Well Storyteller I have to commend you for living up to your screen name. I thoroughly enjoyed the drive thru story. I have encountered some really crazy turns of events myself and would love to trade war stories some day....
I think why the board tends to be critical of those considering going into trucking is because most really don't understand how much it takes over your life. Most of the posters here (myself included) are over the road drivers and know that we have no control over our sleep schedule, work schedule, where we are sent, how long we are away from home, etc. You have to let go of almost everything your life was before trucking. Very few ever survive more than a few months before quitting. So many of the posters here are just trying to warn the newbs there are many pitfalls and drawbacks to consider. It's not the ability to drive a truck or even the long hours it's the total loss of what most "civilians" take for granted ie. taking a shower daily, having healthy menu choices, having a bathroom close by at 2 am. being able to go somewhere after work, etc, etc, etc
Now to your question of "trying it", don't tell anyone within a perspective company you want to do a trial or you want to drive for 3 months or 6 months. Student drivers statiscally have more accidents, and make more paperwork errors and have more service issues than the average driver. The company invests a lot to train them as well. If they let you come on board they want to think they'll eventually see a return on their investment. Sure 90% don't pan out, but you want to make them think upfront you'll be in the 10% that do. You can leave trucking if it doesn't work for you, all I'm saying is don't let them know you're not sure from the get go.
I wish you all the best and hope you find a good fit with a good company. Personally I think the job is rather easy and fun if you can keep from getting bored or homesick. But I've worked many a job where a 70 hr week was the norm so my perspective may differ from a lot of other newbs.
Can I get a "free trial"?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by thestoryteller, Mar 23, 2008.
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I am seriously considering Schneider......
They also have a program for people who get their license through one of the schools/mills.......... they call it the Advance Drivers Training Course (ADTC)....... basically when you arrive they test you, teach you what you don't know as quick as possible (QC at least) and send you out with a trainer (which I'm sure means you will become a "team" asap)...... in addition, they will repay you for the cost of your school up to $6,000....... they pay you $200 per month toward your tuition with no committment - (if you stay 3 months, they pay you $600, if you stay 2 1/2 years they pay you all $6,000).........
Since I just finished school (on my own dime) and passed 2 out of the 3 tests....... yep, I failed the driving at the first corner (see post below for amusement).......... I would be able to do their little fast-track program....
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...ivers/44963-can-i-get-some-sympathy-here.htmlLast edited: Jun 6, 2008
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I have one of those lives where things just like to happen around me....... I am not kidding you when I say I cannot do something as simple as go to the dry cleaners without having an issue........
My friends actually ask me to go places with them just because they know my presence will insure amusement......
Now, I do have to admit that if the side show doesn't present itself....... I am more than happy to instigate a little humor of my own.......
I mean........ com'on........ who could possibly resist this?
Standing at the checkout line in a 99cent store.
Two teenage boys of about 16 are in front of me.
They both have a package of condoms in their hand(s).
I try to contain myself.
I cannot.
I say, "Excuse me, boys?"
They turn around to the what I am sure looks like their mother.
I continue half-laughing, "I apologize boys, I really do, and I'm sorry.... but there are just some things you should NOT buy in a dollar store.... and those, right there, would top the list."
As they start to smile, I offer, "I will give you two $20 and you can go across the street to Walgreens if you promise me not to use those things." (and I point to the 99cent boxes)
They start shaking their heads.
The whole store is now staring.
I reiterate, "I'm serious, here is $20 (I hold it out), it's not a problem... I have now embarrassed both of you and that alone means you deserve the money."
The boys start stammering....
They talk at the same time, "No, no, these aren't for us... they are a gag.", "They are for a party.", "No, it's okay, really, we aren't going to use them." "No one is going to use them, we'll make sure.", "Really, we promise."
I ask again, "Are you sure?"
They reply thank you but they really are for a party.
I apologize for embarrasing them and they just laugh and say it's no big deal....
One of them says, "Are you a teacher?"
I shake my head yes and he says, "I thought so."
End of story?
Of course not!
I go back to standing in line quietly and my teenage daugher says "Can I take the $20 and go across the street to buy some condoms?"
Yeah....
Now, everyone in the store is laughing!!
I do love my life....lol...
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The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ' Albert EinsteinLast edited: Jun 6, 2008
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