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Those delays can make it frustrating. I'm not sure they are properly communicating to the students that the trainers are eligible for the standard hometime policy for the duration of the student's training, consequentally the student is stuck waiting at a hotel or worse truckstop, unpaid, while the trainer qualifies for his 1.5/3/4.5 days of hometime. Thats always seems like news to my students, I know Bill in Trenton is pretty good about informing the students, but then again so much is thrown at the new guys at once that sometimes it's overlooked or forgotten. I usually stay out the duration when I have a student with me, except for maybe an overnight or a restart at the house, once they test out I take my hometime. Hang tight, it will be over before u know it!

 

Why wouldn't a trainer attempt to drop the student off near his/her home en route to the trainer's scheduled hometime? I know it would take some logistical work, but why not try?

 

Some will try to if they are close. Keep in mind if they drop you off they have to be able to pick you up, and if they are sent 500 miles in the other direction you are sitting till they get back by to pick you up.

 

Funny that you mention that... Today was my first day in Cartersville and Greg told us about trainer hometime before lunch. I plan to leave my personal vehicle here at the terminal that way if there is a chance at hometime during training it might make it easier. Either way, trainee pay is by the week not the mile so I guess if the trainer takes hometime and I can't get home it is just what it is.

 

i was told they changed training pay to a daily rate not weekly anymore.

 

They can try to get a trainer that lives close to you so you can go home the same time as them but it doesn't always work that way. Remember, most of the trainers stay out way longer than most OTR drivers. Also, while the student isn't being paid to his trainers home time, neither is the trainer.

Dropping a student off enroute to the trainers home time doesn't work either because you will be guaranteed the next load will be going in the opposite direction. Which means the trainee will be stranded. the best thing is to just commit to being gone and realize you have more flexibility to be home when you want once you are in your own truck.

 

Correct. The pay is based on a 7 day work week. Ex: you work 5 days and stay in a hotel 2 days. Your gross pay is $550 (just as an example), you would be paid for the week @ $78.57x5 days you worked=$392.85 GROSS for the week. Remember that's at an example of $550. Many guys don't understand its not a traditional "salary".

 

As cruel as it sounds, their priority is not shuttling to pick up students. They have logistical nightmares in BRF everyday covering loads, utilizing drivers hours, and getting drivers home ontime. The freight moves in waves all over the country and they "make hay while the sun shines". I've had students wait for weeks to get picked up, it all depends on time of year, freight volumes, weather, etc.. just remember they do what they can with what they've got and the students will get the same attention once they are solo drivers. Also, the trucks make $$$ under a load enroute to a customer, not deadheading or driving out of route. First and foremost they are a business.

 

Well said!

While many companies advertise trucking as being "paid to see the country," we are not out here to move around at our leisure. This is a business and the more money the company makes, the more money you can make.