Danny Herman

Those "squishy" ear plugs saved my arse. Chamomile tea works too for sleeping. Remember, we're just the peanut gallery, you're the one who is awesome. We need you, and if it's any consolation, you'll probably never get a good rest. It's why I take so many naps in my retirement, I missed a lot of sleep before regulations took care of that. I remember, strictly forbidden now, but I could run all day, and all night, dawn was the worst, but a short nap, and the rest of that next day, with no "help", (drugs) except cb radio, but couldn't make the next night without some real sleep.

 

The learning curve (for new drivers) is not as steep with dry van trailers -- as it is with other types of class A freight.

So I personally think you've made a wise choice there.

With that said -- I found the following video rather helpful, with learning how to back up a big rig:



What's REEEEAL-LY COOL about this video: watch how the instructor gets out, & does a "look around"....JUST BEFORE the trailer goes "into the hole".

If you are about to make a backing mistake -- this is arguably the BEST TIME to see it, catch it....& fix it.

Note also how he goes into "the hole"...& looks back at the trailer -- to see how the trailer is doing relative to the rigs on either side (I still do this -- even to this day).

Your odds of hitting something go WAAAAAY DOWN -- IF you consistently "get out & look".....as demonstrated here.

-- L

 

Experience brings confidence, not the other way around.
On the other hand, too much confidence brings complacency and you start to make rookie mistakes.

When I first started trucking I was told that the most accidents occur with rookies because they are new, and with more experienced drivers at around 5 years because they are too confident and get complacent.

 

Isn't the megacarrier truck company motto usually "It's better to receive than give"?

 

The good news here....is that you're with a carrier that actually gives you enough time out with a trainer -- to get some real practice....& coaching....from said trainer.

Everybody does not get that opportunity.

-- L

 

GL i've been here 3 years and im about to bail cant stand it no more

 

Stick with it. Don't let others bad experiences effect yours. When you ditch your trainer, you can run what's most comfortable for you

 

Dont get me wrong i would recommend starting here over a mega swift,werner, etc.
But capped at 50 cpm and no detention pay