3rd Times a Charm?

I've drove for fiften years, and I only use that pedal to the left for starting and stopping. What is this clutch for shifting you speak of?

 

You know, you are too nervous.Take your time.You can do this.
I think you see this as your last chance job. It is not. There will always be other doors opening, if this one closes. Calm down a little. Remember what you have been taught. You can do this.
We older hands have been trying to tell potential new drivers trucking ain't for everyone. Few people can adjust to the lifestyle. But you can do the driving skills part. Remember what you learned. You can do this.Be cool.

 

Well.......how is going?? Its funny what a few days in the seat can do for your confidence.

 

Honestly, I did not anticipate how much I would miss my kids. My son's 5th birthday was yesterday.

As for driving, the day before yesterday, I stalled out 7 times and 2 of those times were in the 'fast' lane during 'rush' hour traffic. Yesterday, twice; once on a hill. My trainer tells me I'm lucky to have him since many trainers will send you home for much less.

Either way, I will go local as soon as I can. I can already tell OTR will not work for me. I miss the kids too much. And as, the previous poster said trucking ain't for everyone.

 

Are you driving a truck with a manual transmission? I thought USA only had automatics in their trucks?

 

Only 63.5% of their trucks ar automatic. They have just bought 500 new trucks and they are manual. USA Truck is transistioning away from automatics as the repair costs are higher.

I am being trained on a 10 speed.

 

O.T.F. You will get it eventually. It is just going to take you some time. You are lucky to have a very patient trainer though! As for the over the road thing, this is why most drivers quit. Home time! Nearly impossible if you have a family at home! New drivers for some reason just don't grasp the concept of how long they keep you out there! It will take sometime to get over the over the road "shock". After about three months of being out there you will be acclimated to the lifestyle of being gone and in the truck. Keep chuggin!

 

how do you get a .5%? Does one truck have both a manual and auto tranny?

Just messing with ya dude. Good luck out there.

 

Ok Onthefence,

We need a report, are ya still on the truck? I always see all of these posts and they just leave......I guess like the drivers themselves?

 

Sorry, my trainer runs dedicated and the days are long so when I am done, I just eat and sleep. I am in the hotel for the weekend waiting for week 3 of 4. I am getting better at shifting, but I am still not 'good.' my trainer talks me through backing maneuvers, so I have no idea if I can do them alone.

I am quickly realizing how much I miss my wife and kids. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I can't quit or I will not be able to collect unemployment and it took me a year to find this, so I'm still here...for now...