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My first run experience.....HORRIBLE!

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Adelmo, Apr 20, 2021.

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slow.rider Road Train Member

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Adelmo said: ↑

Ive been posting on this site since attempting to obtain my CDL permit, so it's only right I share my experience at my first gig with ya.
I came on board on a Team Driver dedicated run. The fact that I was allowed to be home for 7 days after 3 weeks was the hook AND that I had a guy who was driving solo who swore we would make a good team and good money. And that was where it all begun to spiral down! I'm 55 my partner is 22, I wanted to work and learn the ropes, this kid thought of us as a marriage, increadibly needy and talking like a 22 year old of which I have no tolerance with. I attempting to set the boundaries with this kid, he jumped ship after 3 days! I had the option to go home and wait for him to "come back" (he claimed his grandfather is dying) or go solo. I chose solo, which turned out to be a good thing cause before the week was out he was hinting about coming off the Team Account.
My first mistake was taking for granted that this kid was going to be with me so when it came time to read the tablet showing my next load I was lost outside of an address. One mistake snowballed into 2 and before you know it I was getting jammed on the table, backing up into the docks looked nothing like the ones I practiced on. Thge anount of space I had made it nearly impossible for me to manevuer. This, and the fact that other truckers was waiting for me to get out the way only increased my anxieties. I also learned that the trucks have numerous sensors and according to my supervisors I was driving to fast, breaking too hard, veering out of my lane, allowing cars and trucks to get too near me AND had several "collision warning" lights come on. I'm not done, because the company GPS only reflected the final destination, I had no way of knowing when and where a truck stop would be coming up and when I would see one I would exit to use the bathroom/eat only to waste 45min-1 hoour having to park. When it was time to shup down and I would drive into a Love's/Pilot I wouldnt find any parking and if I did it would be soo tight that I would decide to get back on the road and find another only to find the next one worse than the previous.
In total, I was out 3 weeks alone, got a ticket for avoiding a weigh station (had to be escorted back and inspected as a result), ran a red light (camara caught that one cause I chose not slam my breaks and get yet another "critical event". And last but not least, had the 70 hour clock sneak on me where I had to pull over after only 4 hours driving. Thought to myself well this is it for the next 35 hours only to be awakened around midnight having to move because the spot was reserved, as a result my trailer took off the front end of the one parked on the left of me pulling out.
It has been a terrible experience and I am completely ashamed of my performance. I was told I would have to reapply for another position because the account I was on is for a team. I have done so and am in the process of awaiting for a transfer. I am also at home reading and re-reading the manual on how to work the tablet. I swore that if given another chance I will not go any faster than 63, make my curves at 35-40 and make a better attempt to plan my trip before leaving ( bought a GPS).
Anyway, writing this has only depressed me even more, nevermind that I have spared you the little things that would happen regularly. I try to find comfort in knowing, as I have been told that this is all "new guy" stuff but it is hard, real hard. I have new found respect for all of you and desire to, at least have a sense of direction as to what I'm doing rather than driving on impulse while reading a GPS....
Click to expand...

The easiest places to park are typically TA's, Petros, rest areas, and some of the mom and pop truck stops. Loves and Pilot typically have the least parking of any of the big chains.

And if you find yourself parking at a truck stop with a lot of empty spots, don't just pick an easy spot and shut down. Instead, head to the back where there's a bunch of empty spaces, pick one of them, and practice backing in from 90 degrees as if there was a truck on either side.

Also, your ELD should allow you to off-duty drive if you're told to move your truck while parked.

As far as people waiting for you, remember that your only audience is your employer, the shipper, the receiver, and law enforcement. Everyone else can take a flying leap.

And remember, it's the same as quitting something addictive: the first day/week/month/year is the toughest.

Last edited: Apr 20, 2021

slow.rider, Apr 20, 2021

#11

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JoeTruck Heavy Load Member

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You need to be with a trainer for a month or two.
The first week he should just be watching you and teaching.

JoeTruck, Apr 20, 2021

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Just passing by Road Train Member

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The Smith System. And slower speeds, even if it's the Autobahn.

Just passing by, Apr 20, 2021

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spindrift Road Train Member

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Dockbumper said: ↑

Thank you for repeating what I posted
Click to expand...

