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question about trainer and skills during trainer time

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by msfern29, Oct 18, 2010.

  1. Oct 18, 2010 #1
    msfern29

    msfern29 Light Load Member

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    Sep 23, 2010
    SW Kansas
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    I have a friend who was a trainer for R**** about 10 years ago. when she was there, she said she would have her trainee practice backing skills for an hour every day. I agree the more practice the better, and agree with the idea of practicing as much as possible, not just when you get to a dock.
    is this common? do most companies, or trainers allow such extra practice? are loads set for trainers so have the extra time for such practicing? (I've heard some companies is more "team driving" than "training driving")
    she also said she would "make" her trainee do all the paperwork. seems to be the best way to learn is to do it. is this also common?
    I am hoping the company I choose will allow me as much practice and training as possible (backing skills, paperwork, and driving) while I am with my trainer since my over all goal is solo driving. should I be asking if this is company policy? or should I just ask my trainer when I meet him/her and explain I would like as much as possible so I can be the best I can be when I go solo?
    just curious if I can plan on working my tushie off for my 6-8 weeks with a trainer person, or if the 'team driving' stories are closer to accurate.
    I'm currently planing on Werner, if you know their policy, please let me know.
    thanks
     
    msfern29, Oct 18, 2010
    msfern29, Oct 18, 2010
    #1
    parkerr58 Thanks this.
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  3. Oct 18, 2010 #2
    leanright

    leanright Medium Load Member

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    Oct 12, 2010
    phila,pa.
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    I think it depends on the particular trainer. You can talk to your company and see if they have any trainers that would be willing to spend extra time with you learning to back, paperwork, etc.
     
    leanright, Oct 18, 2010
    leanright, Oct 18, 2010
    #2
  4. Oct 18, 2010 #3
    Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Tacoma, WA
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    It really depends on the trainer. When I went thru, my trainer had a daily dedicated 3 stop run. I backed to a dock 3 times a day, 6 days a week for 6 weeks. That's a 108 backs without the extra practice. After I got my own rig, I still did extra backs when time permitted on my runs (I was early, or waiting for a load etc).
     
    Palazon, Oct 18, 2010
    Palazon, Oct 18, 2010
    #3
    msfern29 and parkerr58 Thank this.
  5. Oct 18, 2010 #4
    rocknroll nik

    rocknroll nik High Risk Load Member

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    can't read the sign
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    it all depends there are no set ways that each trainer does things....some are real jackweeds and others are cool
     
    rocknroll nik, Oct 18, 2010
    rocknroll nik, Oct 18, 2010
    #4
    parkerr58 and msfern29 Thank this.
  7. Oct 18, 2010 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Yeah, trainers have an agenda, supposedly, but once you're out there, you gotta remember, freight first. So, time is an issue. The trainer may want to train you, but, time or lack of it can get in the way. You, as a student, need to learn as much as you can. A lot of that is just observing. Do not ever sit in the truck staring thru the windshield while the trainer is doing things.
     
    Allow Me., Oct 18, 2010
    Allow Me., Oct 18, 2010
    #5
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  8. Oct 18, 2010 #6
    Milk_n_Cookies

    Milk_n_Cookies Light Load Member

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    Oct 10, 2010
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    I think it depends on the trainer. If I remember right my trainer had me practice back a few times early on. Looking back now I´m sure it was to see where my skill level was when getting in his truck.

    Like the trainer you describe, I was doing all the paperwork, all the backing, everything really after a few days on my own. His training method was something like, you do everything and if you´re about to screw up, then I´ll come in and save/guide you. I agree with that style of training.

    Keep in mind if you want to practice backing, or shifting or whatever, simply ask your trainer.

    ¨Hey man, my backing sucks, let me work on it here at this (empty dock, parking spot, whatever)

    There´ll be times when you have that opportunity and I can´t imagine a trainer saying ¨no¨.
     
    Milk_n_Cookies, Oct 18, 2010
    Milk_n_Cookies, Oct 18, 2010
    #6
    msfern29, A_Simple_Man and Restlesheart Thank this.
  9. Oct 19, 2010 #7
    msfern29

    msfern29 Light Load Member

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    Sep 23, 2010
    SW Kansas
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    thanks y'all. was hoping it was still like it was when she was a trainer. she told me is just a matter of talking with trainer, being honest about what I need work on, and trip planing making time.
    she said I'd do fine, that most will be fine with me asking and wanting to do and learn. her main complaint with trainees was that they wouldn't try, and since I want to try and learn as much as I can while with trainer, I'd probably get a good attitude review from my trainer, and he/she would be willing to let me do as much as possible.
    I agree with the style of "you do everything and if you´re about to screw up, then I´ll come in and save/guide you" and hope I get a trainer like that.
    thanks for responding. take care and be safe y'all.
     
    msfern29, Oct 19, 2010
    msfern29, Oct 19, 2010
    #7
  10. Jan 4, 2012 #8
    parkerr58

    parkerr58 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 27, 2010
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    I was wondering if you went to training and how you came out of training thanks are you still trucking now.
     
    parkerr58, Jan 4, 2012
    parkerr58, Jan 4, 2012
    #8
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