COVENANT -- From a wife's perspective

I had to almost pry my butt off of the seat when I was driving through construction zones the pucker power was so strong. So I understand what he was going through.

A good trainer would let the trainee slow down through the construction zones I did my trainer was like what is going on I said I am not comfortable driving the speed limit going through here. He said that is allright you will be use to it and soon you will be doing the speed limit.

My trainer understood when and were I had to stop to use the bathroom get something to eat, etc. all he wanted me to do is tell him when we were leaving the highway so he could hop up front.

I agree you can only go down a mountain one time too fast tell your hubby to go as slow as he feels comfortable down the mountain there were times were I had to slow to 25 mph due to my weight in the trailer.

He needs to get a new trainer because all his trainer wants is a good check and he does not care about the student.


My trainer wanted a good check which he most of the time got but I would not let anyone push me to drive outside my comfort zone no matter what.

Your hubby seems to know how to drive safe because he wants to slow down in bad weather and in the construction zones.

That means that he knows his limits but he feels that he is not able to use his better judgment due to his bad trainer telling him to keep up the speed.

The best advice for him is to get a new trainer and stick it out for the required time in his contract.
If he can stick it out for 2 + years then he can get a local job driving a truck.

 

The company has to pay him no matter what.
He will not be labled a trouble maker for requesting a new trainer. He just needs to be honest with the company tell them he does not think that his trainer is the best one for him because he is not leting him stop to use the bathroom or get something to eat, plus the trainer pushes him to drive faster even though he does not feel safe to do so.
If he mentions something regarding saftey they will be more than happy to get him a new trainer.
Look at it this way if your hubby just bails out and says nothing to the company this trainer could force someone to drive faster than they feel comfortable to drive and there can be a serious accident because of this trainer.

 

[/quote]I don't think Redcoat is being abused per se. I think he is just being totally neglected to deal with his fears on his own. His trainer doesn't communicate with him so that avenue has been shut down. [/quote]

That's just it... he is being abused, and will continue to be abused for the remainder of his time there with a trainer. He makes what, a couple hundred gross a week ($300-$350?) and the trainers gets his miles... Welcome to OTR training for newbies... it's a joke. Trainer makes money, company makes money. Student driver... gets depressed and leaves and is replaced by the next one in line. The company couldn't care less.

 

I have to agree with inthewindaz, request another trainer. Nobody should force anyone to run faster than they are comfortable. Running in 9th gear bad for the trans? Only of he over RPMs or under, then it worst on the engine. But you can run in any gear..

 

Me too, Mr. G.
When I started my REAL training, I-5 through portions of the Siskiyous was under construction on the downhill side. Lanes were narrow and the right lane was closed. I felt like I was holding up traffic and was tempted to push it beyond what I felt was comfortable. My trainer told me NOT to do that, but rather drive within MY comfort level. He put it this way,
You're hauling precious cargo, that being you and me.
Drive accordingly.

He also turned the CB radio off so we didn't have to listen to the less than understanding drivers behind us, trying to speed things up.

Absolutely correct!

Common decency dictates no less.
By definition, a trainee is not up to speed yet. They're not used to sitting for hours at a time while driving OR riding in a vehicle. It takes time to develop the ability to do that.

Taking breaks more often than a seasoned driver would normally take can be beneficial. It gives the trainer and trainee a chance to relax and collect their thoughts. Review what has transpired that day, so far, and review what's ahead. Go over the maps to become better at map reading and recognize what's ahead. Mountains? Flat lands? A combination? Knowing these conditions can help a new driver understand where they'll be able to make time, and where they'll be slowed down.

They may not be able to digest ALL that information, but over time and repetition, it begins to sink in.

YuP!
Try this ------ dispatch informs you that the load in your wagon is valued a over one million dollars. Knowing that, even the mountain grades I was familiar with, and comfortable descending faster considering the weight in the trailer, I STILL elected to back 'er down, Jake on high and geared down.

