Orientation with Eastern Freight ways!

Yea I definitely prefer to do the same. Not a big fan of running in a pack if not needed. I hear that changes as you get more comfortable but I'd like to stay safe.
Thank you @Smut . I enjoy sharing my experiences for those that are curious about what it's like out here plus it helps me kill time during downtime periods. I'm still a newbie and will constantly be learning but will share what I can.

 

Understood. I have read that with several other companies as well as far as skipping Pre and Post trips. Seems to be the norm. @dieselfuelonly has a couple of great threads on here about Schneider and the constant empty trailer issues and search....

I've read that the Mega's will fire you for the smallest thing but i'm also cautious on what I read. I'll have to remember that about the forklift drivers.. HaHa

 

Day 6

Alright WTH! I'm 95% sure that I had posted this last night. Looked this morning and nope it's not there.
We got to the terminal at 7:55am, fill out our log book. Started the day with a night driving video followed by a quiz and some discussion. We then geared up and headed outside to Pre-Trip the trucks that we picked up yesterday. The previous class will/may end up with these, so we are getting them prepped and ready for the shop to go through them. Following the pre-trip, we cleaned them out and sorted out the contents. Straps, binders etc.

Ray, Dons boss came up from PA today to meet with us. Again another straight forward, no sugar coating, no BS type of person, just the way I like it. He highlighted the good and the bad of the trucking lifestyle. He emphasized the importance of family and making sure your ducks are all in line so to speak. There’s a lot of responsibility that you are leaving behind 5-6 days a week. He emphasized that communication all around is very important, Driver to safety, driver to dispatch, driver to company, company to driver etc. etc.

A couple of hours later we headed out for lunch. After lunch we moved the used equipment from the trucks and then worked on backing some more. Everyone is getting much better but we all could use a little more practice.

Tomorrow (Today) we’re heading to PA to pick up a few more trucks.

 

Day 7

Started the day thinking we were going to PA. Got to the Terminal and Nope. Remember what I said in my post on day 5 (Sunday, Sunday) bout the industry? No PA today. We went outside pre-tripped a couple of trucks and spent some more time backing.

Instead of PA we found out we were heading to the Meriden, CT terminal to pick up a few trucks. I started out driving with the trainer’s truck and trailer. Drove for about an hour and then it was Paul’s turn. Got to Meriden and hit up Nardelli’s for lunch. Worth the stop if you come across it 896 E. Main St

Get to the terminal and we’re picking up 2 Freightliners and 2 Volvos. Pre-Trip them and get ready to leave. Nope, wait. 2 trailers as well? Paul and I each hook up to one, Pre-Trip the trailers and head back.

Feeling pretty good with the trailer pull and then we hit Waterbury construction traffic around 4ish. What a mess that is. 4 wheelers cutting in and out and in front of everyone. I just laid back, increased my distance and took my time. After all said and done it really wasn’t that bad.

Back to the terminal, Post-Trip and done. After getting back to the hotel I decided to go check out the little town of Montgomery. Older rustic little town with several shops and a couple of eateries.

** Entertainment Bonus**

So, this guy was standing out front of a room at the hotel about an hour ago. Severely drunk trying to turn the door handle not realizing you need to put the slide card in 1st. I just went outside and he was still trying to do the same thing. On my way back in it looked like he was getting ready to urinate on the door. I called the front office and she was like.... Again? I just put him back in his room a few minutes ago...Why Me? ..HaHa

Gotta love the hotel life!!

 

Day 8

Started the day with a thrilling (HaHa) video about fires followed by a quiz and then a Hazmat Video followed by another quiz.

After these we went outside to line up the trucks that we have picked up to get them ready for the fleet washing crew. Some of the previous class were arriving today to pick up their trucks to go Solo.

Time for some more backing. This time in between 2 trailers instead of cones. I had a chance to talk with one of the previous students about his experience with his on the road trainer.

Back from lunch and moved some equipment around, practiced shifting and a little more backing. This afternoon was kind of a blur. Rainy cold weather. I know I’m forgetting something. Anyways, we’ve got to check out in the morning before training. Looking forward to some home time then getting the last week of training done with.

 

Day 9

Just a quick post today.

Checked out of the room this morning and filled up the car. Got to the terminal at 7:50 and filled out our logs. Paper logs are a pain in the______. Gabe the Aflac guy showed up and we went through the couple hour presentation of the benefits they offer. We took turns signing up for what we choose. Aflac has some decent supplemental benefits. Definitely worth taking a look.

Went over Policies and Procedures and some other stuff that I can’t recall. Got out travel and meal checks and our regular check as well. Direct deposit will not take effect for a couple of weeks after you start.

Was a good ride on the way home until I reached W. Hartford. There was an accident at exit 49 which closed 2 of the 3 lanes. It had traffic backed up about 5 miles. I should have just taken the suggested routes. Either Prospect st. or Sisson Ave. I think Asylum was another option. Anyways an hour later I reached 91N. 6 hours later I made it home.

Snow, ice and rain are expected Saturday night and Sunday. Should be a good ride back on Sunday… HaHa

 

Day 10- Last week of orientation here in Montgomery

Woke up Sunday to snow, rain, sleet and freezing rain. Decided to head out at 3pm. Once in MA the roads were clear and traffic was light. Got here a little after 7pm. Ended up with the same room again. This time several small things were fixed and everything was cleaned up more than normal..

Today we went more in depth into the policies and procedures followed by lunch. After lunch we watched another JJ Keller Video on load securement. Don went through several scenarios that we will most likely see out there on the road.

After the monsoon rains finally stopped we went out to learn how to throw straps over a tall load. Not as easy as it looks. I can imagine that with some time and practice it will come together.

Went to 5 guys for a burger then Dollar general for some snacks and lunches. Have been watching UFC reruns for the last 2 hours and zoning out. Ready for the week to be over and get out on the road!

 

Day 11

Last night I Ended up watching an old UFC fight episode 86 from 2008. Griffen VS. Rampage. Really good fight going 5 rounds. Dragging ### today.

So we dove deeper into the SMITH system today. Mitch from recruiting stopped in this morning. Introduced himself to us and went over some recruiting information. I've chatted with him several times over the last couple of weeks so it was good to finally meet him. We finished up with the SMITH system and went to lunch.

Back from lunch and it was time for some Map reading training and trip planning. So for the old school truckers that did their entire trip planning via this method, Much respect. With the combination of CMV-GPS, The Trucker path App, Google Earth and a little map usage the time is cut in half if not more. Followed this up with a couple of sample trips we had to plan.

Still waiting to find out who we will have for road trainers. It would be good to connect with them as soon as possible. Maybe we will find out tomorrow.