Any tips for the new kid on the block?

Here's what you do:

You make note of the fact they are a crappy t/s and you don't stop there anymore.

But, since your hubby is with a trainer, he (probably) doesn't have any say-so in the matter so he might as well accept the situation and stop complaining.

No one wants to hear anyone else's complaints and in the trucking business, no one cares.

He needs to grow up and accept life as it is on the road.

There are FAR more crappy t/s's than there are good ones. But, the good ones are usually full. In time, he should learn where to stop. But, in the meantime, he should stop whining.

 

you have to remember those people that have 20 yrs driving had to start new just like you and me and they weren't perfect either. I just got my cdl and will be starting my first job the start of Aug. but if this is something that you want to do--- then you will be a happy man. I wish you the best of luck!! and keep those tires on the ground and turning

 

When you first start in the trucking industry, you have to "go with the flow"...Meaning, if your rolling with a trainer, you have to do thing's on his schedule. He's the boss and when he decide's to shower, that's your opportunity to get-er-done quick and be ready for anything. You will learn to eat quick,shower quick and if need be go without any of the above.

I know it's BS, but that's the score. Flexibility is the key to surviving when your learning. When I started with a trainer back in the 1970's. I didn't get paid for 8 month's. The guy bought me food and beer. (I was 16). He was an alcoholic and almost turned me into one. We went many day's without shower's and one meal a day!. Good thing I was young and strong and wanted very badly to learn this trade. It was either trucking or the Army........

He eventually paid me after those 8 month's.......


By bailing me out-of jail, when I got caught siphoning gas out of other people's car's, just to get to his house ,to get to go with him for another month of drinking beer's and trucking this country back and forth. I'm lucky to have survived. There is way more to this story, but you get the drift.

 

exactly my point. I have some college education, but past professors ruined my outlook on what i wanted to do. Besides, i enjoyed doing things 'hands on'. Now everything is automated in the face of getting things done for time. I went to college to be an architect. Guess my handle on here should have been Mike Brady.

I am looking to get bills paid, and the fastest way to do it, and a chance to somewhat be my own boss is being a OTR driver. Wasnt something I grew up wanting to do as a kid (or i would have done it when i turned 21) but over time, I've just got sick of all the butt kissing one had to do to get promted anywhere. I got sick of having to be a friend of someone in charge to get up the ladder.

I will be on the open road, and have (what might seem) complete freedom.

 

Good point,two kinds of people in this worldnes that love working side by side with other people and the ones that don't.

I feel like the papermill I'm in right now is on a death spiral trip.When that day comes I will get in to trucking myself I'm 45 years old and also sick of working for cutthroat management and working in 100deg. heat patching crap together with used parts to keep it running because they don't want to spend money to fix it right.
I know trucking has management just like any place else but at least you don't have to face them every day and listen to all the political sh$%.

 

Good call Mandiesel....less sh&* while on road at least face to face
But there is always QUALCOM

but that can be ignored ( for a while anyway)

 

Be careful what you wish for ................starting out in trucking and even for the veterans will tell you it all depends on where you end up or go thru. It can be hard and is for many people. The company I work for has many people in bad shape and complaining but I have been very fortunate and don't have much to complain about.

Good luck to you.........

 

The freedom of the road has given many people piece of mind if not all complete financial freedom.

I completely enjoy the job. Seeing the country. Being away from home for awhile. Having a week off at a time to travel if I want.

I spent the better part of 20 years in a job that of course required close customer contact and support. I became absolutely wore out from it. Always having to be nice and kiss up to bosses and customers everyday every jobsite all day.Taking the hit in the name of customer service/satisfaction. Driving, I see dock sup. when p/up and might not see the deliver dock sup at the consignee for 2-3 days.Dealing with a customer maybe 5-6 times in a week.

Their are politics and some kissing up to your dispatchers though. They are your bread and butter. So if their is truly anyone you do not p---off it is them.

But good luck to both of you guys..........

 

Eagle Ones Wife-Update:
He was sent out for another week because he didnt have the required driving time needed. Then when he was supposed to be getting his driving hours, the trainer decided hes going to take 3 day hometime and left him in a motel. Now he's only received 1/2 his paycheck, they took out for the motel and insurance for me(which Im not even supposed to be on the insurance) and they're telling the trainer to get his **** back to base and want to see his logs and saying my husband has invalid driving hours! I dont know whats going on, but this is bull******! And I dont like to say those words! I dont know what that trainer has done, but it better not cost my husband his Job!

 

I'll echoe all the previous advice and add some tips. DO NOT PUT BOOGERS, HAIR, FINGERNAILS, EARWAX, or FROMUNDER CHEESE in the chicken at the buffet at the Flying J. DO NOT LEAVE URINE BOTTLES on the ground at the truckstop, in a rest area (pickle park), or anywhere on the road. DO NOT PARK AT A FUEL ISLAND AND GO SHOPPING IN THE TRUCKSTOP. TAKE A SHOWER AT LEAST EVERY TWO DAYS (religion permitting). No SCREW THAT, TAKE A SHOWER NO MATTER WHAT YOUR RELIGION IS. YOU DON'T WANT TO BE ALL FUNK WHEN DEALING WITH CUSTOMERS. IT REFLECTS BAD ON YOUR COMPANY. HAVE A GREAT CAREER. YOUR GONNA LAUGH MORE THAN YOU EVER HAVE. YOUR GONNA CUSS MORE THAN YOU EVER HAVE, AND YOUR GONNA HAVE MORE FUN THAN YOU EVER HAVE. BE SAFE.

GOOD LUCK N GOOD TRUCKIN
Retiredhand