The Smith System...will it be worth it?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by tbrown_sd, Jun 8, 2011.

  1. jpracer1

    jpracer1 Medium Load Member

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    yes the system works but to spend
    4390 on it i would save it,dont think most companies look at it for a prehire,most just want to know how much experience and if you can drive,told some employers that i took the class and they didnt seem to interested o
    about it
     
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  3. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    I wouldn't know how much it cost because my company paid for all the training. They even went and bought the rights where we could use all the material to teach our families the system.

    I don't think I'd pay for that program at that cost either. I believe the system should be bought and run by the company. At each one of our terminals the Driver Trainer was the coordinator for Smith. Every quarter they'd ride a day with the drivers to make sure we knew and was using the system. And then once a year all the Driver Trainers would go off to a get toghter at some fancy resort and go over what was new and how's their program working. As a driver I didn't mind the ride along and I found it to be a nice change for the day.

    However, I'm sure if a company knew the system and had a tie in applications they would take the Smith System.
     
  4. Bob The Dinosaur

    Bob The Dinosaur Light Load Member

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    If its commen sense i got that part covered, though i know it dangerous to assume anything, might be just subconscious mental checklist i go through in traffic ....
     
  5. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Common sense would tell you it's more to the program than just common sense. You can not argue agains't the number reduction in accidents and incidents. I have to agree with some that it should be taught in the CDL schools then the new drivers would have a better grasps on things.
     
  6. Bob The Dinosaur

    Bob The Dinosaur Light Load Member

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    Yes there would be more to it, though i cant see spending that kind pf money.....
     
  7. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    it sounds like Gashaulers was politely saying your husband doesn't drive well. So if he expects to succeed in this racket he better pay attention and take the course. Others are correct Smith system is nothing new just commonsense everyday driving a 80000 lb truck in a world full of 3000 lb 4 wheelers. And he should of learned that stuff in school.
     
  8. Bob The Dinosaur

    Bob The Dinosaur Light Load Member

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    If i ever go to a company that has it, i might jump at the chance....
     
  9. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    isnt almost everything about common sense common sense isn't so common anymore. They teach courses on parenting after 10000 years of people being parents. The kids today are not better off for it. My kids modern math leaves them clueless to make change at a cash register Some wheelholders think they are driving a 4 wheeler courses wont fix stupid Here's your sign
     
  10. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    So you're going to hit the bricks because you feel you know all there is to know. It's a shame that a system like Smith is being put down at school but it does make senes. I don't think any instructor wants any film showing his class he's been teaching the wrong way. God Forbid. Of course we shouldn't stir any pot and show there might be be better systems. After all a large company that uses drivers with only 6 months expereince as mentors is not only dangerous but what can he or she really teach. Who's getting the rip off here?

    I would hope that new drivers would keep their month shut and soak up all they can. Learn and they could about the truck and find out why some of these old guys are still around. Just a small point, the old guys are there because they take care of the equipment,themselves, and extend proper driving. They know there's no use in beating the truck to death because you got pasted. The object is not getting to point A to point B the fastest you can. Those days all gone. The time is to do it safe and responsibble and build your reputation as the driver that gets the load there on time with no problem. Sometimes that means just running below the speed limit. The companies will start to know your your name. Just sit back and be a sponge. I wish you all luck.
     
  11. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

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    I don't know if it will be worth it but i do know that when i had the class and while the card was still good,my car insurance w/state farm was reduced.
    Here's hoping that the matter at hand gets resolved for you.
     
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