Need your expertise

In order for the "certified" trainer to matter, a few questions need to be answered. First, what are the qualifications for selecting who may be qualified to become a trainer? WHO "certified" them as a trainer? WHAT are the standards to which they are "certified"?

If the only requisite is a short duration of time (90 days) without any major screw-ups...which is typical for most megas...then that 20-year driver is more than qualified to teach his wife the ropes. If the "certification" is simply a nod and a wink from the company following that 90-day period of keeping your nose clean, then that "certification" ain't worth the paper it's printed on. You've got to KNOW the job before you can TEACH the job...which is part of the reason the industry has gone to crap. People get their CDL and 90 days later they think they know it all because the company decided to "certify" them as a trainer...but in reality, they are still a rookie.

 

Pedigreed, that is exactly why, even after 15 years of driving. With only the last 4 being in a T\T. I always tell my employer that I'm not comfortable training or evaluating another driver\new hire. I don't think that I'm qualified to do that. I don't have the experience.

 

But the flip side to this is that they may be able to sell to his employer that as a team. They can do the load in less time.
Guaranteeing more deliveries in the year.
Less lead time to dealers.

It might work, if HE is willing to train his wife.

I for one would never train my wife. I love her too much to do that to her. I would never want to even work with her. It would be too much time together.

 

I know I may be a minority of one but I think your husband needs to be the one looking for a driving Job. With 20 years under his belt this should be a snap? Why are you in here asking this question? Also I will add that you used several phrases in your post that turn my mind off like a light switch when used by a greenhorn. I'm out of this one!

 

Pedigreed is right though.. most Megan's allow someone to become a trainer after only a short time on the road.. some as little as 90.. they go through a simple trainers training class and then get assigned a student..

Not saying that is a good way to do things, and there is new regulations which are rolling out about entry level driver training (ELDT 2020) but it has only just begun so for now, companies can continue doing what they have been doing..

As for the old school way... I learned old school, owing out with a truck driver and learning to drive, the. Took my test and got my CDL and went back out on the road with him for some more training... no CDL school.. and he didn't go through any classes to learn how to to train me.. he was just teaching me what he knew.. how to drive a truck and the ins and outs of the industry..

Anyway to the topic.. most companies know that an experienced truck driving husband is not going to want his wife being out with another trainer, more than likely with less experience then he has, and not many wives want to go out with anyone other than their husband.. so, they allow husbands with experience to train their wives... and with some companies they get the added trainer pay until the wife is trained.. and they either ride team, or she goes solo... he can take another student or not..

 

Gosh darn it... rereading initial post....

 

I agree. If he has a good gig at that small company, making decent money, stay there. If he is a solid driver, they should be willing to allow you to join him.

"But Six, team miles aren't there for the boat hauling."

The opportunity for you to run at a more relaxed pace and make decent money is.

 

I like your thinking, let your hubby make all the decisions, He will look out for you. And Yes over 20 years does qualify him as an experienced driver. Anything under the 20, still learning.

 

Very well said.

 

Well said, Six... as always. Team miles aren't here for my wife, for asphalt with the O/O that I work for.

Could I train her to run what I do, should he add an extra truck? Sure... actually have.

Good info.