Rookie starting my trucking career. From first thought to hopefully retirement.

I never get pissed or grumpy. Hard to believe but I have learned through my years. Only thing that pissed and grumpy gets you is more stress towards you, no one else.

I always listen, except today. Our very intelligent, wealth of information trainer (kind of wish I got him), is a low talker. Fact is the closer you got, the lower he talked. Really tried hard to hear him but it was nearly impossible.

Glad I received what seems to be a very dedicated trainer. Already told me that if he is talking on the phone during a rest he expects me to be outside doing a pre trip or just to study. I really love the challenge.

 

Today I will simply put down as most of the day wasted. We did out 2 classes this am and then had to deal with one person that, well, they are not the most helpful.

We are constantly told, be prepared and be on time. I do not disagree with any of this, I feel it is a good thing. Unfortunately this one person is an exception to the rule. Always late, tells you to act professional but if you ask this person a question all you get is a stare and they walk away from you without saying a word. I find this behavior totally unprofessional and rude.

My example was I was held up for clearance for something. I tried to ask what it was and was ignored. I again asked about 2 hours later, told to call my recruiter. I finally talked to my recruiter and he said, that is BS, they know the answer.

After my instructor arrived to find out why I was not on the pad I got an answer. About an hour later I was on my way to the main building with him. I was told by the person I spoke with on the hold up, why didn't the just tell you to come up here. I have gotten the impression that this person is known for this behavior. I had to get that out as it was very frustrating and put me behind by 4-5 hours.

My afternoon was spent with my instructor going around doing the little things. Got to meet my recruiter, met a ton of other people who were all very very accommodating.

Spent about a hour driving around a commercial area just to learn how to drive his truck. It is not a prime property but after 15 minutes there were about 7-8 prime trucks with students driving around.

I think the only gear I did not grind was reverse, got yelled at, got frustrated, nervous and any other emotion that comes with it. Tomorrow we are going back out to learn some more as our load is not ready till Sunday AM.

As my instructor was driving me back to Campus inn he said these words. See that highway, you will be driving this truck with a trailer on there Sunday. I think the build up of all that yummy Campus inn food peeked out.

 

I understand what you are saying. I guess what I was trying to convey is certain people had the answer I was seeking, even asked. They just chose to not answer.

I know I will face these situations over and over again. I have no problem with it, I just wanted to vent

 

Today was an excellent day. My instructor picked me up at 10am. We did 4 hours on the pad doing backing exercises. Since I have backed a trailer (not semi) before I did very well. I missed a step on the alley back but was able to correct.

Then 3 hours of just driving around town and highway. I must be doing well because my instructor took his boots off a kicked up his feet on the dash while we were driving. I think I drove a hour without hearing a word from him.

Pick up our load tomorrow about 11AM, short run, 300 miles.

 

A side note. I pointed out a person on the pad who was sitting on the ground, head low with his hands covering his face. I said, look at that, wonder why he is so down.

My instructor said, I know exactly why. He probably is on the end of his training period and his student still cannot do the maneuvers and he is bummed.