First week with Prime

Hang in there; you'll adapt and eventually love tanker work. The big problem right now is you have that albatross/trainer around your neck. Once you're on your own, it's a different world and you can pace yourself as you want to and not how someone else wants you to. This is when you'll realize you made the right decision to go trucking.

 

Make sure this new trainer shows you how to trip plan and to manage your time. You should know where you are stopping before you even start your day. Know your fuel location, 30 minute breaks, and all that stuff. Its a bit cinfusing at first, but you will get it eventually. Your first trainer should have been teaching you this too. Glad to hear that you are improving on your driving

 

All indications are that Prime is definitely one of the better carriers to train with. Prime drivers I've talked with seem happy, no small feat for a training company. I would definitely stick it out with tanker as money is better there than van loads anyway. Trucks are trucks and the cascadia is the best selling truck for a reason. But then, I guess that would be more apparent to someone who is responsible for fuel and maintenance on their own truck.

 

I'm subscribing to this thread!

 

Second this notion. You've been through tougher times. Talk with your new trainer and tell him/her that you are a bit lost on how to trip plan. Stick with your plan and see it through completion.

A very well written opening post, BTW.

Luck in battle.

 

Hang in!!!! Being with a trainer is tough. My wife and I drove team for a while and we only made it 10 months before we couldn't stand being cooped up in a closet anymore (and I love her more than anyone else in this world, nevermind a complete stranger who is also a disgusting piece of filth). You will get your rhythm, it just takes more than a week. After two more weeks you'll feel like an old hand. And as @Chinatown said, once you get your own truck, you're the boss and things get much brighter. Hammer-Down Driver.

 

The instinct to go to flatbed is the right instinct.

 

What liquid are you hauling?
What area of the the USA do you drive?
Sounds like you need a new trainer, which you are getting.
You will do better with a trainer that keeps you informed of stops for breaks and meals. Your current trainer is not doing you any favors.....if you have a chance to give the company feedback on his performance, do so.

You will have a lot more control when you are solo.
You have done a good job for your first week on the road. Keep up the good work.

 

Sounds like you have a control freak for a trainer. He holds all the information and keeping you in the dark makes him feel a little more powerful.

Hope the next trainer is better. If not, just push through it. You'll figure out trip planning on your own. It's pretty basic math.