Newbie with USA

Discussion in 'USA Truck' started by cjoe85, Jan 7, 2008.

  1. cjoe85

    cjoe85 Light Load Member

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    Nov 2, 2007
    Chicago, IL
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    Hello all, I have just started training with Driver Solutions and will be driving for USA truck. Today was day one. These are the highlights.
    -Physicals
    -Drug tests
    -Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork
    The drug test was fine I suppose. There is someone in the bathroom with you but he doesn't actually watch you go (for those that heard the opposite). After that you go for your physical where you're poked and prodded by doctors and nurses who act like a bunch of chimps hopped up on meth. My rule of thumb is that if somebody's going to grope and grab on you the way I was groped and grabbed today, they should at least buy me dinner and tell me I'm pretty first. Sadly we did lose three people because of high blood pressure. Also, you'll need goggles and an air mask to swim through the loads of paper they throw at ya. All in all it wasn't too bad.
     
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  3. cjoe85

    cjoe85 Light Load Member

    122
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    Nov 2, 2007
    Chicago, IL
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    I almost forgot. If you are expecting to stay at the Hilton, Holiday Inn, or even a decent Motel 6, you need to look further than Driver Solutions. I do have to say though, that I was aptly warned by the members of this site not to expect much, and boy was that the truth. I keep expecting something to jump on me. I just keep telling myself that it is not about the hotel. I am here to learn. With that said I better get back to studying. I'll try to post again tomorrow. Bye.
     
  4. truckingirl3603

    truckingirl3603 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 16, 2007
    Indianapolis, IN
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    You said it best... it's not about the hotel! I went to the Indy campus for school and although the apartments we stayed in weren't exactly a place I would have picked to live (or really even stay at) it was nice to not have to pay for it! I know you pay in back in your tuition payments but not having to pay upfront for a room somewhere was definitely nice. And it brought all the students in my class closer together as we fended for ourselves out there.. lol. Hope all is continuing to go well for you!!
     
  5. cjoe85

    cjoe85 Light Load Member

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    Nov 2, 2007
    Chicago, IL
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    Today I passed all of the tests for the CDL permit. General knowledge- 100%, Combination- 84%, Air Brakes- 100%, and HazMat- 96%, first try!:biggrin_255: I know that the tests ar basically pass or fail, and I'm trying not to get to ####y because I know that the hard stuff hasn't even hi yet. But I still feel pretty confident that I can make it to the end of the three weeks. We lost one to the tests today and have a few that have to retest tomorrow. Now I have to start studying for the Pre-trip inspection. That looks like the real challenge. There seems to be so much to remember with the pre-trip. I plan on sticking with it, and plus I have already made some friends and great study partners, so I hope I'll be alright. I gotta go study now (noooooo!). I'll try to update you again tomorrow.
     
  6. cjoe85

    cjoe85 Light Load Member

    122
    20
    Nov 2, 2007
    Chicago, IL
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    Quite a bit has happened since I last posted. I passed my Pre-Trip inspection (104 out of 105) and my yard test (94 out of 100) and have started the road portion. For anyone who thinks that once you're past the pre trip and yard it's all fun and games, I hate to disappoint, but you are dead wrong. Learning to shift that behemoth is a job in itself. If anyone has any questions about any portion of the training portion, just post it and I'll try my best to respond, and if I can't I'll ask someone at the school.
     
  7. Blues_Dad

    Blues_Dad Bobtail Member

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    Jan 16, 2008
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    hey cjoe, I went through driver solutions also and am now working for USA. Been here about 7 months now. If you have any questions related to the company, feel free to leave me a message, I can let you know anything you need to know.
     
  8. Blues_Dad

    Blues_Dad Bobtail Member

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    Jan 16, 2008
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    oh yes, and forgot to mention, USA is getting rid of the 9400I Internationals and upgrading the fleet to Prostars and KW's, so no more of this ###### 62063 mph bull
     
  9. cjoe85

    cjoe85 Light Load Member

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    Nov 2, 2007
    Chicago, IL
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    Hey bluesdad, first let me say that I just checked out your thread on USA. Sounds like it's not going too badly for you. That is definitely a relief. I did have a few questions though. I've been told that I am guaranteed four days off a month, it that true? You also said that they're upgrading to KWs and Prostars, is that for everyone or just the owner-ops and old-timers? I'll probably have other questions later, but can't think of anything else right now. See you on the road.
     
  10. Blues_Dad

    Blues_Dad Bobtail Member

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    Jan 16, 2008
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    4 days off a month? sure thats true if you work 4 weeks. for every 7 days you work, you will get 1 day off, up to a maximum of 5 days. minimum you can stay out is 2 weeks, maximum is 5 weeks. the KW's and ProStars are for those who have been with the company longer to start with yes, but eventually, every truck in the fleet will be replaced with those. and for home time, dont get disappointed if you dont get home on the exact date you requested. there are times where you will be a day or 2 late getting home.
     
  11. cjoe85

    cjoe85 Light Load Member

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    Nov 2, 2007
    Chicago, IL
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    I went out on the road today. It was a little rough at first, but by the end of the day my instructor said that despite a few screw-ups he has a lot of confidence in me. He also said that I have to remain calm behind the wheel. I go to state to test tomorrow. Wish me luck.
     
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