Why oh why do I want to drive a big rig ?

I always appreciate those who keep me on my toes.
ANY time I seem to be inconsistent I want that brought to my attention.

As for Prime Inc., I've known MANY drivers who drove for that company, although I doubt many of them were actually trained by Prime. They all had MANY years of truckin' experience and knew how to git 'er done. Prime gave 'em all the miles they could eat, and they ate miles morning, noon and night, causing a bulge in their
wallets.

For the record, and as a former driver trainer for Schneider, a company that doesn't train like a team, I am TOTALLY against a newBee being "trained" as their trainer counts sheep and/or dollars. The ONLY time I climbed in the sleeper was to give a confident trainee some time to themselves, but I was ALWAYS observing and NOT sleeping. I can tell just from the feel of the Big truck, what they're doin' up there.

Also, at the time I was a non-smoker, before I discovered fine cigars, --- but I'd take smokers anyway. Not being able to light up a smoke can cause a trainee to be nervous, so I'd retire to the bunk so they could relax with a smoke. Actually, the smoke didn't really bother me, but I noticed a big difference in their performance after they enjoyed a tobacco product. And it made them aware that I trusted their driving --- call it a moral boost.

EVERY trainee is different, and I tried my best to adjust my training methods to suit each one, individually. How would a sleeping trainer even know what differences there are in the various trainees?
The ol' It's MY way or NO highway attitude is for those trainers who aren't capable of adjusting their methods, or are just unwilling to admit that there just might be more than one way to reach a destination. Would y'all believe that I, Shakey AfterShock, actually learned how to learn from my trainees?
It's twue!
It's twue!
And I thank them, one and ALL.
YeS I do.

 

AMEN BRO!

And let me add my welcome to the forum here too.

Now, as to companies, you might want to take a little run over to the Pilot and talk to a few drivers about their companies. It's right of I-10 in N Palm Springs.

Good luck!

 

aftershock,

I was just trying to understand what your position is on the subject of trainee's being used as team drivers. I asked because of what you just said in a previous comment, and what you said back when I was bringing the trainee, team driver problem to the attention of the forum, or board such as the case might be.

Thanks for clearing things up by saying/suggesting you don't approve of trainee's being used as team driver's. If that is what you said.

 

YuP!
Good suggestion, Big Don!

The Pilot is at I-10 & Indian Ave.
Also, there's a Big truck hang out in Cabazon --- I-10 & Main Street, --- where the Big dinosaurs stand,
a Flying J in Thousand Palms at I-10 and Ramon Rd.,
Clark's Truck Stop in Indio at I-10 & Monroe St. west bound ---
(Indio Blvd. east bound),
and there used to be a couple in Coachella on Dillon Rd.
I don't know if they're still there.

And, good neighbor, if you're ever in my neck of the woods, there are TWO T/A truck stops in Ontario, California right off I-10 at Millikan Ave. east and west side --- just across the Interstate from Ontario Mills Mall.

Just DON'T EVER park a Big truck in the Mall's parkin' lot.
They'll tow it in a heartbeat --- even if y'all ARE a customer.
They've even been known to tow Big trucks attempting to make a delivery there, while the driver was inside tryin' to figure out where to deliver the load.
YuP!
They're THAT unfriendly.
And why I NEVER shop there.
But, ........... I digress.

 

PapaT I have a friend training with Schneider as I type this. My understanding is they were only hiring for "teams" out of the Fontana terminal when he went a couple of weeks ago. A week ago I checked and they weren't hiring at all when I called their jobline.
I got my CDL through a truck driving school rather than a company program. I believe either way will work to get you started in this industry so it just depends on your specific situation and desire.