My experience with Knight Refrigerated

HA!

I'll reiterate that Smaggs, nor I, am a seasoned veteran, but I would say without a doubt that the "rookie" status disappeared at about 8 or 9 months for me. I figure at that point, you should definitely not be making stupid mistakes, should understand and "feel" the size of vehicle you are driving and the trailer you are towing, and have a firm grasp on how to tuck that thing into challenging holes. That said, it is VERY obvious that there is much MUCH more to learn. Pro? Nope. Rookie? No. Student of the profession? DEFINITELY.

I had a 30 year driver tell me during a conversation while waiting to get unloaded that I was not a rookie (after I had referred to myself as that). I was 8 months in. He did remind me that I was also not yet a seasoned veteran, but said that to refer to myself as a rookie was probably a little too harsh on myself, and if I worked at changing my mindset, practice, and opinion of my work to that of a "Professional", I would get there. 30 years with zero at-fault accidents immediately got my attention and respect. I suppose to a 14 year driver, Smaggs IS a rookie. But I also think that in the grand scheme of things, a year in is at very least a sophomore status.

Just my opinion.

 

This is how I heard it

0-1 year, lots of little accidents and a few big ones.
1-5 years tend to have far fewer accidents then 0-1years
6+ years extremely rare they have an accident, but when they do they "hit it hard"

 

don't sweat it jarhead, I got told the other day that I "only" had 7 years of driving experience.

 

HA! Nah, I'm not sweating it at all. It's just that I would NOT expect a driver with a year experience to be doing the same things a "rookie" (1 month to 6 months exp for example) would do. That 8 months to a year should be packed with a lot of hard learned lessons. When I think back to the goofy things I did as a newbie, it makes me laugh. No excuse whatsoever for anyone to be doing the same thing at a year in.

 

I personally believe the rookies are a lot safer then most. They know that if they get in an accident. It may be the end to their career. They usually take the exits slower then the posted speed limits, and are not prone to tail gate. The more confidence you have usually means the more chances you are willing to take. So going around that 25mph horse shoe curve at 35 or 45 tickles your pride a little. A rookie will constantly get out and look (the safe ones). While you and I are like. "We don't want anybody to think we are a rookie" So if you have the rookie mind set you will be a safer driver. Along with those who are just 2 lazy to filll out those accident reports. So stay safe and keep it professional.

 

Good man next to godliness is cleanliness way to go driver good luck to you

 

Thats always what I have heard