Fears of a getting a bad trainer

Well ####....I'm new...so apologies ‍♂️

 

Note also....

with Swift, or Werner your freight type choices will be limited.

With Schneider....on the other hand....you could sample/learn the following:

• dry van (which I started with)
• intermodal (which I did, next)
• smooth-bore tanker (you'd need the hazmat for this one)
• flatbed/conestoga (example: PODS)
• reefer

So you could theoretically pick up/sample several types of freight experience -- & all without having to switch to another carrier.

Think what that could do for your CDL "resume"...in the future.

CAUTION: Whichever carrier you start out with -- BE SURE TO AVOID any job or account that has you delivering to ANY of the so-called "dollar" stores: Dollar General, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, etc.

Those jobs are career-killers for new drivers!!!

-- L

 

You're a closet Ma'am?

 

Which companies does TDI, where you're attending, place their students with? Ask about that and let us know.

 

-- L

 

Stop setting yourself up for failure.

Watching the garbage on YouTube will cause you to have too much anxiety and cause you to overthink everything.

Driving is the easiest thing to do, dealing with people is a skill you need to have to become successful, this isn't a business where you can't avoid people unless you expect to be a steering wheel holder for the rest of your life.

If you watch anything, watch Bonehead truckers to learn how not to be a moron in the driver's seat.

 

It comes down to attitude. When I was in high school, many teachers told me that I had a bad attitude.

They were right.

But it was because they were a bunch of pension slugs waiting for retirement and had no interest in teaching.

Some trainers are the same way. Imparting knowledge to others should be considered a skill; you have it or you don't.

Encountering a trainer with a poor attitude towards training a student will definitely leave a lasting negative impression on you should you be paired with one.

If you survived Basic Training, then you have the will to persist until your goal is achieved.

You and @Chinatown have the correct attitude in that you should be paired with a veteran.

A trainer needs to answer your questions and give ample opportunities to learn wherever feasible, like backing. Many students complain of their trainer lashing out at them for asking questions. That isn't an attitude a trainer should possess.

Just keep asking for a new trainer if one is found to be contemptuous, as they are many.

Best of luck.

 

A good trainer will be walking you through "the ropes" (instead of doing it himself/herself) with the following (at a minimum):

• backing a full rig (as mentioned above)
• utilizing the features of your navigation/hos device
• trip planning for long distances
• how to use your DOT clock smarter/better
• driving in bad/winter weather cdtns
• best ways to find legal, safe parking...especially in unfamiliar areas
• sliding/positioning tandems/scaling
• defensive driving tactics/Smith principles in a big rig
• load securement
• how to prep for/pass/ace a DOT inspection
• decent pre-trip inspections

If your trainer isn't walking/talking you through these daily (& VERY OPEN to any related questions) -- you most likely have a dud trainer on your hands.

-- L

 

When I began with Welfare Express, I utilized my clock quite well. Whenever I stopped at a fuel island or the shipper or the consignee, I would log that time as Off Duty or Sleeper Berth.

Then the log department caught on.

I was recalled to the terminal and given a worksheet to fill out. I really didn't know any better, but I did learn quickly that logging pre-trip inspections, arriving at a shipper or consignee was to be logged as On Duty time.

"Your logs look like you're just out there joyriding."

Good times. Good times.

 

I honestly feel bad for some of the trainers who have to deal with the deadbeats students. Id be scared for my life tbh. Use your common sense and listen to what your trainer tells you and you’ll be fine.