My Central Thread

So its been a while since my last update. We been running pretty non stop. I drive 10 he drive 10 back and forth. Its been interesting to say the least. For the most part we have gotten along the whole time. There was a spotty two days where he started yelling at me over anything and everything. I kind of chalk that up to him being aggrivated with the length of time of our loads at the time. We had loads we could do in a day and a half and had like 4 days on him. He was not happy about it. I think he was taking it out on me.

Those two days almost made me quit though. He telling me I have no business being out here in a truck and didnt know how I got my license. It was over my backing that I had gotten pretty much no training or practice in. After the second day in a row of him saying that... I said... look, if thats how you feel then after this Washington load try to get a load back east and as close to my home as possible. I said, if Im really that bad than just drop me off and Ill find my way home some how. Just get me as close as you can. He changed his tune real quick after I said that. Then he was telling me... look, you are one of the best drivers Ive seen or had going forward. Its a shame that this job requires backing because you are #### good at the rest. I said well look... you havent given me any time or really any training on these backs. The little you have you just sat there and said turn this way to this way nononono... let me do it. I said, I will learn better if you explain to me what Im doing instead of just telling me what way turn wheel. I will learn better if you stop getting so frustrated because that gets me frustrated with you and myself cus I feel like an idiot and feel like I will never get it right.

After that we were fine again. In fact next day we were dropping a load in the Utah terminal to get another rather then sitting on the load for 2 days. So he actually took the time and let me practice in the yard there. The first time he kinda told me what to do. This time though he was explaining it rather then just telling me to turn the wheel. Then he had me go around 4 times while he stood outside and back it in 4 times without saying anything to me. I got it in the hole all by myself each time. Took me a bit but I got it in there without hitting anything. I still dont feel ready and would still like a bit more practice cus my set up I dont like yet. I keep getting set up to the hole just before the hole I want and I want to correct that because I keep having to over cut to get the trailor to the hole I want. Id rather it be a little closer instead of overcutting. Of course the last 4 shipper/reciever spots had nice room that I could pretty much uturn it and straight back. Not wanting to hold up the other truckers I did just that rather then wasting everyones time while I messed around with the 45.

Im in a truckstop in GA right now while he went home to see his wife. I plan to get more practice on it when he gets me monday before we head out. Im suppose to upgrade wednesday. They actually wanted me to on Monday, even though I dont have the miles yet. Im short by about 2k. My trainer told them I want more practice on 45 first and they should keep it scheduled on Wed. I have a feeling they are going to say drop me off on Monday anyhow. We have not got a load preset yet and we have been getting 2 or 3 in advance the last 3 weeks.

Most of my last few weeks we have been going back and forth from mid state to western states. Nebraska back and forth through utah, calofornia, washington, back to Nebraska, misouri back to utah.... etc. I will be upgrading in Conley and not Utah. I assume because it will be easier for them to get me home to NY where I would love to see my wifes pretty face after this last month.

I will say this.... even though this was a long time training, it all flew by pretty #### fast. I cant believe Im going to be upgrading this week already. Even though those 2 days with my trainer were horrible and I dont feel I got enough backing training till this last week... My trainer has been awesome. He is a #### good driver and been a good trainer for the most part. He has his quirks as Im sure I do as well but he was great for the most part.

Ill let ya all know what happens this week and after my upgrade..

Smurfette..... Congrats on how well you are doing. This training time really does fly by so make the most of it and make sure you ask alot of questions. Try to realize what you dont understand or dont know yet... make sure you get that information before your time is up. Even though its 28 days.... it feels like less then half that by the time you are done. Keep in touch Smurfette and the others in this thread. I hope to one day meet each and every one of you to put a face next to your names =)

Keep it safe out there boys and girls.