OOPS!!

I bet you could gather up every truly good driver, that also has a minimum of 5 years OTR experience, and not 1 in 15 would have the requisite "skills" that a "teacher" needs. (Ability to communicate effectively, ability to teach, patience, personality, etc)

I don't think I could do it. And certainly nobody can/will pay me what I'd demand to do that job.

 

And I'll disagree with your disagree..

There are 4 seasons and takes 12 months to complete. winter is the must crucial season. And should be the major teaching lesson.

 

I wouldn't consider it either

 

This morning in Matthews, Mo Flying-J it was so congested around the fuel island and Cat Scale that I had to exit the wrong way through the scale.
Reminded me of your post.

 

Saturday and Sunday mornings is when many [who only bathe once a week] take their weekly bath so this congestion near the trucker entrance is to be expected at these times, on these days.

I wish I could say I was being facetious.

 

hmm, if a drivers ability to handle a truck cannot be trusted they shouldn't be solo. You don't send 'em out for 2,3 or 4 months unable to handle a truck. You don't send them out at all if they don't have the ability to handle a truck.

Being able to handle a truck and being able to train are two different things though. Like STexan mentioned time behind the wheel has little to do with having the qualities that should be required in a trainer. However, even though a person should be able to handle a truck safely before they are sent out solo that doesn't mean they know it all. It's a constant learning experience and no matter how qualified a person is as a teacher they can't teach what they don't yet know.

Since most of your learning comes once you're on your own and you should be able to handle a truck safely before going solo the role of the 'trainer' would seem pretty minor. And that's how it seems to be treated by those who put rookies in the position of trainer.

The most important role of the trainer, IMO, is one of evaluator. They need to be able to determine if the new driver is indeed able to safely handle a truck.

 

The deal is the parking lot is halfway empty

 

I understand. It's about the convenience and conservation of precious time that "those" happen to be very keen on when it's bath day.

 

I don't know how someone can be allowed to go on their own without winter driving experience. If you can make it through the winter, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and say you'll probably make it through the summer.
But not the opposite.
Oh it was fun and beautiful going through the Happy Mountains, and I don't see what the big deal is...................................wait, now the snow is higher than the trailer.