How long does it takes to become a trainer

I got my CDL in 2009.. started pulling flatbed for an O/O, then went with a small reefer outfit.. I moved to a mega and have been nere for 10 months. . I just recently became a trainer... what I can say, is that there is a big difference between being a good, efficient safe driver and being able to train a new driver to be a good, efficient safe driver..

Even with the experience I have and the skills I have to operate the truck.. instructing a new driver is a whole different thing... there is no way I could do it with less experience than what I have...

It is alarming that the trainer rolled the truck... if he doesnt know how to operate the truck in a safe manner there is no way he can teach what he does t know...

For me, training doesnt make me more money than what I can make on my own... training slows me down.. a drop and hook takes longer, getting into the dock takes longer.. having to show and explain things.. which is what a trai er must do.. takes time...

So, good driver who would be great trainers have no benefit in training.. if lucky, with a good student, they can still make what they can on their own without training.... so, there are way too many trainers who train to make money because they cantt make a good check on there own.. so, it is a conundrum. ...

 

Blair steps in where MarmonMan fears to tread !!

Allow me !!!

Grrr . . . Lease purchase . . . . rant, rave . . . !
Grrrr . . . . Prime. . . Lease Purchase . . . . rant, rave . . . . !
Grrrrrr! . . . . . Stupid trainers . . . . darn kids driving trucks . . . . . .rant, rave . . . . . . !

There. Job tidy. Time to go home.

 

Very well said.

 

But the mega fleets all brag that they have such good safety records...........(Pulls hip waders higher.)

 

Trainer should have enough experience to drive a truck (at least three years) and enough time in the company to know policies and procedures (three years)...

 

to be a trainer all you have to do with most companies is to be able to make it around the block with out hitting anything.Most trainers are the blind leading the blind,,hope you survive any accident your trainee gets into,,a few years ago swift had 6 trainers killed in accidents the trainees got into..you will do OK,,most truck stops have baby changing stations in the rest rooms

 

That's crazy but as long as FMCSA doesn't care who trains neither do companies.