So USX told me this, and it scared me

What was her response when you told her that felt you needed a refresher? If she told you no and you really feel that you do, the responsible thing would be to look elsewhere for a company that will provide you with he training that you need.

Much respect to you for aknowledging this.

 

Wow and to think Knight rejected me because I have gaps in employment but several years of experience. Tell them you are rusty and need to go out with a trainer for a few weeks.

 

Agreed with respecting someone that is humble enough to know their limits. Call Sally at Abilene Motors, she is a straight shooter and no we are not affiliated with USX. They have 3% hold in our company so we can use a better fuel price break.

 

Hook up to a trailer and make a few circles in the yard, shift some gears and give yourself 10 min.
Don't forget to breathe.
I bet by the end of that warm up you ll be like:
I need more miles! This dispatcher sucks, how come I don't have a load yet?

 

Your experience is gauged in the past 3 years so yes you have the required experience to go solo. It won't take you a day or two to pick up where you left off.

Drivers go through training and after 6-8 weeks are on their own. There is a period you will be uncomfortable. You have to leave the nest sometime. If you feel you were having certain problems you need help with then be persistent you want refresher training as you are not comfortable with going solo. They will give you a road test in orientation and you will be evaluated. That person might make the decision you need to go out with a trainer at that time or he might think you'll be okay on your own.

If you do go on your own do good trip planning so you know 100% where and what you are doing. Use your trucker's map, call the customer for directions. Many have prerecorded directions today. Take your turns wide. Too wide is better than running over stuff until you get the hang of it. Never guess decisions. GOAL when in doubt. None of this I think I can.

 

Dito on the first seat driver as soon as your arrive.

Planning on going flatbed OTR in about 8 months, likely specialized haul. Was told by the three companies I'm feeling out that I would get a bit of hands on training in securement (one is glass hauling, the other is empty NG/PG cylinder hauling) but it would be mostly classroom work. Asked if I could have a trainer for a week or two, just to get my OTR legs back and one of them replied "Ah, it's just like riding a bike! I'm sure you'll be fine."

Well I am too, but I'd rather play it safer than sorry.

Anyhow, good call on wanting the additional training; it won't hurt you unless the trainer brings out the duct tape and ky jelly.

 

Don't be scared.

Its just driving a civilian truck.

A monkey can do this.