The New FFE Driver Academey

I went home a few days ago and found out that FFE sent a certificate of completion to me since my one year was up. It said I had completed the 140 hour training course and my financial obligations were met. I was wondering if I would get anything official, and now I know.

MachoCyclone was in my class, and based on what he has told me and what I have seen, there are about 5 or 6 of us left after one year. At one time, there were as many as 30 students in my class. I think about 15 graduated, and I know that two dropped out during the 6 week OTR training.

 

roadrunner70, let me offer my congratulations on sticking it out and getting through that first year. Most of the long time drivers I have talked to tell me the first year is usually the toughest.

As for me, quitting or failure is just not an option. I will not voluntarily leave for any reason, because I will likely wind up homeless if I don't make it because of the situation I am currently in. That will give one a kick in the tail to succeed if anything will.

 

I have heard that too in any trade the first year is all ways the hardest but you learn if you can make it in any industry but im confindent i will make it and you too bro

 

Alright bigbird, this will possibly be my last post until Monday evening depending on cell signal. I'll be arriving in ft.worth around 9:00 tomorrow night. According to my itinerary I received, the only thing Monday will be the physical and some paperwork. The last dot screen I did was about seven years ago and it wasn't too bad. As far as failing goes, I'm pretty much in the same boat it sounds like. Just left a pretty good job of four years for this. I sold my car to supplement my income for my wife and kids to live on the next few weeks. This is a huge step for me but hopefully just a one year stepping stone to a decent local job.

 

Again, good luck. I am looking forward to your next post.

 

Guys, the physical is no big deal, the school is enjoyable, the people are great and it is designed for you to succeed. Just remember to stay focused on what you are doing, keep your opinions to yourself, and follow the steps as set up at the school. No need to suck up, no need to be special, and no need to talk yourself up. Just concentrate on the task at hand. I have had a great time here, have no plans to leave, and make good money. I read some of these posts, and wonder what the hell are they talking about? One year ago I moved to LTL. It has its own challenges, but I like the high # of drops and Pickups. Some days I will bump 10 docks. I have never been treated poorly since I got off my training DM, and alot of these people have become my friends. As in regular life, your have people who are never happy. My trainer after I got out of school still keeps in touch with me, and I with him. After 2 years I still learn every day, and sometimes I wonder how I survived this long. This is an intricate and every changing job. You learn what you need to know in a class. It takes alot of time and experience to get there, and I am not there yet. If you have questions, email me. I will be more than happy to help. Good luck, I have no regrets.

 

FREEZERGEEZER, thanks for your comments. This is the type of message I believe newbie truckers should be reading and heading. As for me, I wear hearing aids, and am on meds for BP, fortunately under good control, but it is still a worry. After passing the physical, I intend to do exactly as you advise and stay focused and keep my trap shut and listen, unless I am asking legitimate questions.

As for your comments about people and their negativity towards FFE and other companies for that matter, I agree. There is no doubt that in EVERY company there are going to be issues and problems that could be handled differently, but we should remember that we are dealing with humans and all their frailties, not just in trucking but everywhere. Some people handle adversity much better than others. Add to that the inherent difficulties of being away from family, home and friends for long periods, then you will have people that are going to vent negatively. I really have to question the motives of a number of the individuals that regularly complain and blast seemingly every little detail about their companies on this site. I would say they should get out of the industry and find something that is more appealing, but for many of those, I don't think it matters. They would b###h if you hung them with a brand new rope.

I recently spent a few hours at the local Flying J. I talked directly with a number of truckers from mega carriers, and one from a small California based company to learn all I could. I wanted to be able to look drivers in the eye, and read body language, etc, which although not foolproof, would allow me to get a better idea of what the drivers truly felt, as opposed to anonymous posters in a forum. Every single one I talked to did not hate their company except ironically, the one from the small company. He was willing to point out to me what bothered him as he fueled his truck. He was upset because the company was giving him what he considered an unsafe truck, and he showed me why. In that instance, I could not blame him, because he was having difficulty getting the company to fix the problems concerning safety.

While hanging out at the truck stop, I also overheard several conversations between drivers as they came and went. Most were just simple and friendly. One I overheard in particular though I can't help but believe was the TYPE of person that posts a great deal of the negativity on these forums. He was the type of obnoxious and poisonous personality that any optimist would abhor, or even most realists for that matter. He was the type that will complain about anything and everything in the world that beats him down to anyone that would listen. They feel compelled to trash companies based upon their own perceptions and must warn everyone away. However, in this type of person's mind it is NEVER their fault. You never hear the company's side of the story. Some of the drivers certainly have legitimate beefs on here, but newbies I believe would do well to understand our point.

 

though i don't drive for ffe, this applies everywhere. keep a good attitude and don't dwell on the negativity about the job. you will have great days and really bad days. but with a good attitude, you'll get thru the bad days. good luck and be safe

 

Ok just finished up day one. As freezer said it is legitimate here, Kevin is great to getting people up to speed. If you can get here early on Sunday its best. I didnt get a whole lot of sleep last night due to getting to the hotel at 10 and the shuttle leaves at 530 am. Get to know your cdl manual before you get here and its a lot smoother sailing. Also make sure you drink plenty of water or you will be peeing in a cup on day two as well. So far we lost one student out of fourteen and 3 are on the verge of going home in the morning. Ill keep yall posted as to what day two brings!

 

Just remember to do everything their way and you will do fine. The ones that don't usually go home. I am sure you will do fine. Best of luck to ya and look forward to seeing you on the road.