will remove something (valve cap, permit book, safety triangle) just to name the common ones. After that you will couple and uncouple a trailer their way. Then you will do a backing maneuver. For the backing maneuver you have to do in in less then 10 minutes and not hit anything. Also you have to get out and look (goal) a minimum of 2 times. Once you do all that you go out on a short drive.then the next part of it is they will give you a mock load assignment where you will have to come up with you estimated time of arrival (eta) and you next available time (nat) don't worry they go over every step and if you have trouble they walk you through it. Also for your pre trip, couple and uncouple they give you a sheet with the steps in order. USE IT. As long as you follow the sheet to the t you will have no issues and they let you use them. As far as the cbt's they are computer based training. In total there is about 6 hours total of videos and quizzes to do on the computer. They cover map reading, hazmat compliance, border crossing, and the freightliner cascadia to cover a few.

 

Also with the pay, you will be paid 80$ per day. Bring your bank account number and routing number. You will set up direct deposit. Now your first check may be mailed to you depending when they set up your direct deposit. As far as when you will be paid, you will be paid the 2nd Friday of training. So the week you go out with your TE. Don't worry if you don't have any money because they will give you your fuel card before you go out and on that fuel card you have access to an advance of 60$. Use the advance and it comes out of your next check. Don't use it and it's there when you need it. Also if you do use it don't worry every Sunday they make the 60$ available. Now it doesn't accumulate but it is always just 60$ available for that week, no more no less.

 

60??? #### that's pretty good....some places only give 25

 

Don't worry about the pre work screen. They give you ample time in between each event. My heart rate only went up a max of 12 beats a min. That is the main thing they check and they wait 30 secs after the event to measure it. Just breathe regularly and don't rush it. There is maybe 2 events that are timed. You'll be fine

 

Always remember to breathe. People hold their breath while lifting and the blood pressure spikes.