If/When other drivers made comments about my speed, I just thanked them for their concern and explained I wasn't hauling Shake & Bake. That's why I made the bigger bucks.
And enjoyed my job.

I've hauled custom, one of a kind calendar motorcycles, a Super Bike race team to the guidance system for Navy BIG guns. Those loads HAVE to arrive in one piece. Failure is NOT an option.
I was well paid for my abilities to git 'er done. And I thank my trainers for instilling in me a professional attitude. That carried me to my goal of being one of the better Big truck truck drivers.

A GOOD training is not unlike the foundation for a skyscraper. Without a good foundation, the building WILL be compromised.
Same thing for a trainee's driving future.

It sure appears that way.

Years of driving experience does not necessarily a good trainer make. I've known trainers, and I'm told I was one, of the trainers with less road experience who were actually better trainers. Why is that?
Hmmmmmm
In my case, I think it's because I could still well remember what it was like being a trainee, and adjusted my methods to each individual trainee. Some folks seem to be better as trainers than others, too. IMO, there's nothing worse than a trainer with an "I'm the boss who knows it all" attitude.

BINGO!

Double BINGO!
I agree.
And after speaking to Redcoat over the phone, I'm even more convinced.

I think so too.
But ultimately it's going to be Redcoat who has to make that decision.
I think, if he decides to call it quits all together, the truckin' industry will have lost a fine prospect. In fact, with more experience, I think Redcoat would make a great driver trainer.

And that right thar is a cryin' shame.
There oughta be a law.

Why doesn't that surprise me?

Did he mention that he didn't plan on driving for Covenent for very long to the company, or his trainer?

IMO, he shouldn't have had to be concerned. What he's going through now, NO trainee should be subjected to. At least not if a company plans on them succeeding and remaing with the company for any length of time.

I think that request is MORE than fair. And I would be interested in hearing from them also. I don't want to believe this is the norm.

YeAH!
Her handle escapes my feeble memory right now, but I well remember the emotions she expressed, as well as the emotion it generated within me. I was AfterShocked!

"Not" being abused?!
Isn't neglect a form of abuse?
I think so.
That trainer he has, whether he realizes it or not, is messin' with another man's future. And that just ain't right.
A trainer's job is to produce a QUALITY product, --- that being a trainee trained to the point that they can be successful after being released. Some trainees learn quicker than others, while other's are a tad slower to catch on. But as long as I saw progress, I'd take the additional time to get the job done RIGHT. Several times I recommended another week or two, and/or concentrating on a particular weak point, like heavy, big city traffic. It wasn't meant to pad my pay check, and more often than not reduced my actual earnings. But to my way of thinking, monitary reward came in second to producing a quality product.

I don't mention all this to ring my own bell, but rather to impress on ANYone considering becoming a driver trainer that the responsibilities involved with that gig go far beyond a pay check. Satisfaction in a job well done lasts longer than money.

Communication SHOULD be number one.
Communication is the key to learning.
I realize some folks are better with communication skills than others, but a LACK of communication will NOT produce a well trained trainee. If/When a rainer isn't completely understood, they SHOULD welcome additional questions UNTIL they're understood. If their communication skills aren't the best, they SHOULD be aware of that fact, and be even MORE open ot additional questions and/or repeating their instructions.

I don't think they will.
Who knows, perhaps his trainer has had other requests from trainees to be placed with another trainer, and it may come as no surprise to management.

As I've said before, I wouldn't badmouth the trainer. That can burn bridges. Just calmy state that he's not learning at the rate he knows is possible, and that his desire is to be a productive driver for the company.

If that angers management, then I think it's time to reconsider staying with Covenent. ANY company that stands in the way of an employee's desire to be the best they CAN be, is a company setting folks up for failure.

I understand Redcoat's reluctance, but SOMEtimes a heart to heart conversation will resolve problem situations. Then again, on the other hand, SOMEtimes a heart to heart isn't received well by a trainer because they are, in essence, insecure in their abilities. Not necessarily as a driver, but as a trainer. And those insecurities they may have are well founded.

