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Start Orientation July 2014

Discussion in 'Melton' started by Gr8Dane, Jun 21, 2014.

Page 6 of 12
  1. Jul 8, 2014 #51
    Gr8Dane

    Gr8Dane Bobtail Member

    47
    9
    Jun 21, 2014
    Chicago, IL.
    0
    2 guys let go day 1... 1 was for driving and the other I'm not sure.
     
    Gr8Dane, Jul 8, 2014
    Gr8Dane, Jul 8, 2014
    #51
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  3. Jul 8, 2014 #52
    Requiemforroksy

    Requiemforroksy Bobtail Member

    42
    4
    May 18, 2013
    0
    Hey gr8dane

    Do you know what kind of driving would cause you to fail. Since most people are recent grads I would imagine their driving/shifting is not perfect? What do they look for with that? Also what was the physical like, did they have you do the crouching and stand on one leg type of thing?

    Thank you and I hope all is going well for you :)
     
    Requiemforroksy, Jul 8, 2014
    Requiemforroksy, Jul 8, 2014
    #52
    bnrobot Thanks this.
  4. Jul 8, 2014 #53
    Gr8Dane

    Gr8Dane Bobtail Member

    47
    9
    Jun 21, 2014
    Chicago, IL.
    0
    I wasn't in the truck when the guy drove but from what I heard is that he put the truck in reverse a few times and stalled it while on his road test. I think that's a fail in most anyone's book.
    I think you can mess up on shifting a bit as long as you recover...they know your a new student with a fresh CDL. You aren't gonna be perfect by no means.

    As for the physical it wasn't bad at all... Just show you have full motion in all your limbs, you can crouch and get up a few times, lift 3 different weights of tarps and put them on the trailor bed and balance on each leg for 30 secs. I think that is probably a typical DOT exam for flatbed but don't quote me on that... lol I've read other flatbed forums and they seem to be very similar.

    Things are going good so far thanks! :)
     
    Gr8Dane, Jul 8, 2014
    Gr8Dane, Jul 8, 2014
    #53
    Bass Ackwards Bo and mparks90 Thank this.
  5. Jul 8, 2014 #54
    Gr8Dane

    Gr8Dane Bobtail Member

    47
    9
    Jun 21, 2014
    Chicago, IL.
    0
    Oh, I've also seen that some flatbed companies make you walk on a 4x4 for 6' to 10' without falling off. That can be kinda tricky but I've personally done that more than a few times in the construction industry.
     
    Gr8Dane, Jul 8, 2014
    Gr8Dane, Jul 8, 2014
    #54
    Bass Ackwards Bo Thanks this.
  7. Jul 8, 2014 #55
    Mrh2008

    Mrh2008 Road Train Member

    1,288
    310
    May 25, 2012
    Mesa, AZ
    0
    On the road test, they're looking for unsafe driving. Keep the truck under control and you'll be fine. Miss a gear? Find one and your ok. But if you don't find one and lock up the brakes sliding thru a stop sign, you're done. Physical isn't anything special. At sunnyvale, all we did was lift tarps and stand on one leg + the normal stuff. BP, vision, hearing etc.
     
    Mrh2008, Jul 8, 2014
    Mrh2008, Jul 8, 2014
    #55
  8. Jul 9, 2014 #56
    Requiemforroksy

    Requiemforroksy Bobtail Member

    42
    4
    May 18, 2013
    0
    Well all of this seems reasonable. Like Mrh2008 said it seems like its more about safety then perfection. Its a realistic expectation of what the job is going to be like. You're doing all this in Tulsa right? The truck that you drove for the test was a 10 speed? Also what was the backing part of it like. Thanks for all your info on this and I'm glad everything is going good for you so far :)
     
    Requiemforroksy, Jul 9, 2014
    Requiemforroksy, Jul 9, 2014
    #56
  9. Jul 10, 2014 #57
    Gr8Dane

    Gr8Dane Bobtail Member

    47
    9
    Jun 21, 2014
    Chicago, IL.
    0
    Yes, this is in Tulsa. From what I've seen all the trucks are 10 speed KW's. Backing so far was just a straight back...not a big deal. More backing to come tomorrow I think...most likely angle backing, not sure tho.

    Lots of stuff on the Smith System, trip planning and HOS the last few days with securement and driving added in. Busy, busy,busy ;)
     
    Gr8Dane, Jul 10, 2014
    Gr8Dane, Jul 10, 2014
    #57
  10. Jul 10, 2014 #58
    Bass Ackwards Bo

    Bass Ackwards Bo Bobtail Member

    34
    7
    Jun 12, 2014
    Jacksonville, Florida
    0
    I'm following this as well, please keep the good info coming.
    I'm looking to start a career behind the wheel as well.....I initially got my CDL-A right as I retired from the USN back in 2008.....just renewed it, and got my Tanker Endorsement.....trying to decide who to go with.....but I'm sure I'll need to go thru refresher training first. Aside from that, I'm trying to decide between Schneider and Melton......primarily due to their Veteran Program.....Melton has the 12 month OJT for Vets, and Schneider has the 12 month Apprenticeship program.......both offer VA Benefits while driving.
     
    Bass Ackwards Bo, Jul 10, 2014
    Bass Ackwards Bo, Jul 10, 2014
    #58
  11. Jul 15, 2014 #59
    Gr8Dane

    Gr8Dane Bobtail Member

    47
    9
    Jun 21, 2014
    Chicago, IL.
    0
    Finished oreintation monday. Out of the 10 who showed up the first day 5 of us made it thru.
    Waiting on trainer who is suppose to be there tomorrow morning to pick me up. Looking forward to getting on the road. I must say the instructors did a pretty good job of getting us ready. I know it's only the tip of the iceberg and I have tons to learn but I'm excited about the oppertunity I have before me.

    Will try and keep this updated as i progress.
    Safe travels!
     
    Gr8Dane, Jul 15, 2014
    Gr8Dane, Jul 15, 2014
    #59
    Bass Ackwards Bo Thanks this.
  12. Jul 15, 2014 #60
    Requiemforroksy

    Requiemforroksy Bobtail Member

    42
    4
    May 18, 2013
    0
    Good to hear, good job :) What were the reasons the others didn't make it? I know you mentioned one before for his driving. Good to hear the instructors taught you well, was it more focused on the securing/tarping aspect or that mixed with driving/backing type of thing? I hope everything goes well for you with the trainer. Stay safe :)
     
    Requiemforroksy, Jul 15, 2014
    Requiemforroksy, Jul 15, 2014
    #60
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