My way of thinking is, if the money was right, then it would be worth taking the extra time to teach someone. If the money isn't, then I might as well just drive alone
Mentor/Trainer shortage?
Discussion in 'Swift' started by CuriousG, Sep 23, 2014.
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Only reason I did not mentor with Swift, I did not believe in the way they do it. The mentor should never drive. All he/she should be doing is watching and advising the student. Nothing more nothing less should be no teaming, but hey that's just my stinky opinion.
HousTank and 27butterfly Thank this. -
Come to driving a big rig with respect and you'll do well.
I'm not sure how CRST's trainer gig works.
After their first 50 hours behind the wheel, at your discretion, they can qualify to run as a team for the balance of their required 200 hours behind the wheel. During that time you are paid for all miles, so your income can double.
While I can certainly see the argument for a trainer to never be in the sleeper berth, I can also see the argument for using the team phase of training as a weaning period. Even though I may be in the sleeper berth, I'm usually not sleeping much during the first week or so of team driving. I'm basically on call whenever the student needs help. I may feign a need for a cigarette break, knowing a difficult section is coming up. I'll set an alarm clock or have the student alert me when we are approaching Parley's Pass or coming in to the New York area.
I'll be a jack-in-the-box during the first couple of weeks of team driving. Toward the last of it I'm backing off from being proactively engaging with them, letting them get their wings. There's nothing sweeter than laying the sleeper, knowing the trainee is needing to downshift from upper range to low range on a steep grade, then he nails it and he says, "Yes!" Moments like that are what it's all about. I didn't have to be up there actively coaching him, he's got the fundamentals and now it's a matter of repetition.
Another matter regarding team driving during training is just to familiarize a trainee with the concept of how to function in a team. How do you manage your hours with one another? When and where can you shower during a long haul? How do you organize the cab for efficient changeovers? Is there pressure to drive when you are tired or can you stop the truck to rest (YES!)? How do you handle pre trip and post trip inspections while teaming?
Experience with teaming I think is a good thing for the student. It's also the phase to slowly "let go" and let them swim. Toward the end they are doing much of it on their own and I'm simply giving them a critique after the fact.tazman74, 27butterfly and HousTank Thank this. -
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I'm thinking of mentoring.... being home every night sucks lol
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I think quite a few mentors and owner op mentors have quit...that is part of the shortage...
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Yes, trainer gets all the miles the truck moves. Look for about 4500 miles a week team. Or come work with me and make bank.
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ramblingman Thanks this.
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