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

Ok, here are a few more questions for anyone with the time and inclination to answer:

1. Is direct deposit available, even for the first paycheck?

2. It’s been nearly 10 months since I’ve been in a truck, and I figure I will be a little rusty at first. So I was wondering about the initial drive test. Is it a pass or fail test? Meaning by “fail” that you get sent home? Or does the test simply help determine what stage of training you start at?

3. I have never done any team driving. Does anyone have any tips/advice on how to best perform in that situation during training?

4. Also does anyone have any tips/advice on how to drive all night after not sleeping during the day and how to best adjust to shifting sleep patterns in a healthy way.

5. I was taught the Smith System in CDL school. This system suits me. I naturally drive defensively, so to speak, and I adhere to the Smith System at all times (I don’t speed, I always maintain a safe following distance, always looking ahead, etc.) Is this something that Abilene emphasizes during training, or do they prefer a more aggressive approach?

Anyway, that's it for now. I hope this isn’t too many questions at one time. I don’t mean to sound redundant, but I truly appreciate the help and advice I’ve already received by reading this thread. Thanks for making me feel welcome.

 

There is an employee discount with Verizon. Until they start offering unlimited data again I'm not interested.

 

Reggie replaced Brian as the orientation guy.

 

1. Yes, you fill out direct deposit info during orientation.

2. Road test is a short 20 minute ride followed by a very basic back into a spot. Its done at an open yard, no tricky alley or 90 degree business. I took about 4 or 5 pullups and it wasn't an issue at all. Bill (fleet manager who does them) also went through a very basic pre-trip. Stuff he wants you to check like fluids, lights etc. Nothing at all like a dmv test. He is real laid back, chatting and joking through the whole thing.

I had not driven a tractor trailer for over 20 years and I passed easily. I got the impression you would have to drive unsafely to not pass.

3. Hardest part of team training for me was sleeping in a moving truck. Sometimes I would only get 2 or 3 hours sleep during my 10. Stock up on energy drinks/coffee if you have the same issue.

Beyond that be mindful that you are in someone else's truck/home. Try to be neat and clean. Avoid controversial conversation topics. Listen and do as the trainer asks you to, even if you don't think they are right. Once you get your own truck you can run it your way. While on their truck, run it their way.

4. See #3. And keep reminding yourself that it only temporary.

5. They teach the Smith system in orientation so that is company policy. If your trainer is pushing to drive beyond your comfort level (you will be expected to do a full 11 hour driving shift) in agressive manner or pushes you to exceed the speed limits etc. Call into the office and ask for a new trainer.

Be sure it's not just a personality issue. The trainer may naturally have a "type A" personality and come across as agressive in their demeanor, but that shouldn't be the way they want you to drive.

Within a week you should be able to drive at the speed limit/limit of the truck. If you are hanging around doing 55 in a 70 on clear roads then there will likely be something said and a "Smith system" defense won't help you.

The company dispatches their loads based on 60mph average and expects their drivers to achieve that. Unless there are stops and or weather/traffic delays that means 600+ miles in a driving shift.

If you are regularly shutting down after 7 or 8 hours driving, expect to hear about it.

Having said that, full 11hr driving days are not that common for a newbie. Most likely you will have shorter runs with a pickup/delivery within the day.

 

Wow, thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed response! I really appreciate it, man!

 

Welps got myself in the Gatorade loop.Delivered this morning in Waterloo,than was sent a load picking up in mountain top,going to Wythville.Nice light load over 600 miles with the deadhead.Didnt have enough time to make it all the way,stopped at the pilot in Racine for the night.

Will have to see what happens the next couple days,but this has the potential to be my best pay period so far with the company.

 

Ohhhhh yeah I'm properly chagrined

 

Racine? A bit out of route aren't ya? Ravine, PA or Raphine, VA per chance?

 

Only giving info I would have liked to have before starting out.

Anything else, feel free to ask. If I can't/won't answer then someone else will.

 

@Hudson_MacBeth that's the one,for sure not in Wi,I think anyways.