Orientation in Carlisle, PA

Discussion in 'Schneider' started by Blue Hotel, Jul 28, 2016.

  1. AM14

    AM14 Road Train Member

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    Jefferson Twp. NJ
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    About what year did Schneider start using qualcomms? What they should do is turn the screen off halfway through the trip to simulate the blue screen of death like in the real world when the QC takes a crap and have the student break out the Atlas and find his or her way back. I'm sure that would take way too much time though and students are tense enough on that final day. Better yet, have the TE do it once while the student is out with them for that week. Maybe some do this, mine didn't though. How bout it @gentleroger Have you ever done this?
     
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  3. AM14

    AM14 Road Train Member

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    Jefferson Twp. NJ
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    Getting back to the original topic... nothing really comes to mind about stuff the recruiter didn't tell me. I was actually quite impressed with the recruiter I dealt with. They will send you a list of stuff to bring with you. Use the search bar here for packing lists as well. There are a ton of threads and they were all helpful to me. Pack as light as possible but still have what you need. It's tricky to find the balance but you'll figure it out. I did my training in December so I had twice as much stuff as I would've had if I went in the summer.

    Also drive yourself if that's possible. I left my truck at home for my wife to use in the snow and I was probably the only one there without a car. There's a lot of stores within walking distance but it'll take some time. That and most people in the 3rd week drove to the OC instead of taking the bus with the newbs. The hierarchy starts early at Schneider apparently. The training was pretty intense. They really throw a lot at you in those 3 short weeks but I really enjoyed it. The experience far exceeded my expectations. Best of luck to you.
     
  4. Blue Hotel

    Blue Hotel Bobtail Member

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    Jul 6, 2016
    Richmond, VA
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    So I hate to be all OCD with everyone. I just want to be super clear on some things. I'm afraid I'll get there and they'll be like "no, go home now, you should have showed up with this or that, I don't care what your recruiter told you." I get very worried over little details, mostly because I've never been in a workplace where other people were understanding. I have to prepare as much as possible. I'm sorry to keep asking.

    1. I don't need to provide my own atlas, they'll have them there.
    2. Schneider will sell me the appropriate footwear via payroll deduction, so it's ok if I wear my normal shoes.
    3. The kingpin lock is also sold to me via payroll deduction so I don't need to go find one right now.
    4. Wait until/if I make it solo to purchase a decent GPS.
     
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  5. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

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    Yes and you don't need to by a gps. The truck has one integrated in the Qualcomm it's called navgo , but you really need to learn how to read and use an atlas
     
  6. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    Wapwallopen, Pa
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    This is the atlas to get. You'll thank me later.
    https://www.amazon.com/Rand-Mcnally-Atlas-Large-Scale/dp/0528011499
    [​IMG]
     
  7. Friday

    Friday Road Train Member

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    Apr 7, 2016
    Charlottesville, Va
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    Don't be silly and buy the expensive atlas. The non laminated works just fine for what you'll need it. They'll issue it to you along with selling you a pair of approved footwear and a kingpin lock. They'll also give you a trailer door lock.

    Do buy a truck gps. Not right now, whenever you've the money to spare. You do have the Qualcomm gps but she's a cruel evil wench that will send you on mountain goat paths instead of a convenient interstate that goes the same way to save a mile or two on route. Don't bring your own gps to your trainers truck. I recommend the rand McNally 730, it's plenty big enough vs the 8" tablet and can be found on Amazon refurbished for less than $200 sometimes.

    Buy/bring a sleeping bag for your week with the TE. Seriously. You don't need to be sleeping on a mattress that countless strangers have slept on. Also either bring money or food. Your TE will call you a day or so before he picks you up, ask him about food ideas.

    Drive your own car if that's possible. I did and my time in training was awesome compared to some. You don't have to take the bus at all, which gives you an extra 30-45 minutes in the morning to do whatever. Also shopping for stuff is way easier.

    Overall, just show up with a good attitude and be willing to learn. Don't get in any arguments with anyone and be nice to the trainers no matter what they do. Don't stress too much! And they won't send you home for not bringing something. well. Maybe if you don't bring your CDL...
     
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  8. kh99

    kh99 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 28, 2016
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    I think the things that will cause you problems if you forget them are your license (like someone mentioned above), and acceptable employment eligibility documents https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents/list-documents/form-i-9-acceptable-documents . I think you actually need to be an employee before driving their trucks, even for training, so they do everyone's medical and agility tests the first day, as well as filling out the employment paperwork, then everyone who gets through that is an employee starting on the second day (Wednesday) .
     
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  9. Friday

    Friday Road Train Member

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    That's right. Don't get laid for that first day since you're not an employee. After that though, every day whether you're working or not. So if you get done with your TE on Friday of week two and don't need to be in class until Monday, you're still getting it every day. Good stuff.
     
  10. AppalachianTrucker

    AppalachianTrucker Heavy Load Member

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    You'll be given a map and compass.
     
  11. mickeyrat

    mickeyrat Road Train Member

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    Nov 24, 2011
    on my 30 min break
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    new trucks come factory installed. no other older truck without will have one installed by anybody who wants to keep their job.
     
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