EVERYbody has their strengths and weaknesses, and SHOULD be able to recognize, realize and admit to themselves which are which, and accept that. I have little respect for those so blind that they WILL not see. What those types don't seem to realize is that OTHERS see and are aware of their shortcomings. It's usually pretty obvious to others.

Man-0-Man!
I wish Redcoat's trainer were more prone to stopping to smell the roses. I know of several places that are nice to stop to relax.

Tell Redcoat that if he's driving the night leg coming into Albuquerque he's in for a treat, seeing the lights.
There's a Flying J at exit 193, I think, that's a good place to stop for a break.
Also, in Santa Rosa, there's Bozo's Route 66 Auto Musieum on Old Rpoute 66, not too far from the T/A truck stop. And the Blue Hole, where scuba divers are trained, within walking distance of the Super 8 motel.
Maybe those attractions will be of interest to his trainer, and he'll agree to stop for awahile.

My best suggestion to y'all is to keep an open mind and your spirits up.
And please tell Redcoat I wish him the best of success.
He's a most delightful person to talk with, and I sure liked his accent. I understood EVERY word.

If I were looking to team drive, Redcoat would be high on my short list. I might even pick up his accent.
Can y'all just imagine ol' AfterShock with an English accent?
Wouldn't THAT be a hoot?

For the most part, I agree with that advice. However, I'd draw the line at any badmouthing. Just clearly, sincerely and factually inform the company that another trainer would be beneficial to everyone.

I can't imagine a company not desiring to honor a heart felt request for another trainer. Whining and/or complaining will most likely fall on deaf ears though.

Excellent point, Mr. G!
Perhaps SOME trainees won't be or aren't bothered by this trainer's methods. But those who are shouldn't be forced or required to remain with ANY trainer who can't or doesn't help bring the best out in a trainee.

Mrs. Redcoat tells us :

InthewindAZ replies:

I think Mrs. Redcoat mentioned that Redcoat is paid 14 cents a mile --- all miles driven

To an extent, ITW, but not always.
There ARE better starter/training companies out there that don't treat their trainees shabbily. Some offer better than average training and treat their drivers with respect. I don't think it's ALL a joke. But I agree, some companies are a joke beyond being funny.

Too often, too true, I fear.

I think part of the problem now-a-daze is the number of job applicants truckin' companies have piled on their desks. With so many folks laid off or displced when their former employer either moves out of the country, or closes their doors, there's a new-found glut of potential employees to choose from.

I can imagine driver trainers are painfully aware of this by the quality of trainees they're expected to graduate as ready to go, when perhaps they're not. But the pressure from management causes them to do things they wouldn't ordinarily do. Many of the better trainers may even be giving up, and/or those considering becoming driver trainers might be reconsidering that gig.

Now-a-daze, folks with no real Big truck truck driving aptitude are attempting to enter the truckin' industry out of sheer desperation, rather than a desire, and driver trainers are required and expected to be miracle workers and turn them into something they may not be up to doing. Therefore, I think the quality of driver trainers might be going downhill in a handbasket.
And who's left to train?
Those with a less than stellar aptitude, ability and attitude to train properly?
I think so.

 

Wife, Redcoat needs to call the company himself to ask for a change of trainer. You are not his mother, and he doesn't want to look like less than he is. There is no shame in changing trainers! Many do it and succeed on to a wonderful life in trucking. It is like not getting on with your roommate in college. Some mesh, some don't. Not everyone gets along and becomes best friends. If he changes trainers 6 times, then the problem is Redcoat, if it is once or twice, it is the trainer!

You are a teacher....some kids don't mesh with a teacher...I have called and gotten my kids switched. It is the same thing with Redcoat! Every teacher has a gift to give, some students aren't able to accept it. You have to match the teacher and the student when you are doing 1 on 1 teaching.

Unless this is something that you or someone else pushed him into and he really wants it, he should be able to make it with another trainer. Look at the threads! Many switch and go on to wonderful careers.