@Qbf594
Now here's a perfect example for your "Ignore" thread.

spindrift, Apr 20, 2021

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Wargames Captain Crusty

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Adelmo said: ↑

Ive been posting on this site since attempting to obtain my CDL permit, so it's only right I share my experience at my first gig with ya.
I came on board on a Team Driver dedicated run. The fact that I was allowed to be home for 7 days after 3 weeks was the hook AND that I had a guy who was driving solo who swore we would make a good team and good money. And that was where it all begun to spiral down! I'm 55 my partner is 22, I wanted to work and learn the ropes, this kid thought of us as a marriage, increadibly needy and talking like a 22 year old of which I have no tolerance with. I attempting to set the boundaries with this kid, he jumped ship after 3 days! I had the option to go home and wait for him to "come back" (he claimed his grandfather is dying) or go solo. I chose solo, which turned out to be a good thing cause before the week was out he was hinting about coming off the Team Account.
My first mistake was taking for granted that this kid was going to be with me so when it came time to read the tablet showing my next load I was lost outside of an address. One mistake snowballed into 2 and before you know it I was getting jammed on the table, backing up into the docks looked nothing like the ones I practiced on. Thge anount of space I had made it nearly impossible for me to manevuer. This, and the fact that other truckers was waiting for me to get out the way only increased my anxieties. I also learned that the trucks have numerous sensors and according to my supervisors I was driving to fast, breaking too hard, veering out of my lane, allowing cars and trucks to get too near me AND had several "collision warning" lights come on. I'm not done, because the company GPS only reflected the final destination, I had no way of knowing when and where a truck stop would be coming up and when I would see one I would exit to use the bathroom/eat only to waste 45min-1 hoour having to park. When it was time to shup down and I would drive into a Love's/Pilot I wouldnt find any parking and if I did it would be soo tight that I would decide to get back on the road and find another only to find the next one worse than the previous.
In total, I was out 3 weeks alone, got a ticket for avoiding a weigh station (had to be escorted back and inspected as a result), ran a red light (camara caught that one cause I chose not slam my breaks and get yet another "critical event". And last but not least, had the 70 hour clock sneak on me where I had to pull over after only 4 hours driving. Thought to myself well this is it for the next 35 hours only to be awakened around midnight having to move because the spot was reserved, as a result my trailer took off the front end of the one parked on the left of me pulling out.
It has been a terrible experience and I am completely ashamed of my performance. I was told I would have to reapply for another position because the account I was on is for a team. I have done so and am in the process of awaiting for a transfer. I am also at home reading and re-reading the manual on how to work the tablet. I swore that if given another chance I will not go any faster than 63, make my curves at 35-40 and make a better attempt to plan my trip before leaving ( bought a GPS).
Anyway, writing this has only depressed me even more, nevermind that I have spared you the little things that would happen regularly. I try to find comfort in knowing, as I have been told that this is all "new guy" stuff but it is hard, real hard. I have new found respect for all of you and desire to, at least have a sense of direction as to what I'm doing rather than driving on impulse while reading a GPS....
Click to expand...

your in your 50s , you have life’s experience, give it a little time, you will get better. Be patient. Good idea getting rid of the kid. That’s all you need is a kid driving you nuts, ha ha ha .

Wargames, Apr 20, 2021

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Lonesome, bentstrider83 and slow.rider Thank this.
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spindrift said: ↑

@Qbf594
Now here's a perfect example for your "Ignore" thread.
Click to expand...

I'm prolly supposed to thank this? But I'm sitting here thing 'you brought me here for this???' LOL

Qbf594, Apr 20, 2021

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spindrift Road Train Member

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Lol...I'll try again.

spindrift, Apr 20, 2021

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roundhouse Road Train Member

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Wargames said: ↑

your in your 50s , you have life’s experience, give it a little time, you will get better. Be patient. Good idea getting rid of the kid. That’s all you need is a kid driving you nuts, ha ha ha .
Click to expand...

Yeah. Some people just won’t stop talking.

I know a guy that’s 23 and is a driver trainer at the company he works at.
And he complains about his trainees that just won’t stop yapping.

or the time he was in the sleeper for a couple hour nap and gets back up front and notices a red light on The dash and asks the new trainee what is it .
“I dunno it came on a while back”

It was the low fuel warning light .

roundhouse, Apr 20, 2021

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TripleSix God of Roads

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JoeTruck said: ↑

You need to be with a trainer for a month or two.
The first week he should just be watching you and teaching.
Click to expand...

Mentor. He needs a mentor. Someone who knows how to truck, and the company policies
He’s steeringwheelholding. No preplanning, not watching the clock, not watching his speed or following distance. He has to be below average on the pay scale for drivers. Who was the trainer...the 22yr old kid?

TripleSix, Apr 20, 2021

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TripleSix said: ↑

Mentor. He needs a mentor. Someone who knows how to truck, and the company policies
He’s steeringwheelholding. No preplanning, not watching the clock, not watching his speed or following distance. He has to be below average on the pay scale for drivers. Who was the trainer...the 22yr old kid?
Click to expand...

Be careful TripleSix.....you will be accused of being "mean" to the new guy and risk being "ignored". Lol

Dockbumper, Apr 20, 2021

#20

Gearjammin' Penguin and InTooDeep Thank this.

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