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Itching to go SOLO

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by HAMADOWN, Dec 17, 2011.

Page 1 of 6
  1. Dec 17, 2011 #1
    HAMADOWN

    HAMADOWN Light Load Member

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    Mar 14, 2011
    DETROIT, MI
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    Hoping for some good information on companies that hire student drivers and require the LEAST amount of time actually teaming/training with the trainer. I am searching for this answer basically because....
    1. like to use the facilities when I need to without begging someone else to stop.
    2. I am 45 years old and set in my ways to a point.
    3. I like my own space, with things the way I like them...organized and not cluttered.
    4. I prefer certain kinds of music and dont want to hear anything else, ESPECIALLY when I am trying to sleep.
    5. Since I want to drive solo, I guess you could say that I am not trying to entertain anyone else.
    6. I like the idea of some walk around time, a nice meal, a hot shower, some conversation, a short exercise routine...etc.
    So all of these reasons and several more to be alone rather than with someone else. Not trying to sound like a JERK so my apologies if it comes across that way . thanks
     
    HAMADOWN, Dec 17, 2011
    HAMADOWN, Dec 17, 2011
    #1
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  3. Dec 17, 2011 #2
    sharp.dressed.man

    sharp.dressed.man Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 10, 2011
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    I qualify my response by saying I'm not a driver at this point I'm just researching the industry before I decide. That said based on what I've read here Watkins-Shephard has the shortest training time either that or if you can find a small local outfit.
     
    sharp.dressed.man, Dec 17, 2011
    sharp.dressed.man, Dec 17, 2011
    #2
  4. Dec 17, 2011 #3
    HAMADOWN

    HAMADOWN Light Load Member

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    DETROIT, MI
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    Cool, and your research has indicated what length of time?
     
    HAMADOWN, Dec 17, 2011
    HAMADOWN, Dec 17, 2011
    #3
  5. Dec 17, 2011 #4
    Infrared61ranger

    Infrared61ranger Light Load Member

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    Dec 15, 2011
    killeen,tx
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    there is alot to learn out here you cant just jump into the fire without your snow and ice training sometimes you have to sacrafice some things to get the quality training that you need to be by yourself. Im seeing more and more accidents by new guys that are put out here too soon. Get the good training you need and it will be worth the wait.
     
    Infrared61ranger, Dec 17, 2011
    Infrared61ranger, Dec 17, 2011
    #4
    red_eye and KenworthComeUp Thank this.
  7. Dec 17, 2011 #5
    HAMADOWN

    HAMADOWN Light Load Member

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    Mar 14, 2011
    DETROIT, MI
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    Again, I appreciate that input. Lets say for arguements sake that I have driven alot of big equipment in the past (military equipment), busses, pulled large 5th wheels. I am a quick learner. I realize that a rig with a loaded trailer is some very heavy and potentially fatal stuff. I will happily learn all that a trainer can give me, just hoping he or she is very talkative and can get the info to me in a rapid manner.

    that being said....any suggestions on the company with the shortest average training period?
     
    HAMADOWN, Dec 17, 2011
    HAMADOWN, Dec 17, 2011
    #5
  8. Dec 17, 2011 #6
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    You don't HAVE to go out teaming with another driver...........

    but if you do,

    it DOESN"T have to last all that long.
     
    123456, Dec 17, 2011
    123456, Dec 17, 2011
    #6
  9. Dec 17, 2011 #7
    Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    Griffin, Georgia
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    Shortest training period I know of is Watkins and Shepard. 10 days of orientation and on-site training (no overnight training) and then they hand you the keys to a truck. Most certainly not for everyone.

    Training time with May Trucking also is limited, based on how quickly you pick it up. When the trainer feels you're ready, they let you go. Some drivers have gone solo in as quick as 10 days. And if memory serves, with May, there is no teaming, so the truck is not running 4000 + miles every week, so the motivation is to get the trainee up to speed as quickly as possible so he can get out on his own.

    Only drawbacks to either of these companies would be whether you lived within their hiring areas. Both are good starter companies.
     
    Wedge, Dec 17, 2011
    Wedge, Dec 17, 2011
    #7
    HAMADOWN Thanks this.
  10. Dec 17, 2011 #8
    AXE

    AXE Road Train Member

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    Watkins and Shepard has a terminal in Taylor so you're within their hiring area. 10 day orientation then on your own.
     
    AXE, Dec 17, 2011
    AXE, Dec 17, 2011
    #8
    Wedge Thanks this.
  11. Dec 17, 2011 #9
    mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    Lapeer, MI
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    I started out with Con-way Truckload. I was out with my trainer for 12 days, did 7600 miles in that time. The truck runs as a solo truck when you are out with your trainer.
     
    mitrucker, Dec 17, 2011
    mitrucker, Dec 17, 2011
    #9
  12. Dec 17, 2011 #10
    jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    hastings, Fl
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    You need some time with a trainer. I have never met a newly graduated student who was ready to truck by himself, and from your post it sounds like you are not really OTR truck driver material.
     
    jbatmick, Dec 17, 2011
    jbatmick, Dec 17, 2011
    #10
    lady drifter, rushfan, Red Hot Mess and 2 others Thank this.
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