Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

I'm in New Mexico right now, on my way to Reno.

 

Ok, as a trainer here, this is what I tell my trainees that get into my truck. Less is great. Carl, my trainee now, takes two weeks of clothes and supplies in 2 bags, plus a knapsack for going into the shower. He takes a sleeping bag and a pillow. He also takes a shopping bag with canned foods and snacks. I give him the top bunk, two storage compartments and a drawer.

I can't speak for any other trainer here, so I'm telling you how I do things. I supply bottled water. I also let them build up points when fueling, so their coffee is free. The refrigerator is stocked with my food that my wife makes me. As I use it up and generate more space, they are welcome to buy things and put in there.

I always ask my trainees if they need to stop at a Walmart to restock, and also if they need to do laundry. I don't need to do any of those things, I carry enough of everything to get me home.

What to bring? A heavy coat or sweaters, it's still cold in some parts of the country, a towel from home for when you shower at the terminal. A pair of shower shoes, just in case. Your typical douche kit. Bring whatever chargers you need for your phone, iPad or laptop. Also bring a blank check for your direct deposit. Bring your SS card. Bring your passport if you have one. Bring a notebook to write things down.

Remember, you are a visitor in your trainers truck. These trucks are barely big enough for one person, let alone two grown men. Your training for all 3 stages will be 2-3 weeks each. If you have any issue at all with your trainer, call into safety. If it's a personality conflict, they will switch you into another truck. Good luck, safe miles and ask questions.

 

I know for me, when I get a trainee in the truck that wants to learn, asks questions and listens, it's a pleasure to do this, if it's the opposite, then it sucks. Carl, my trainee now, is a dream. He wants this and I want too see him succeed. Go into this as a learning experience and get through it quickly. Your length of time as a trainee might seem long, but it goes quick.

 

We are in the middle. It ends next Saturday at midnight.