Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

At least half of that is MacDaddy

 

As I understand things, here is how training is supposed to go:

Stage 1: Super Solo. The trainee drives the truck as though he were the only driver. Trainer sits in the passenger seat and offers sage counsel. The trainer may drive the truck for short periods, but the truck is not operated as a team operation. Trainee is not allowed to drive the truck between 1:00am and 5:00am Eastern US time.

Stage 2: Team. The trainee and trainer operate the truck as a true team operation. Trainee is now allowed to drive at night.

Stage 3: The Northeast. The trainee will drive to the NE region (Boar's Head in Brooklyn most likely) a time or two (also as a team operation).

My training followed that pattern, except that my first trainer had me driving team from Day 1. I never did the "Super Solo" thing. We always drove team. He did adhere to the "Stage 1 Trainees can't drive at night" policy, though.

There is no set length of time for each stage. It's up to the trainer's judgement as to when you're ready to take the test and move on to the next stage. And then it's up to dispatch and Kimberly to get you back to Richmond to actually take the test.

 

We wave at each other when we pass each other on the road. I have been informed that this is pretty unusual for a trucking company.

 

The waving was mentioned during orientation as a company thing. I cant say I would be so inclined if I was not told that it is something Abilene drivers do.

You do get the occasional driver that won't return a wave or light flash. I've had one tell me he never waves as many drivers ignore him when walking around at the yard so why wave at him when he is behind the wheel.

 

Ive never considered the cameras an issue, that may be because my previous job in a warehouse we were constantly watched on the many cameras installed. Stop to talk to someone on the warehouse floor or come back from break more than 2 minutes late and you would get called in to management and shown video screenshots of your transgressions. Being watched on camera was just a part of working life.

 

I had a job where they watched me on camera. They listened to my phone conversations. They also could see everything I did on my computer. It was just part of the job.

 

They are there to protect the driver and company I guess. Should just be the out facing one. I admit though I'd be uncomfortable eating with a camera in my face.