When a company hires you and you already have experience

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by marvelousmack, Jun 16, 2021.

  1. marvelousmack

    marvelousmack Light Load Member

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    Do they just throw you out there? Or do they train you? Even though you already have experience? Do companies usually train you for a week? A couple days?
     
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  3. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    It's called orientation rather than training. Both of my orientations lasted 2 days each.
     
  4. Blu_Ogre

    Blu_Ogre Road Train Member

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    Most do Orientation as @slow.rider said. Some do a basic Check ride at orientation. Drive the truck around the block a couple of times and then put it in the dock/park with a trailer.

    Some will require a couple of days with a "trainer" just to ensure your competence if your experience is recent.

    If you have been away for a while they may put you out with a trainer for a bit longer until they build confidence in you.
     
  5. fishonron

    fishonron Medium Load Member

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    How much experience do you have and how long have you been out of the seat?

    If you have been out of a truck for more that 2 years they'll likely treat that as you having no experience at all.
     
  6. scott180

    scott180 Road Train Member

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    Can confirm what fishonron said. I have around ten years of experience, most with fuel, but I'm a rookie because I've been out of the industry for more than two years.

    However right now a lot of smaller companies need drivers bad and will hire those they would of turned away before.

    Do your research and choose the path that will lead you to the job you want.
    Good luck.
     
  7. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    A lot depends on whether you are going to be doing the same kind of work. Like dry van going to a dry van company. Only training you should need involves company specific things that are usually covered in orientation.
    But if you change up like to flatbed or tanker, then yes you will get some training on doing those jobs.
     
  8. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Different co's do it differently. In a perfect world, they will send you with another driver for a week so you can get to know their procedures, or, send you in your own truck running with another co truck, maybe going to the same shipper for instance. Or, just send you out on your own. Some co's have you fuel at certain truck stops or only give out a certain cash advance. Be sure you have this pre=planned. Some co's won't turn on your fuel card until you're on the fuel island and the card no workie. Then you're on the phone trying to wake somebody up. Have fun out there !
     
  9. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    Schneider took us experienced guys on Day 2 to drive around Houston with a half loaded tanker of water.
     
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  10. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    At Praxair new hires are required to have 3 yrs experience, tanker exp was mandatory but is no longer. Still must be able to operate manual transmission, although we are transitioning to an all auto fleet.
    You still will need 4-6 wks of training including the 1st week of just riding the jump seat to learn procedure/process. Length depends on how quick you learn.
     
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  11. lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Indentured servitude is still alive and thriving. They say it is so they can test your mettle. In reality it gives them reason to make you work for them at reduced pay.
     
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