It would be wonderful if Aftershock were his trainer (heck, hubby and I want him too), but there is a good trainer out there. He needs to ask for them.

I wouldn't badmouth the trainer to the company, but explain that his and the trainer's learning styles are different. These days almost everyone understands the "learning styles" thing!

Good luck, hon, and let us know if we can help in any way. I am not a trucker yet, but I am here and if you PM me, I will give you my phone number to talk.

Baseball Sweetheart

 

I'm thinkin' once Redcoat quits, Covenant will tell him he's on his own to figure out how to get to Iowa. If he can make arrangements prior to terminating, they might work with him. Hard tellin'.

If he expresses his concerns about his training as his reason for quitting, Covenant might suggest another trainer. If they do that, I would recommend that he take that offer. If another trainer works better, it will at least answer one of his questions, that being was it Redcoat or his current trainer. If I were Redcoat, I'd want to know the answer to that question for my own peace of mind.

I'm assuming that you mean will Covenant consider it a "bad thing" if *you* called.
Hmmmmmmmmm
I don't know.
But at this point, what difference would it make?
I'd venture to say, with your persuasive communication skills, if ANYone can git 'er done --- YOU can.

Who knows?
Maybe Covenant will appreciate your concern and forewarning and put a plan B in place to offer him instead of letting him go without any attempt to retain him. If Covenant made Redcoat the offer to switch trainers, what do you reckon his reaction would be?

The question might be how would Redcoat perceive your calling Covenant?

It ain't over 'till it's over.
I still wonder what Redcoat's reaction would be if Covenant were to make the trainer switch offer first. If they agreed to let Redcoat calm down for a week, or so, at 'home' with you before jumping back in a Big truck, do you think he'd agree to that?

Keeping in mind that COMMUNICATION is the key to success, keeping Covenant's management in the information loop could result in their cooperation on getting him to Iowa, --- hopefully not to vacate the Big truck, but rather for a breather before giving it another go with another trainer. I would think Covenant would appreciate knowing that Redcoat has no intention of jumping ship midstream as many newBees do. That he's still willing to work WITH them at this point speaks volumes about his character and desire to leave on a positive note, or give it another go.

Damaged beyond repair?
When thrown from a horse, get back in the saddle.
Cowboy up!

IMO, this thread is chock full of good, must read questions for ANYone to read and consider asking.

Screw protocol!
Especially in times of desperation.

I don't think it HAS to come from the trainee. But the trainee would have to agree to make any changes, I would think.
As I stated earlier, at this point, what would be the harm?
And if Covenant were to make the offer to exchange trainers first, it might reassure Redcoat that Covenant is willing to work WITH him in this matter. And at this point, we don't know for sure that Covenant won't be willing to improve Redcoat's training if/when presented with the details of the present situation. That might encourage him to give it another go, which, if that's the case, I think he should, --- after a suitable rest priod to recharge his batteries and confidence. I think Covenant owes Redcoat at LEAST that, under the circumstances.

Well, .......... here's wishin' y'all sunny days and a bright future.

 

EXCELLENT point, BBSweetheart!

ANOTHER excellent point.
You GO girl, you're on a roll !

Shux Howdy --- it's comments like that that encourage me to return to the road as a trainer. Of all the driving gigs I've had during my (too short) career, training rates right up there at the top.
Very satisfying.

If the right truckin' company made me the right offer, I think I'd take it in a heartbeat, and be a happy camper. My first question would probably be "How soon can I start"?
(With no end in sight)

I agree.
If a company doesn't or can't recognize a potentially good driver employee, they're headed for failure, IMO.
Too many of the new breed drivers are barely adequate at best these daze. To lose a conscientious driver isn't in any company's best interest if their intent is to best service their customers.

In these days of truckin' companies folding, I would think Covenant would be anxious to be a people pleasing company --- and perhaps they are. One won't know for sure if one doesn't try to work through a situation.

If Covenant isn't flexible, they might be the next truckin' company to lock their doors one last time, and for good.

YeS you ARE!