Headed for Indianapolis for Orientation August 7th...

HI all.

Yesterday I had to go to Indianapolis to take my SQT. I just got up early and drove the 3+ hours. Of course I was nervous about not getting to the finish line, so I ended up being an hour early. My SQT started with going over all the paperwork and testing I did while with my TE. That took about 45 minutes, and it all went fine. Afterwards we went out and took care of our inspections, pretrip, etc. We headed out on the road, and I hit a curb before we got out of the OC. I was so nervous, my instructor asked me if I wanted to go home or start over, I chose the latter. I went thru INDY about 10-12 miles, never getting on the Highway. A couple tight fits, a couple buttonhooks which were real easy to identify. Came back and had a couple of those computer modules to do regarding crossing the border, each way , from Canada to US. I then had to do a basic trip plan , fill out some macros, including all the fuel and DOT breaks. IT was a longer more intense version of what we did in ADTC (orientation). Once completed and passed, we had a second trip. However this time, you had to read a story that gave you some curveballs, such as breaking down, having a DOT inspection, etc. So you had to fill out updates on macros, and log properly for each of the issues that stopped you along the way. It was not hard but seemed to take me way to long. As you have already read, I passed the SQT. Overall it took me about 7 hours. My Trainer for SQT told me it would take 10 hours, and that I would need to stay the night. I was not spending another night in INDY, so I skipped lunch and pushed hard all day. I finished right at 5 pm and he was willing to stay and grade me out. I managed to finish early enough to call my DBL from INDY. He seems like a nice enough guy. He was formerly a driver, so somehow I think that is going to be a bonus.

The curveball came next. HE assigned me a truck, but it was an Ultra- Shift (Automatic). Problem is that I never have seen or driven one, and was specifically told to skip the section in my textbook because it would just confuse me. I was told I needed to get additional training to be able to start work. I was frustrated that I may NEVER get out of training. Today my DBL called told me a OSR was 10 miles from my house and if I could get over there in the next 30 minutes he would qualify me with the automatic. IT didnt take me that long to get there! It is a little different and there is a learning curve I am still on . We spent 3 hours doing about 15 or 20 different maneuvers like backing, button hooks, crossing railroads, etc. They are all different with that Ultra Shift. Either way, I did get certified. I met with my dispatcher. Again, seems like a nice women. I got Sunday off like I requested, and will be reporting on Monday morning. I am being brought along with baby steps, and was told for the first week I will be making the exact same run to and from this yard. Fine by ME! It will also put me home each night.
The last note is this. I had asked my DBL about being able to bring my truck home to clean it (because I am a bit of a neat freak), and of course my kids would get a kick out of it. He told me last night that would be fine. However, today when I asked him the same question, he told me it was my truck, do what I want with it. I said that I just wanted to bring it home for several hours to get her cleaned up. He again said it is your truck, do what you want with it. I asked him if I could just keep it at home and dead head back and forth each day/week, whatever, he said yes. That is amazing to me. THe biggest thing is not having to unload my things, or fearing that they would be stolen, or them letting someone else use my truck for whatever reason. So I went home after training with the automatic, and got a ride right back to pick her up. My truck is now parked in my driveway, and I ll have three days to get her clean and ready to roll.

Truck #47691

Thanks for reading and the encouragement!

Raid3r

 

@PCDoctor

The way I understand the Ultra Shift issue is this. When I was in ADTC , one of the OSR's had an Ultra Shift. They told us NOT to read that section of the book because it would confuse us. He told me that they were experimenting with them but had already decided NOT to order anymore, and considered it a failure. However, they have XXX number of those trucks and they will need to be phased out. As far as how I ended up with one, it was just luck of the draw. Funny thing is , I think my OSR today told me if I went more than 90 days without driving a manual, I would have to be re certified to do so.
I have a picture of her on my phone, but tomorrow I am going to give her a bath, which probably sounds funny to anyone who has driven a truck longer than one day by themselves. I also have a several hour project cleaning the inside, and working to get the smoke smell out of this truck.

Raid3r