How much time can one expect to spend with a trainer?

transport america has a no teaming rule.

Rob, my trainer, drove short stints here and there while I was firing down lunch and then we'd switch back.

He never ever, hit the bunk on me. When we stopped for the night we both slept.

can't say it never happened to anyone at the company obviously but can say you can't log the truck more than 62 mph without dispatch wanting to know what went on.

 

Yeah I'm going to work for Willis Shaw Express in July, once I finish their CDL school I'm told I'll have to log a minimum of 10k miles before I'm allowed my own truck. However, my contract does state that it'll be one of their new Mack Pinnacle series sleepers so I guess they wanna make sure I'm capable and compentent before I receive such a prize..lol


Can't say that I blame them.

 

I would never do that to a student - I was always in the seat or in the passenger seat... if we were tired we napped... - (period).

I built some great friendships out of my training days - and still have guys all over the country sending me emails and cards at christmas...


(my charming personality does not come thru well online!)

 

When you visit the various Schneider terminals and see all the Big trucks waiting for someone to fill their seats, I think you'll know the answer.

When I first started with Schneider, I ran with one trainer for 4 weeks as a strictly solo operation.
Then, another 4 weeks with another trainer running as a team. The second trainer had the option of releasing a trainee after 2 weeks, and that's what mine did.

When I became a trainer, I told them I would NOT run as a team because I wouldn't be able to train while sleeping. If a trainee showed an ability to handle the program after 4 weeks, I'd run sorta "semi-team" (no pun intended) just so they could get the feel of the wheels always turnin'.

I never got the impression that Schneider ever tried to hold a trainee, or any other driver, back to save costs. Schneider advanced their trainees as their abilities increased and improved as a general rule.

Schneider IS a training company, but IMO they're NOT a bottom feeder company. The rejection rate when I was there ran 7 to one. Seven rejected for every one hired.
Being hired by Schneider is a feather in your cap, IMO.
If y'all can't make it drivin' for Schneider, don't expect other large truckin' companies to be any better.
Look at the BIGGER picture.
And remember, not ALL big truckin' companies even HAVE a "bigger picture".

IMO, Schneider IS one of the BEST of the big'uns. And their training program is one of the best also.
I've found that if YOU work WITH them, they'll gladly work WITH you. Sorta ask and you shall receive.
And striving to be the best you can be doesn't go un-noticed.

Now, if y'all are a rebel without a cause, Schneider probably won't be a good fit. But neither will the other larger companies. SOME folks are NEVER satisfied.

Keep in mind the story about the mighty oak and the willow tree.

Just a few thoughts I think I thunk.
How'd I do?

(Sounds like you've got a case of butterflies)

 

what is the story about McDonalds? and the trainers noticing the "s"? please explain

 

The last company I was with before I retired took students straight out of driving school. The time with a trainer varied from 3 to 5 weeks. It just depended on how fast the trainee learned.