Orientation....

Not driving yet, but here are a few suggestions-take your hat off when entering buildings, stay off the grass, pay attention to everything-dont get caught up with people that dont pay attention-----keep your head in it and have fun

let us know how it goes

Peterbilt79

 

That about sums it up. I'll add, don't drink. If you can't last two weeks without a drink, you are in the wrong profession.

 

I guess I will echo the PAY ATTENTION portion of the previous post. You are there to learn what you need to do for this job. TMC expects you to take it seriously. Be ready to take notes on some things, expecially load securement. If you have a digital camera or camera phone I suggest you take pictures of how some properly secured loads look to save for reference at a later date.

Secondly you need to remember that the entire orientation is like one long job interview. You are not officially hired until the end of orientation. If you do something really stupid or illegal then expect to get sent home. Some people in orientation a week after me got seen at a local bar during orientation. Safety brought in the breathalyzer the next morning and sent anyone home who blew anything other than a 0.000% BAC. If you disregard rules at all while you are being watched then how can they trust you to follow the rules and procedures while on your own hundreds or thousands of miles from the nearest terminal.

If you are going to Des Moines for orientation be sure to take some warm clothing since it may snow any day now up there. Also take some chapstick lipbalm since the wind blows constantly up there.

Good luck and stay safe.

 

As another potential TMC trainee, anything off the wall I should expect from orientation? I don't mind acting like a grown up, been doin it long enough I can play well with others. Digital camera-great idea, thanks. No drinking, easy money. What type of Yard maneuvers are done? Hows the 13 speed differ from a 10? Just outta CDL school, so really wet behind the ears here.

 

They are'nt to bad at the columbia location,you don't need your atlas til you go with your driver trainer,bring something to take notes on,dress accordingly,(neat) shaved trimmed up.Sometimes they like to surprise you with class going til 8:30 into the evening,Bring a snack,or some change,there are some vending machines,chips,candy bars,drinks.You will be doing log books even for class time,Remember,they want you to log on Iowa time.Class at 7:30 am log at 6:30 am,1 hour earlier than here.Alot of information to take in,Get your rest while you can!!! Pay Attention.The load securement you have a diagram paper they hand out,but the camera things not a bad idea.Good Luck

 

Most of the first week is class time,they do have you straight line back into the dock,they run you around the parking lot to watch you shift.13 speed is just an H pattern,you won't be going out of 4th gear.You'll see,they give you an instruction sheet with gear pattern,just remember Double clutch,(clutch nuetral/throtle clutch gear) they want you to stay below 1100 rpm,progressive shifting.alot of video's to watch,alot of notes to take.AND OH YES QUIZES. Get your rest while you can lol

 

The yard maneuvers will be similar to the ones in driving school with an alley dock to both sides and a parallel park to both sides. DO NOT hit a cone.

They do a lot of training with the 13 speed transmission, TMC realizes that perhaps 1 out of 100 driving schools has a 13 speed truck. It is just a 8 speed pattern with an extra split of the top 4 gears. On the left side and forward is the Reverse gear, behind that is the Low used infrequently. In the middle position forward is 1st, middle back is 2nd, right forward is 3rd, right back is 4th, then flip the button up and return to the #1 spot for 5th low, there is a thumb button to move forward for 5th high, then repeat for 6th lo/hi, 7th lo/hi, and 8th lo/hi.


Now something to prepare for orientation is to properly train your hand. Every day leading up to orientation fill one peice of paper with your name, ssn, dob, and signature on each line front and back. You will repeat that information about one million times the first couple of days . Your arm will ache and your eyes will get fuzzy if you aren't ready.

 

Be on time, every time.
Get your rest.
Stay hydrated and pack something healthy to snack on or change for vending machines.
Make sure you have work boots and gloves.
They will have hard hats (required for securement) and safety glasses, but you might want to bring a decent pair of unscratched glasses for your own use. You'll need them long term, anyway.
Bring some lightweight rain gear in case it rains during outside work.
Plan to get dirty during the weekend during securement training.
Shut off your cell phone except during breaks.
Take lots of good notes.
Pay attention.
Don't hit anything!
Get along, and don't get caught up in someone else's drama.
Try to relax on the road training while concentrating on driving/shifting/turns, etc.

The first week is mostly classroom. Hotel (Country Hearth Inn, Columbia) is fine. There is a Piggly-Wiggly just behind it and fridge/microwave in the room, and laundry washer/dryer at the hotel. Several fast food places in easy walking distance. As was stated by others, stay out of the sports bar and that scene, too much at stake.
Most of the yard and road exercises will be like school, only more of it and more detailed. You'll learn some really helpful setups and moves. Schedule changes somewhat every day, so pay attention to starting/pickup times. Plan on staying late (9pm) one night in the middle of the first week for introductory yard drive and backing. You won't find out until that afternoon, so don't be taken surprised by it.

Orientation was kind of like being on "Survivor", someone goes home almost every day, either their choice or TMC's. Just do what they tell you and give it your best. They're a good group of trainers and you'll learn there. They are trying to weed out and prepare you to hand over to road trainer.