Going back trucking with PTL

If you can, change over to Ed York. Trust me.

 

Call driver services and ask to speak with JD. I think his extension is 275 but not positive

 

Scheduled for orientation on 5/5. I have been told (recruiter) that the training takes 3 months. Any knowledge of the training program?

 

Rcd has it about right in terms of the training, so I'll just go a little more in-depth and clarify a couple of points.

As of 3 weeks ago, PTL training program is as follows: Phase one technically is 6,000 miles, however, they've been bringing people back in around 5,000 and now the trainer drives more than they used to. So, you're looking at about 10 days for phase one. Phase 2 is 30,000, though they may bring you both in early - say about 25,000, especially if you two are working well together (no late appointments, no incidents, no in-cab murders, etc.)

You only "test" between phases 1 and 2 - there is no test after phase 2. At that point, they just upgrade you in the computer and assign you your truck. However, people get unnecessarily nervous about the "test" that follows phase one. All it is is a short backing segment (straight line, alley dock and an offset.) Unlimited pull-ups and GOALS during this. They don't care how long it takes you to do it - they just want to be able to witness that you aren't likely to go out and tear something up at a customers property. In other words, they would rather see someone take their time and GOAL as much as needed than to see someone try to show off and whip it in. They're looking for you to be slow and careful. Next is a short driving segment that takes maybe 15 minutes. Rest assured that you will have backed and driven in much more challenging ways during your phase one, so the driving test is a cake walk. Again, they just want to see that you've developed safe habits and aren't gonna scare the crap out of the instructor. Grind all the gears you want, just be safe and you'll be fine. The main thing I tell people is to truly not sweat it. They aren't really grading you, they're just making sure you're going to realize any limits and drive accordingly while you continue to learn.

 

Oh, by the way - the longest I've seen anyone take to complete phase 2 is 10 weeks, and that's pretty rare (due to changing P2 partners which causes you to return to Murray and sit for a few days waiting on a new partner, or maybe a breakdown that causes you to sit for a week or whatever.) The shortest I've seen anyone complete P2 was 6 weeks. That, too, is somewhat rare but it can obviously be done. Plan on an average of 7-8 weeks for P2, so a total (not including any hometime between phases) of about 10 weeks to complete both phases.

When you come back in from phase 1 and upgrade, they will then ask you if you want to go home or keep training. If you choose to go home, they'll get you a bus ticket and tell you to call them a day or two before you're ready to come back so that they can arrange your bus ticket to get back. The number of days hometime you take is up to you. If you decide to keep training, you'll team up with another P2 driver, get a truck and head back out to complete your training.

My advice is to keep training and just get it over with, then get your own truck and catch a load home. But the choice is yours.

 

Good enough for me.Thank you gentlemen.