Starting with Henderson Trucking

Watch all the other students, make a mental note of where the tandems are when they make the various turns. If you are lucky and they use the same area constantly you might even see tire scrub marks you can follow.

 

I just don't want to be on a truck with a trainer for 8 to 6 weeks 5 weeks of cool for me 6 to 8 weeks is too long for me well maybe it all depends on the trainer

 

I don't like the idea of long trainer time either, but as you say, a lot can depend on the trainer. I would rather 10 weeks with someone that is easy to get along with than 1 week with the trainer from hell.

 

I would think it as much depends on the skills demonstrated by the trainee as it does the trainer. If after 6 weeks, you still suck really bad at backing and making right turns, I can't see a trainer cutting you loose to solo. But if after 3 weeks you're better at backing and all other skills then the trainer, I can't see the trainer not recommending you go solo, either.

 

Better day today. Got on the truck twice today. Parallel is hard. But I think I've got it. Will try what new technique tomorrow

 

I am a cynic at heart so always have it in my mind that if the trainer is earning money from you being in the truck then why not keep you as long as possible. Especially if you are not tearing up their truck or living like a pig.

I suppose I just hear of too many people stuck in a lease deal that needs trainer/team miles to cover their nut.

That isn't directed at Henderson BTW. I don't even know if they have lease driver/trainers.

 

I guess it all depends on the place and how the compensate for training. Best model I know is where about a third of the "trainer money" is payed ongoing, and the other 2/3 is paid when their trainee completes their 6 months solo, incident free. They tear stuff up, no bonus. They leave early, no bonus.

This also encourages the trainer to keep in contact with past trainees to see how things are going and to encourage them and be there for advice and help. Also, it keeps the trainer motivated to stay there.

 

just reading through about henderson as I'm applying now, finally had enough of comm fishing. I'll put you down as a referral so you can make a few extra bucks firm believer in what goes around comes around so hopefully in a few months i'll be driving for them and some one will do the same for me!

 

What kind of technique do they teach for the parallel?

Good choice, I've heard a lot of good things about Henderson, I'll be starting school on the 26th myself.

 

They want you to get deep in the box before turning swinging your bobtail in. I will aim for the furthest corner of the box