TransAm Trucking, Inc. - Olathe, Ks.?

I think Cranky Pete is right (and not just because he stood up for my honor about the 10 Cascadias) the Rand McNally GPS is a better unit. A lot due to the better side info (Walmarts, TS info, etc.) and speed limit info (speed warnings). I just feel you don't NEED to buy a second unit, the Co-Pilot will get you from point A to point B just as well as the other GPS systems. Since TransAm trucks are governed at 62 company, 65 lease the speed info is not so important to me and Co-Pilot does have basic truck stop info and I fill in the rest via the internet on my phone.

I also agree with Pete about the T-700 turning radius. The T-700 is one big, long pig to turn in cramped spaces. You enjoy the extra room inside, you pay for it when trying to move all that room around in a receivers yard. However, I live in the truck almost 24/7, I only have to make tight turns once in awhile, so I am fine with having the bigger truck.

We where posting at almost the same time, so I missed this earlier post.

Great news about your house! I really feel for the Philippine people. It seems like they have a lot to deal with already and yet mother nature is always ready to give them a kick in the teeth on top of it all.

I felt good about my CDL school, they had us in the trucks and driving on the afternoon of the second day. We had a lot of on the road practice including a 250 mile road trip to Iowa 80 truck stop. However, the TransAm period is really too short. I did not really feel confident in the training but to tell the truth, I did not really want to spend an extended about of time crammed in a truck with a trainer so I was fine with it. I knew just to take it slow and easy on my first few trips. Always focus on driving safe and not hitting anything. Not sure what the GPS is doing? Maybe getting lost? Get lost! Drive the truck first, be safe and worry about the rest later. Even if it means being late, etc.

The short training period is also one reason (of many) that I recommend going company instead of lease as a new TransAm driver.

With your experience in aviation and competence in handling equipment, you will be fine in learning to drive the truck. I think you will find CDL school rudimentary and training in trucking in general to be informal. I have trained in the military model and thought trucking would be much more thought out and organized. Turns out it is much more "good ole boy" style.

Most places are designed for trucks, like Walmart distribution centers, etc. but at least a couple of times each week, you will get sent to a stinker. It is just part of the industry, big trucks in small places. As you get more experienced, you run into less of them. What feels crazy tight in your first month will be no problem later on when you get a feel for the truck.

Of the three trucks I was assigned by TransAm. I thought two where fine and good, one something of a POS. Just too many miles on the bad one. I think you will find the definition of serviceable to be very different in trucking than in aviation. I ran with plenty of problems in my trucks as long as it was not safety related. For example, the fuel gauge on my last truck danced around like Lady GaGa being electrocuted.

Having said that, anytime I brought up a problem with one of my trucks or trailers to TransAm, they immediately addressed the issue and approved repairs and I never had to ask twice.

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Just got back for the Thai market to buy some snacks for a light dinner. How much do the Thais love rice? So much that the squish it into squares and BBQ it!

 

Passport just wanted to tell you that I ment no disrespect or anything towards you when I said that lol enjoy the phillippenes and everyone be safe

 

Here is there Training program schedule. i am still waiting and i not really happy with the process. plus the days are counting down for my learning process, now i will have a week left to learn the ways how trans am operates there loads. i would have liked to use all the 11 days.

 

Lol, it is all good. I only have a year in at TransAm and in the trucking industry. I post to learn as much as anything, so we can all chip in and discuss. Thanks for the info!

 

Good afternoon everyone! Panhandle if you hadn't been hiding from me maybe I could have warned you about the accident! Why are all of you guys coming through here on the busiest family weekend I have had since last fall???? Is it by design? Did Pete warn you or something??? Thank you for the birthday wishes for number one daughter ....she had a nice birthday. It was hard on us ....we all of a sudden realized how grown up she is.

Pete, thanks for keeping an eye on all of them while I am ....hmmmm......sleeping.
gamma, we pick on everyone around here ....like a bunch of siblings when their parents backs are turned! They even have the audacity to pick on me! How is everything going? Getting plenty of drive time? Experience backing?
ajacks, I think about you every day and know that this is a big adjustment for you and the kids.....like all things it takes time.

hslotia, I am so sorry that you are still waiting, but don't get discouraged. Unfortunately, "Hurry up and Wait" is a big part of trucking. The freight can only be moved when it is ready and someone else is in control of that. I know that you are ready to get started and that this is very frustrating....but don't let it get you down. So many times when the timing was way off schedule and you get frustrated and angry beyond belief, you will find out later that it was really a blessing in disguise .....and it saved you from being in the right place at the wrong time. Hang in there!

 

because you live in olathe I am sure they were not as worried about you getting in a truck as someone that had to stay in a motel
if it continues thru the weekend call Darren and see if you can negotiate to stay out 11 days from the day you get in the truck
like passport has said it is disorganized
my second job my road test consisted of go across town pick up a load
I didn't hit anything so I was hired even thou I never should have been not having shifted a standard in 2 years

 

Hey Cranky Yankee: When I found this thread and saw over 5000 posts I thought that I would just catch up with the last few pages, not start at the beginning. I guess that I am in the dark! Are you not with TransAm any more? What are you doing now days?

 

I went to a small company paying $.42/mile full benes paid for for wife and I
go green bay to LA and back 3 times a month

 

Well that's great! Good for you!

 

That was my thought also. Being local may be a disadvantage in this case .....but once you get in your own truck it will be a great advantage for you!