Can't take it anymore....new drivers you are not slaves

Okay new drivers, finally got your cdl. Finally got hired and fixing to leave with your trainer!!!! Man are you excited!!!!

Just remember a few things when you get out there.

YOU ARE NOT SLAVES.

1. That trainer is making money off your work for training you.

2. Unless your company states that after a certain period you will do a team operation, you are not a team.

3. Ask during orientation what are the exact guidelines during your training. Follow them.

4. Who is your contact during training for problems or issues.

5. If it don't seem right, it probably is wrong.

6. You don't have to tolerate dirty trainers or abusive ones.

7. You don't have to tolerate nasty trucks.

8. You should shower at least every other day.

9. Get your own loyality cards and use then when you fuel or make purchases. Your own points and your own shower credits.

10.Stand up for yourself. Nobody else will.

11.Shop before you leave and have hygiene items, food items and other needed supplies before you leave.

12. Did I mention you are not a slave?

I was a trainer for Roehl and I had a set routine when I picked up new drivers.

1. Sat down and discussed what the goals was and what was expected.

2. Allowed time to settle in.

3. Walked through a correct pretrip, stressing this is what we do prior to moving for the day.

4. Asked if he needed to make a supply run, that half the fridge was his.

5. I drove the first hour or so to give the new driver time to adjust. Butterflys.

6. Showed the new driver how to verify loads and then walked through it. Then let them do it and checked it before it was sent.

7. Had them shadow me checking in with shippers/consignees. Then I shadowed them the remainder of the time.

8. They did the backing, even if we had to find a truck stop with a lot of empty space. And then we would practice till I was comfortable they had the basics down and wouldn't tear something up.

9. Went over the day and got their input on what went wrong and how to improve. Generally over dinner, out of the truck. That I paid for. Afterall, I was making money for training them.

It's not easy training or being training, rather stressful at times, but it's what you make of it.

Once again, new drivers you are not slaves.

And for you trainers that don't treat training as the chance to improve our industry verus just money in your pocket, screw you.

 

You a trainer? If so, for who?

Wouldn't get in your truck.

 

Our industry will not improve unless we force the issues.

 

lol...I started to point that out.