Scared But Excited Female Here

welcome to TTR, don't feel to uneasy about what you read some guy's here just like to complain.you shouldn't have any problems with your trainer.Good Luck

 

They say that if it doesn't make you a little scared or excited it's not worth doing.

 

welcome, and good luck on your training. is you're fiance on here also?

 

Hi, welcome, to the forum. I spent a lot of time reading posts and getting advice while I was in the process of going to school. This is one of the best forums out there. First of all, just a little FYI, depending what kind of school and how long you have to attend, they mostly teach you just enough to get your CDL. Most of the time I spent in school was waiting in line for my turn to practice the skills the DMV requires for you to get your CDL. While I was waiting I'd use that time to practice my pre trip knowledge.

I requested a female trainer, which worked out very well for me. Number one thing to remember is that your a guest on THEIR truck. You might not always like how they do things, but remember its only for a short amount of time, so you have to just put up with it. My trainer had rules upon rules! But, they were to make me a better driver, not just a steering wheel holder. If thing don't jive with your trainer, don't hesitate to ask for a different one. I know some companies hire driver trainers with just 6 months experience! I'm 55 years old, and have had my CDL for about 15 months, it really is a different world out there in trucking land! It's hard work! Fortunately, my hubby has 40 years in so I have a built in trainer! LOL

I guess one of my biggest pet peeves in the trucking industry now days is that, there are very few professional drivers left out there. Not trying to sound like a grumpy pants, but, the things I've seen makes me sad. People do not take pride in themselves anymore. Looking like they just rolled out of the sleeper when going into the shippers and receivers, let alone, meeting a bar of soap now and then! Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now, LOL I wish you the best of luck in your new adventure!

 

Good luck and get ready for a great adventure. At first the new information will be overwhelming but it settles down after that. I still learn something new each day. The surprising thing for me was how mentally exhausted I got when I first started. When I started missing gears I knew it was time to take a break. Never really experienced that before.

 

I drove for Stevens back in 1998-2000. The trucks today are lightyears ahead of what they were back then. They were the basic package truck. Now they're decked out with chrome wheels, APUs, etc. The only tradeoff is they run 62 mph now and back then they ran 64-68 mph depending on whether you were a newbie or a senior driver. My last truck was a senior driver truck that didn't get turned down so I was happy, lol.

From what I'm told, a few of the guys in training/dispatch who were there when I worked there are actually still hanging around.

I can honestly say I don't really have any negative things to say about Stevens except for the home time. I ran 6-7 weeks out at a time. It wasn't that big of an issue for me back then as I was single and had no kids. Now I'm married and have two daughters. My current employer is a small company and gets us home after about 6-12 days on the road. They like to keep tabs on equipment maintenance.

Good luck to you and welcome to the forum.

 

What this guy says... I have been OTR near a year and what some put on here even creeps me out lol. Its alot of jibberish, stay motivated.

 

dont know if it was already stated but....... make sure you and him get all your endorsements! (its easier to take all the test and get them NOW...than it is to "go back later and get them")