New Found Respect

Boy, you sure brought back flood of memories by your post. I remember those days fondly and after the 1st time driving, I was shaking my head, wondering and questioning. Your post was sincere and honest and 99% of drivers will be able to relate to it.
It gets better my friend, much better. While you're driving, remember to breathe! I know that sounds stupid, but sometimes a guy (or gal) gets so tensed up it's amazing. Taking a few deep breaths will help your body relax and you'll find yourself doing much better when your less tense.
Thanks for the post!

 

Im hoping when I get to school I have trainer #2. Good post. Good luck in the coming days!!

 

I did that to my mentor....getting off at the remote exits to practice up and down shifting. He was in the sleeper when I started it. He came out with a "why are we stopping?" (more politely phrased). Once I explained, he laughed and stayed up front for some pointers. I was smoothed out in just a few exits.

Since you're new, here's a friendly pointer. Nothing has been checked until YOU check it. Don't trust your buddy, co-driver or mentor. Here's why. I now drive a local gig with partners. My buddy was hooking the trailer to the pintle hook, while I checked the lights. We moved the trailer 5 miles and got out to disconnect. He hadn't locked the pintle hook. One good bounce and we would have had a runaway or breakaway trailer. Cross check everything.

 

LOLOL I felt very much the same way when I did my first highway drive. I only went about twenty five miles and back. I was sooo glad to be done. On my last day of the school I drove from Calgary Ab to Golden British Columbia, about a hundred miles or so. The mountain driving was a slice all right. Around Golden the highway, at the time, was narrow and winding. It also stood on end. My shifting was not good as I had just quit using the tach for shifting and moved to shifting by sound.
In the school they teach you to shift using the tach but my experience on machines was all by sound. I never used the gauges on any machine, save the fuel gauge. One I did switch to sound shifting I did a lot better but of course it still takes practice.

 

Congrats!! I've read a few on here that have gone w/Swift... some have a better trainer than others. Here is wishing you one that has patience and loves to teach!! Be safe...

 

Congrats! Excellent job man! Keep in mind Swift isn't your only option. I know they make it easy to get hired on but that is a bit of a red flag. Take your time, do your homework and find yourself a good company you are going to "want" to work for. I know you don't really want to be a "number" at one of these mega-carriers. Try this website:

http://www.newtruckdrivingjobs.com/student_%20driving_%20job.php

Good luck to you!