Is this how it is?

It seems to be common that's why lots of these guys aren't getting the proper training but, it shouldn't be common. What company is this?

 

Probably you are working for Swift. Your mentor sucks. He just want miles from you. You will never be trained. Ask for a new mentor.

 

Eh most mentors/driver trainers are pretty patient. They usually work with you because they understand that they were once just like you. There are a few aholes now and then. One thing that might help you on your backing is if your truck and trailer is in a straight line, turn your steering wheel the opposite way you want your trailer to go. If you want the trailer to go to the right, turn your steering wheel to the left. Once you get the trailer headed to where you want it to go, follow it up with the tractor. I always tried to position mine so I could watch the back tandem on the left side of the trailer of course sometimes, you'll have to blindside so you wont be able to see the left side so watch the right back tandem if your mirrors allow it. Just make sure you check your clearances around the back of your trailer now and then.

 

The driver training is required to show you the ins and outs of company driving. He or She should be right on top of you teaching you how to drive. Once you're out for awhile then they can slack off. I'd ask for a new training but do it in a way where it doesn't cause problems.

 

You need to wear something at night that cuts out blue light emissions. It will help your eyes.

If they still hurt, hydrate. If that doesnt help, stop by a eye doctor on your next home time.

Your trainer is not training, he is driving you into the ground for miles.

Backing is one of those things in which the trailer will do the exact same behavior however you put in the wheel. Turn it this way, trailer goes that way. Turn it the other way while backing, your tractor follows it around. Put in a whole lot of wheel and she folds. Put in a little bit and you might not get much, maybe not want much at all or you hit something.

It's you that needs to do it enough until you learn that trailer is only doing what you tell it to do with that steering wheel.

 

Sounds like he is just trying to break you in to the profession you have chosen? There will be a lot of long nights and hard driving in your future. You just have to keep in mind that it is ultimately you who has to know if you are safe to drive or not.

 

one of the MANY reasons why i love my local job, besides being home at night. i AM indeed a truck driver but i usually run around 100 miles per day and i get frequent stops. i stop at the farms to load, loading takes 30-45 minutes, i stop at the yard to do drop and hooks, which i usually do 3 per day. i never had to build up the stamina required to do 5-600 miles per day, nor do i really have to worry about going to the bathroom. plenty of chance to do that.... my job is still fast paced at times if i want to get done reasonably but no one is pushing me. i push myself as long as the weather permits.

i load 4 farms on two trailers one day, and 5 farms on two trailers the opposite day. that's 4 or 5 times to get out of the truck, stretch my legs and go to the bathroom.... i still have to do other things like paperwork, draw milk samples, make connections, and start the CIP on the milk tank when empty.

 

Well first of all with all that driving i hope your getting the right pay rates, second it really depends on the type of personality your trainer has, is he a perfectionist or is he patient? Although depending on your backing / reversing technique he may be frustrated cause you should be able to back onto a dock by now, the only thing he really needs to be teaching you is all the paper work and company policies. You'll Just have to learn how to count to 10 buddy, try to talk with him in a calm manner and reason with him on going a little easier on you, hope it goes well, i just wished i could be there to train you buddy i'd go alot easier on you that's for sure i'd be so grateful that i actually had someone with me to do the extra driving.