My journey with IDC school and training...

Hey Sassy,

Yep, we're back. Got in late last night. We had an amazing time, but I'm SO glad to be home. We both ended up getting sick, his started a couple of days ago, and I woke up this morning with it, but I'm not surprised. Us thin-blooded californians have a hard time adjusting to that cold weather. DANG!

I just talked to our school and we have a meeting with her tomorrow afternoon to start the paperwork. Here we go (again). I just want to get started!!

You sound so excited and I'm so happy for you. I know once we get moving, I'll feel better. It's just so hard doing the waiting thing.

Sounds like Globetrotter's having a little bit of a struggle right now....she'll be okay once they finish this last little bit and then get their own truck.

I'm gonna go lay down for a little while. I'm not sure which is worse, the jet lag or the nasty cough I picked up. Either way, I've missed my bed and gonna enjoy it while I can!

I'll check in with ya later. Happy packing!

 

Yeah your back and starting it all!!!! WaHoo!!! Glad that you had a good time in NY and sorry you got sick! Remember all those warm clothes when your out here on the road, its below Zero in some places!!! Makes fueling unbearable.

Yeah, I was having a tough day the other day, remember the Midol when your out here for that time! hehehe Didn't mean to scare ya with my bad day! We have been out here 6 weeks now and really only had 6 decent days of driving weatherwise, I cant wait until winter is over!!! I think I will be sick the entire months of Jan and Feb next year. hhehehe!

Anywho, keep us posted on your adventure! I will be here when ya need me!

 

Hey Globetrotter!! I read in the other thread you guys got your hours! Congrats, congrats, congrats!!! You sound like the ol' you!

I know it must have been tough out there and I've been admiring you all the way cause no matter what, you've been so up beat. Yeah, you threw me a little there, cause I thought if it's getting to you, then I'm gonna be in trouble, but glad to see you're feeling better.

I really appreciate the encouragement.....more than you know, thank you.

 

Hi Everyone. I just happened to sneak a peek in this forum and thought I would chime in. I am sorry to hear that everyone is having such problems with IDC getting them to school. I was lucky enough to make it through before all these issues. I, too, had to go to Tacoma recently for the simulator training which I thought was bogus. I personally think it is not more than an overpriced video game and not a whole lot like the real deal. K & J are right though about the reason for the hiring "freeze". I guess there have been more accidents this winter already than in any previous years. Interstate used to be one of the companies that was not so easy to get in to. They only hired experienced drivers so this is probably really got them freaked out. I still love the company.. they treat us good and although freight is fairly slow right now, we still manage to pull in a decent number of miles and to be quite honest I am thankful for a more leisurely pace for my first winter out. While in Tacoma, the rumor about Don being fired was confirmed and that really bothered me. I think he just ended up being the scapegoat for all the new hire accidents. There really are some training issues that should be worked out, mostly the winter driving issues, But that simulator is not the answer. I think that unless you go through your regular training during the winter months, they should make the new hires spend a little bit of extra time with a trainer when winter hits. I have a friend who went to school with me who was a solo driver and I felt terrible for him because I knew he was scared and basically clueless about handling the truck on snow and ice and he company repeatedly sent him into those situations although he knew he was not ready for them. That right there is an accident looking to happen. He ended up quitting and I honestly think that was part of his reason. Anyways.. just my 2 cents. Ya'll hang in there and good luck which ever way you go.

Globetrotter.. congratulations on getting all your hours in. I did send you back a private message. Take care!

Tracy

 

Thanks Ladies!!!

Yes, I agree with you GungHoGal about the Simulator (I don't like that thing, a big video game) and newbies that aren't trained in the Winter season. There is just nothing like being out there to get the hang of it, and if you are trying to learn as you go it might not end up well. Our trainer also said this is the worst winter he has ever seen, i am sure your husband, who is a veteran would agree.

One thing that I have noticed out here, lots of company drivers with chaining policies sit when a storm comes in, so anyone especially newbies, if you are in doubt just pull over. I bet IDC and other companies who tell their drivers to chain up and go on are more understanding on new drivers calling it quits when the weather gets bad after so many bad bad accidents. Just last night we saw 3 separate jack knifes accidents and then heard about I-5 northbound being closed to a multiple car/truck pile up. There were lots of trucks pulled over and not too many continuing. Be Careful Everyone!

 

Hey Sassy and Willocouple too!
I was just looking at your list and I have some suggestions....

I would bring twice as many pair of socks and same with underwear. You may not be able to do laundry as much as you would like. That way if you cant you at least have clean socks and underwear. Sometimes, the laundry line is way too long, or places have broken washers/dryers, so you have to skip laundry until another time. I cant stand dirty socks so I brought a ton you may also want to since you are going to be out here during the winter. They get wet before ya know it!

Also, do you have any rain gear that will go over your clothes? Hopefully you wont have to chain as much as we have had too, but my rain pants and coat which I decided to get last minute was the best thing that I brought, along with my winter boots. Every time I was outside in them, I was so glad that I spent the money on it, because I was just going to tough it out. It is amazing how wet and dirty you get when you chain or are just being out in the thick of it. I got a Columbia Rain Jacket and pants at Sports Authority for about $50 and my Columbia fleece boots were about $60, the best money I have ever spent. They may also be on sale now, because winter stuff is prob on clearance. Hubby got a really nice rain suit off Ebay for about $20, it was brand new! being the girly girl that I am I have to go and try stuff on to make sure it still looks cute, so I didnt to the ebay route. This might be especially important because during training we have limited space which means we don't have gobs of clothes to change into when we get all wet or dirty. I know that money is tight when you are doing school and not getting a decent paycheck, but this would be money well spent.

Lastly, I would bring 2 hoodies, and maybe 2 more pair of pants. Sassy, you are lucky in a way now because, now that you are training on your own, that opens up a lot more room in the truck. I can easily sleep on the bunk with all of mine and hubbys things up there with me. So it will be even easier for you only have to bring enough for one. Also, it was a pain with our stuff and we packed pretty light because we sleep together in the bunk so each night when we weren't driving we had to pull it down to make room for us. Another reason I can't wait for our own truck.... Closet Space!

Just some suggestion.... I will let ya know if I think of anything else...

 

Oh good, I'm glad you have the rain gear... that was my main concern. And the socks, but I have this weird sock thing.

I dont think it sounds like you are bringing too much. It is a pain to carry all of it, but you'll manage. You can do it!!! If not bat your eyes at your hubby for help! That will be the hardest part carrying it, but as far as how much you have you will be fine with space on your bunk when you are out on the road with your trainer.

Oh Geez! I am so excited for you! Its almost starting!!!

 

Don't forget a sweater and jacket!