Help a trucker wannabe out!

Folks been doing it without a trainer since forever, alot of it IS common sense !!!

that is all, good bye.

 

ORG and Chris- just remember to not be TOO impulsive! You both are so much chopming at the bit to 'hit the asphalt' that you may lose the 'truck among the 4 wheelers.' sorry bad reference for forest for the trees......
I know you both want to get out there but do take SOME time to research as you have done all along!
From what I have READ on TTR here W/S seems to get very little negative press and alot of good press -I did check out their website but it was not an options d/t location. Just remember too-it will be WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT when you do sign on with a company. IF you go with a good attitude, even Swift is a decent company! Again many TTR Members (currently) work for Swift (despite all the jokes....).

Take a deep breath guys!!!!!!!!

 

Sorry guys didn't mean to offend you. Just trying to help and speaking from experience, I did that exact same thing and it was quite a mistake. Luckily 6 months later I teamed up with a senior driver that really showed me the ropes of trucking. Once again, sorry guys just trying to save you the trials and tribulations that I had suffered. It really sucks riding with someone else, I agree. But it sucks even more be stuck out on the road, not knowing what to do and taking advances from the company to try to cover your mistakes.

 

For the past few nights I've read this entire thread and have followed your journey. I am impressed by your determination, and after all is said and done, I have no doubt that you will succeed at this quest.

But there's something you need to remember. Weeks back when you told everyone how exhilarating it was to finally be behind the wheel. And yes, I know that it's just school, but if you think about it, you wouldn't trade that moment for anything.

Well although school had it's ups and downs, stress, tension, or anything else you can mention, time went by, and it ended. Which brings you to where you are now.

Chompi is making a valid point. I know the feeling about wanting to be in your own truck, and so does every driver on the road. But remember, safety and efficiency will make this lifestyle you've chosen much easier. If you choose to go with a company that sets you up with a trainer for 4 to 6 weeks, as distasteful as it may seem, time will go by, and it will end. And then you'll be much more prepared to head out on your own. And that time you spend with the trainer, will lessen the hardship on that first load you pick up. There are things you will learn from a trainer you won't even realized you learned. And being thoroughly trained not only with company procedures and protocol, but familiarity with terminals and roadways frequented by your new employer is valuable information and will greatly reduce the stress on someone who is just starting out.

I'm not trying to talk you out of anything. Like I said, you have the strengths and drive to make any situation work. You are at a crossroad. Take all information into consideration, and then choose. No matter which path, we'll all be here to support you.

 

Chompi, first off man, You have NO need to apologize as you haven't offended anyone at all...EVER!! if my last post made you feel that way then it's I who must apologize. I wrote (or so I thought), in a very light hearted way and if I missed my mark, I'm sorry brother. You know through these posts and our PM's I both respect and appreciate all the great advice you've given me and ORG.

ORG and I may have gone to school together. We have, and are developing a real friendship and we may be on the same path with the same goal in mind but we are completely different people in totally different positions in life and from very different backgrounds.

I'm from a more mechanical side of life where he's from a more business like side. I'm TOTALLY broke and have lost everything and I'm quite literally at the very END of my rope and simply out of time where he's setup a bit better and has more time if he should need it.

He's getting multiple offers which gives him options. I'm getting kicked down by all but W/S. The simple truth is, from the beginning I had accepted that no matter who I drove for, I'd have a trainer for whatever length of time (they do vary). I never even realized until just a day ago that W/S didn't do that. Now I'm a pretty confidant guy (you get that way pretty quickly with a family to support from the age 16 and having to become self employed to do it) and I know I can do this.

Would it be better for me to have a trainer to show me the ropes, the routes, the terminals? SURE it would. Do I NEED one? I honestly don't think so but I'd be happy to have one. BUT, I simply have no more time to "hope" someone takes me on. I'd describe what I'm facing right now but quite simply, it would sound like I'm whining and it would take several pages.....LOL...... ORG knows though.

So, it's not so much a matter of choice for me but then, very little in my life ever has been. I'm pretty much the guy who gets thrown in the fire and then rises to the occasion. Been that way forever. This is no different now. But when I think about it, that month I spent out there was much like 4 weeks of training. No I didn't drive and no it's not the routes and terminals I'll be dealing with for "this" specific company. Well, not all of them anyway. I suspect some if not many will take me places I've been already. But I learn quickly, adapt well and think on my feet....Ummm...Ok...my BUTT in this case....LOL

I'll be OK as I know ORG will be. But I can't tell you all how much it means to me/us to have you on our side.

Chompi, Sammycat, Aftershock, (now Wedge) and others, you all mean a great deal to us and although I came to this forum much later than ORG (and kind of butted into his thread here...(red faced)), I feel a family building here and somehow, I won't feel so alone out there.

God bless each of you and I/We won't let you down.

 

The W/S training program is unique in that it's short length means it's not for everyone. There are those who after being there realize it's not for them and elect to start with a company that offers a longer training period.

I think their program is quite challenging and requires considerable focus. You'll be given a great amount of responsibility in a short span of time, so be prepared. Work hard (as I'm sure you will) and you'll be successful.

If you haven't already you should read CAGEtrucker's thread about his orientation. It will give you some insight on the progression of the training.

We will expect up to the minute reports on your training.

 

ORG

I don't know if you are still interested in looking at companies, but Roehl Transport, Inc. out of Marshfield, WI may have what your looking for.

In brief, their training program starts with a two or three day orientation (paid) at one of their terminals. Then you get a trainer and hit the road for 2 weeks (EVO 1). At the end of EVO 1 you get a couple days off. Then you go back on the road for 2 more weeks (EVO 2), and at the end of EVO 2, the trainer routes you to pick up your truck, and you head home for a couple days off. Then, you'll begin EVO 3 where you hit the road on your own. You will now be paid mileage pay and remain in training but solo for 4 to 6 weeks.

And Roehl is big on home time. (check them out on line # roehl dot net).

I don't know if your new address is within their hiring area, but it sure can't hurt to find out.

I hope this helps.