Excited to be attending TMC Orientation on 2/25/2013

Sorry for not updating. Yes, I am still at TMC. So far, a total of 4 people got sent home. There are now 20 of us left. We finished 4 days of orientation, 3 days of load securement, and now we're almost done with 5 days of equipment familiarization class. We will be done on Friday. Today, we got to meet our training coordinator. He/she will be in touch with each student during the 5 weeks with the trainer to make sure everything is OK. Also, we did city driving and going into downtown. I experienced traffic and turning on small, tight streets. I even did a button hook turn.

Recap:

We finished the 4 days of orientation. We cover topics such as logs, safety, and company policies. Also, you will get some time in the simulator. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is Load Securement class. Here, we learn about the way to secure the different loads the way TMC wants you to secure them. From this point on, you will be given a logbook and need to keep a log for everyday, including any recap hours you may have. There is a test at the end of the 3 day class. If you pay attention, the test should be simple. Then, from Monday until Thursday of week 2 is Equipment Familiarization. Half the class will do yard work maneuvers for half a day while the other half goes driving. Then, in the afternoon, you switch. Students are assigned a truck to drive each day. Some students will be assigned a truck to themselves, while others will have 2 students. It's random. You will do straight line, 45, and serpentine backings. With serpentine, you will do it to the left and to the right side. They also have you do figure 8s, and pull-ups. Pull-ups is driving the truck around in a rectangular box and pull in between 2 rows of cones. The idea is to maneuver the tractor and trailer into the 2 rows of cones without running the cones over. For driving, you will drive on streets around Des Moines. You will experience back country roads, city driving (includes going into downtown), and highways. You will learn how to drive a 13 speed transmission. You will be graded on your ability to upshift, downshift, and perform maneuvers (left, right, button hook turns, etc.). Just listen to the instructors, and try your best.

 

Orientation is coming to a close, and tomorrow, we graduate. Unfortunately, we lost another person today. Not sure of the reason. The class is down to 19 people.

Today, we did more yard maneuvers, and went out for a nice easy drive of around 60 miles of back country and highway roads.
Everyone was assigned a trainer for the next phase of training. Most will head home before meeting up with their trainer.

I am excited at the next phase of my training. Being out with a trainer for 5 weeks will tie together everything that I've learned so far into use, and learn new things as well.

I will update when possible.

 

Well, I've finished orientation, and I am now back home. I got a call from my trainer today. I will be starting the next phase of training which will last five weeks.