Ask A May Trainer

That's going to be me too (falling off the bunk)

 

Hence the prudence in taking $90 for 90days. Why are you in the top bunk?
Hope the truck ain't movin". FMSCA violation there. Call your OCM to get moving...........

 

Nah, May ain't like the other companies; at May the Trainer trains and the Student drives.
None of this unethical "team driving" BS like at some companies.

If the students wishes to drive and stay in the top bunk, they are entirely welcome to do so, provided they have really long arms and ignore FMSCA regulations.

(Just don't tell Don in Compliance. If he finds out, he'll have kittens)

 

The truck is not moving. If its moving I will be driving

 

In looking over the list of things to bring and not to bring I noticed "normal" sized duffel bag and asked my recruiter if she had any idea what sort of dimensions are considered "normal." Her response: "Smaller than the bags the army gives their soldiers to put their clothes and other things in. I really don't know because I've never been in a truck." Uh ... ok, thanks. I'm under the impression she means an army surplus bag however that really is no help. Any MTC driver out there (Paloma and/or Scooter) have any suggestions on what size(s) would be normal, or not taking up too much space for a student driver and trainer?

 

I brought:

1. A sheet, pillow, blanket and towel.

2. My toiletries in a small zipper hand bag.

3. Enough clothes for 5 changes, you will have time to wash clothes at truck-stop or some terminals.

4. A light jacket (it was in the month of May).

5. Only the shoes I was wearing.

I brought a laptop and found that was essentially useless when training, especially because I had a smartphone with Internet.

There is no need to bring along a big map as most trainers are going to have one anyways.

I suppose a few non-refrigerated snacks in a bag is no big deal.

Other than that, glasses, a pen and pencil, writing tablet for notes are essential.

Your camera, calculator, mp3 and video player are built into your phone already.

The most important thing is to bring cash and credit or debit card along. You're going to need it!

As you can see, the things I listed above really require very little packing and space.

 

Don is a Retired Oregon State Trooper.

 

I'm not a May Driver. I am an Owner/Op with Thomas and Sons Distributors.

 

there are good lists around here for what a newbie should pack but not much about how to bring it. Not much about luggage. I am assuming that 2 medium duffle bags or perhaps 3 small duffle bags are better than 1 large one. How about 2 medium duffle bags and a day-pack type back pack. I think it would be easier to store 2 or 3 small than 1 large. Does this make sense or am I just that green that I am clueless beyond belief?