ABF vs. SEFL...pros and cons for a new driver? Training, benefits, equipment, etc.

My week or so of serving as a driver helper is over. I got signed off by the safety guy to begin my 80 hours of driving with a trainer. That was my first trip out on the road since I got hired two months ago, so it was a bit...interesting (lol)...but not too eventful. At some point before I complete this training and get cut loose to drive on my own...I'll have to attend the P&D course. Anyways...moving right along.

 

The driving is going well. I'm over halfway through my 80 driving hours (only includes the time that the wheels are moving.). I've mainly been doing an urban & suburban route (one route...transitions between the two throughout the day). The traffic and traffic patterns were pretty challenging to deal with the first few days. As my trainer put it..."if you can drive here...you can handle any of the routes."

I'm a LOT more comfortable with it at this point. My first day on this route...I just had this permanent "Oh ****, oh ****, oh ****" inner monologue going, lol.

Some highlights...

- Backing underground and around a corner into a dimly it dock for a delivery (serious "WTF?" moment my first go around).

-Having to use all lanes (undivided and two lanes each way) to back in off the street (common P&D maneuver that's not exactly covered in CDL school, lol).

-Urban driving/having to "drive like you own it (the road)." Again...not exactly covered in CDL school, but a necessity...assuming you want to be able to delivery even a fraction of your freight.

 

I had the training wheels removed and delivered my first solo run. I have to admit that I was a bit anxious my first few minutes, but I settled into it in short order and it went well.

I'm glad they trained me up. I used a good bit of what I picked up from my mentors on my first day alone. I'm lucky enough to work with a group of experienced drivers that are great about helping new guys along. I've still got a lot to learn, so I'll just have to keep taking everything in.