New Job grrrrrrrrrr

So today I started my new job. Well I have some things bout it I want to get off my chest so here it goes..

First was the road test LOL, after 4 yrs of driving you would think, that it would go good, and I would not feel nervous. Well that did not happen at all, as I was nervous as heck.. My test was in a Freightliner day cab. The truck was in excellent shape and ran good.. Well my first test was the pre-trip, passed no problems.

Then I had to hook under a 48' dry Van. Now I haven't driven one of these in almost 3yrs, and it sure felt different then the tankers I'm use to driving.. Well after that off we go for the road test. The test it self was pretty straight forward, about 6 miles long some up and down hill, some sharp, and not so sharp turns.. Well that was going good as well.

The only problem I had believe or not was my shifting, and boy what a mess it started out to be.. I actually missed a few gears, why? I figured because being nervous, and not used to driving a Freightliner. The gears seemed a lot closer then the 10 speed KW, I used to and the shifting was at a lower RPM then what I'm used to as well.

My KW speed is only 60MPH, and it shifts at around 16-1700 rpms loaded and slightly higher loaded, with no grinding at all. This truck shifts at 13-1400 RPM empty, and it is a none governed truck.. The tester knew I was nervous, and said do not worry about it, as from what you have showed me, your a good driver.

After all that was done, it was back inside for all the paper work you would expect from a new company ie health, vision, dental, life, real application, etc... Then it was 3+hrs of all the videos you most likely see at all companies, such as pre/post trip, how to drive safely, in all types of weather, you get the picture.

The one thing I was pissed at was, they did not tell me that I needed a tanker endorsement. I have driven dry powder tankers for almost 3yrs, and a tanker endorsement was not required. On top of that the rate for a new driver with 0-6months experience in the oil field. It went from 17hr down to 14hr, and this was something they did not tell me while I was still working for my previous employer..

Now I'm mad as hell, and might go back to work with my previous employer. I called them today, and told them why I left in the first place. I figured I was bettering my future by taking on a hr job, compared to a % job. This job you work yr round in all kinds of weather. They do have their down days, but not like my previous job. I figured it was more stable, so that is why I left.

I spoke to a friend of mine who started just 3 months ago, and his rate did not change. It is only going to change for new drivers coming in.

 

Went and passed the tanker endorsement today. Scored a 89 16 out of 18 correct.. So tomorrow I start driving with my new company.. Little disappointed about the rate, but it being hrly, I will still fair better in the long run...

 

Nope, a dry powder tanker that carries either powder (cement ash), grain, calcium, it is not required..

 

No one knew that the pay scale had changed. Not even my best friend who got me the job.. He started 3 months ago at the $17hr rate.. I'm not going to let it bother me.. I started on monday, and at the end of the week will have 60hr.. In the long run, because the work 24/7 I will make out better in the long.. So far I like this job, it is interesting to say the least.. I guess with the economy be crappy, it is better then were I left, which BTW , their doing not so good as I have heard and seen..