Follow me through Central refrigeration training 2.

Glad to hear you passed now the fun begins spend as much time as you can on the Qualcomm it's your main link to success and don't wait on the trainer ask questions write things down especially the load info barrow his map book learn to find your way via it GPS dose not always tell the truth be a light sleeper and get involved the more you learn the better off you will be.

Good luck out there.

 

Thanks 6pak...I'm in total agreement!! I'll keep you posted....

 

Terrific thread. Considering driving again and Central is on my short list. Info like this is really helpful.

 

Congrats dinner Man, Just wondering do they think everyone will have a trainer by Sunday ? Hope everything goes good for you the rest of the time good luck.

 

Thanks RedDirtDriver. Any questions, there are many on here that would be more than willing to give you a helping hand.

 

Thanks Tiger 4. From what I understand, everyone has been paired up with a trainer...what we don't know is how far out some of those trainers are (are they already in Utah or are they under a load somewhere trying to get back to Utah as soon as possible). I should know more tomorrow.

 

Orientation Day 2, Oct. 16, 2012

Well, this seemed like a really long day. We saw movies this morning (well, that's a stretch calling them 'movies'), and no, they weren't the Bourne trilogy, or Star Wars, or Lord of the Rings. They were about Drug/Alcohol testing and info, Hazmat, and..., and..., I forgot already - that's how exciting they were. You gotta see them though, it's all part of the program/training so just bear with it. That took a lot of the morning. The L/O dept came in and gave their presentation, and fed us pizza - I think the pizza was the best part of the presentation - hah. Good information given...I took notes and will file them away until I get more experience to which I may give them another look. For now, I'm just looking at getting through the next 28 days (amount of time spent on trainers truck), and then after that, getting through the next 3 months as a solo driver continuing to learn the ropes.

The day ended with the training dept coming in and giving their presentation about what to expect for the next 28 days and what to kind of expect for the upgrade process when we return. Tomorrow, supposed to be a half day in class and then that's it - those whose trainers are here will leave...those who are still waiting for their trainers to arrive will go back to the hotel. Since I live locally (though 40 miles to the south), I've decided to stay up in Salt Lake with the rest of the group if I don't have a trainer already here...unless I know that the trainer won't come till like Sunday. If it's like Thu or Fri, then I'll just stay at the hotel along with everyone else that is waiting.

Final evaluation of the 2-week CDL course and the orientation? In my opinion, things are organized and the information given is sufficient to get you going in the industry. There will be times where you will be doing nothing but waiting, some of the information you receive will be a piece of cake for you, and some of the stuff you do will be pretty cool. Given the vast differences in the way people learn and retain information, I'm not sure how much better they can do all of the training though I'm sure there are improvements that can be made. However, I think they do a pretty good job in getting you ready to go out with a trainer. I'm sure that once out on the road with a trainer, there will be many many many more things that we'll learn and many things that we already learned will make more sense as we start seeing how everything fits together.

So for me, I have no complaints. Even though I thought parts of the training dragged a bit (again, remembering that this is an accelerated course), I understand that not everyone learns at the same pace. I observed a lot and didn't get too worked up about any down time. For the accommodations, I can't really comment on that too much as I went home each day - despite having to drive the 40+ miles each way...it was worth it to have my OWN bed, HOME COOKED meals, Family around me, and just to be in my own environment...ok, yes, I was spoiled. I know that the first week of training, those that come to WVC stay out in Bldg 2 - yes, the rooms are like cells as they aren't very big at all...and no color at all to them - just white cinderblock walls - how is that for decor. The 2nd week is much better, and the hotel you stay in now is much better. The hotel has a free continental breakfast, a pool and hot tub, and there are other stores and restaurants all within walking distance including a good size mall. The rooms also have a fridge and microwave, and the beds are queen size beds (2 beds, and 2 people to a room). That's about all I know of the accommodations.

I'll continue to post as I can...pending internet access. I'm actually going to use my phone (unlimited data plan...I just need to get the tethering to work correctly) to see how that works for internet. In the end, I will probably end up getting a wireless air card to which I'll need to research that out a bit (I had one through Verizon before - it worked fine, was just pricey). Until then.......

 

Good luck to you and thanks!!

 

My trainiee got sick so he's a little behind on hrs, so he won't be upgrading until next week. Good luck out there and have fun with your trainer.

 

Sorry to hear Moose - would have been nice to catch up with you...maybe next time. I'm sure I'll have a good time...it's all in the attitude right? Anyway, I've met with my trainer and he seems like a great guy. We'll head out at 0200 from WVC headed to the Chicago area. I'll catch you later.