Starting training on 4/23/2009

Hello Bretheren,

I'm heading to Marshfield to begin training on 4/23. With all the changes taking place within the industry, I thought I would give you all a day by day picture of what things really are like at the moment. A daily re-cap of the training process, as well as any carrier specific changes. I will try to leave a synopsis on a daily basis as to what, where, when, how and how much! I know that from the time I was accepted into training, up until now, the pay plan has changed twice, the sign on bonus has changed, and god knows what else has changed!
I can't wait to get started, and I'll keep you aprised!!

Budroux

 

My preference is flatbed, only because I've done it before. Reefer would be another possibility, as regardless of the economy, to a certain extent, people have to eat!
I'll keep updating!

 

Hello All,
Sorry it took a couple of days to post, but the hotel they have us in in Marshfield didn't have functioning wireless. They finally got it fixed.
On Monday, we started with a class of 6 and ended with a class of 4. The agility test took out 2 fellows before the day was over. Tough test in which they continually monitor your heart rate while you perform a multitude of tasks, which require repetative climbing and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to sixty pounds. If your heart rate goes over an amount determined by your age, weight, and height, your out. No appellate process. One fellow was local, but the other had driven to Marshfield from Atlanta. Seems they could have you do this test close to home to avoid any unnecessary driving.
The rest of the day was some light paperwork, then right into the manual. Our trainer, Scott, knows his stuff, and is a wealth of trucking knowledge. We went through 4 chapters of the Keller Driver Training Manual. Stuff like control systems, vehicle systems, and vehicle inspection.
Today, Tuesday, we started the day with 2 more chapters in the manual, on basic control and shifting. We then joined a larger group of both students, and new-to-Roehl experienced drivers, for a 3 hour presentation called the Roehl-way. It mostly consisted of safety related topics. I was impressed by the way that Roehl drove home the responsibility to other people we have, as drivers of a 40 ton vehicle. After lunch it was out to the range and into the trucks. with a 2 student to 1 trainer ratio, we are going to get plenty of time behind the wheel. We spent a good deal of time doing left turns and up and down shifting on the range. We spent about two hours doing a thorough pre-trip inspection, then it was back in the trucks for straight line backing.
We have 2 students who have some experience driving a tractor, and two who have no experience. I drove for a few years about 25 years ago, and never had any real training at all. Had a friend who was a driver. I needed a job, so he showed me how to operate the truck in an afternoon, and took me to the DMV the next day for my chauffeurs licence. I'm lucky I never hurt or killed someone let alone myself! I never double clutched, actually never used the clutch except to get the truck rolling. I think the guy's with no experience are doing better with the shifting than I am. Old habits die harder than I realized.
So far so good, except for the guys who were sent home. Everything happens for a reason, and I wish them nothing but the best.
I'll let you all know what tomorrow brings!
Budroux

 

Been doing it for awhile now. Around 20% don'tmake it through the test, although in our class it was 33%.