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

Well, I'm in Canada at the moment... lol

Honestly, the strip search (edit: at the border crossing) was rather enjoyable.

 

I'm in New Mexico right now, on my way to Reno.

 

New Mexico is a beautiful state. I used to live there.

Must be cold up there in Canada and even colder with strip searches!

 

It is on. Finally got a hold of Rusty. I will be flying to Richmond next week for orientation on the 20th.

Any suggestions on what all to bring for orientation and training? I have some stuff packed, but want to be sure I have what I need and don't take what I don't need. All suggestions are appreciated.

 

Ok, as a trainer here, this is what I tell my trainees that get into my truck. Less is great. Carl, my trainee now, takes two weeks of clothes and supplies in 2 bags, plus a knapsack for going into the shower. He takes a sleeping bag and a pillow. He also takes a shopping bag with canned foods and snacks. I give him the top bunk, two storage compartments and a drawer.

I can't speak for any other trainer here, so I'm telling you how I do things. I supply bottled water. I also let them build up points when fueling, so their coffee is free. The refrigerator is stocked with my food that my wife makes me. As I use it up and generate more space, they are welcome to buy things and put in there.

I always ask my trainees if they need to stop at a Walmart to restock, and also if they need to do laundry. I don't need to do any of those things, I carry enough of everything to get me home.

What to bring? A heavy coat or sweaters, it's still cold in some parts of the country, a towel from home for when you shower at the terminal. A pair of shower shoes, just in case. Your typical douche kit. Bring whatever chargers you need for your phone, iPad or laptop. Also bring a blank check for your direct deposit. Bring your SS card. Bring your passport if you have one. Bring a notebook to write things down.

Remember, you are a visitor in your trainers truck. These trucks are barely big enough for one person, let alone two grown men. Your training for all 3 stages will be 2-3 weeks each. If you have any issue at all with your trainer, call into safety. If it's a personality conflict, they will switch you into another truck. Good luck, safe miles and ask questions.

 

I fully understand the "man of the truck" thing. And I want to over respect that for who ever trains me. I'll take what is offered and work off of that. I have no issue with that.

That is pretty much what I thought, I just wanted to be sure. Thank you, sir.

 

I know for me, when I get a trainee in the truck that wants to learn, asks questions and listens, it's a pleasure to do this, if it's the opposite, then it sucks. Carl, my trainee now, is a dream. He wants this and I want too see him succeed. Go into this as a learning experience and get through it quickly. Your length of time as a trainee might seem long, but it goes quick.

 

I thought I saw this earlier in the thread, but what part of the pay week period are y'all in currently?

 

We are in the middle. It ends next Saturday at midnight.

 

My biggest downfall right now is my lack of stamina. Once I get that built up, I'll be off to the races and chasing a steak and lobster dinner!! lol