How to tactfully back out of an orientation?

Don't mention another company.
Make up some other excuse.
Maybe, "Due to unplanned personal circumstances, I'm going to have to delay this for a few months."

 

Tell them the truth, Then you don't have to remember any lies.

 

Call that carriers HR dept OR their recruiting dept and just tell them you decided to go another path. Should take no more than 5 minutes. Trust me, these carriers go through this all the time. They will have another driver in your place within a day of that call!

 

Similar instances have occurred at least three times in the various orientations I’ve been to. No biggie. Be honest, thank them for the opportunity, and move on. Be a pro. Good luck!

 

He can do that, but might be put on that companies "not eligible for hire" list. That can hurt him if he decides to apply to that company in the future, which he said he might do.
It's not as if he's trying to hide being a wanted felon.
Many trucking companies use "little white lies" to entice drivers, so why shouldn't a driver do the same to protect himself for the future?

 

As you say to each his own, I just stated what I thought was best and how I'd want to be treated as a company. IF they put him on the NO-HIRE for honesty then I'd say Amen what a blessing.

 

If you havent signed anything. Just get up and walk out of the room. Go see what ever security. Hand in any thing the company may have given you as a gift. Thank them for the opportunity and walk out the door.

If you have signed paperwork. You will owe them 2 weeks at least to get out the door. Reason for leaving? You dont feel the company is a good fit for you. Dont elaborate. Just leave it at that.

 

I understand what you're saying.
I view many situations differently than what's the norm.
When we meet a new woman we want to impress, we don't air our dirty laundry; we show what best fits the situation for the result we want.

 

Because that make you a liar just like them, advising somebody to lie is, well you figure it out.