In training and nervous about a lot.

First things first.....I think you need to change trainers if you're already feeling unfulfilled. If he's looking for lot lizards instead of training you, that's gonna be a problem. I'm not sure if you went on the dry van or flatbed side, but if you're on a 34 or you have an early finish to the day, you gotta get to a truck stop with lots of space and practice. You'll need to communicate with your trainer what you'd like. If he doesn't adhere, then you gotta see about getting a different trainer. Western will either demote him or fire him altogether is he's looking for prostitutes. First thing, have some dialogue man to man with him. If that doesn't work, go above his head. Who cares how he feels about it.

 

Also, if you don't feel ready to be on your own, you can stay in training longer. When I went through training, one guy didn't feel comfortable going out on his own. He wanted to stay with his trainer for another month. They allowed it. He knew himself. You'll know if you're ready. With the benefit of hindsight, I could have afforded to do the same thing.

 

I picked my trainee up on Sunday. So far he has driven 2,100 miles, backed up 14 times, coupled/uncoupled 6 times, and scaled 3 loads.

That's a light week for my guys. If you're not doing at least that, you're not being trained. You should be backing at least twice a day. You should be doing the trip plan for every load. You should be doing the interactions with the customer. You should be doing it all. Step up and make him train you.

Unless you're under the gun for time (or the truck stop is an absolute cluster) you should be backing into a spot every time you stop. Even when it's wide open, act as if there is a truck on either side, that way when you need to get in somewhere tight, you can.

Also, get out and look multiple times per back. If your "trainer" objects - politely tell him to flambee a durian fruit in his medulla oblongota. Then get a different trainer.

 

Plenty to be nervous about, a lot to remember all at once, like any new job, but once on your own, it evens out. Backing up seems to be, without question, the biggest anxiety of new drivers. Again, time will help, soon you'll be swinging them in the dock like a yard jockey. The key is caution. Be over cautious in the beginning, get out and look( GOAL) and soon you'll get to see how backing works. Later, you'll see it's a small part of the job.
Far as the trainer, unless I missed it, you didn't say if you are a woman. For a guy, not for me, but his shenanigans are no big deal, but if you are a woman, that could be a problem. If they aren't offensive to you in any way, just get through it. Remember, trainers are just a temporary part of the process and this too shall pass. If backing is a problem, find an empty parking lot, or in the back of the truckstop, far away from the building should be plenty of spots, and practice. Don't be hung up on it so much, and focus on the rest of the job. You'll be fine, and I can say that, because, we never had a site like this, and we're here to help. Our country needs you, and keep us posted, no matter how silly the question may seem to be, fire away!

 

The trainer should never be driving, unless you’re with a company that forces trainers/trainees to team drive. Even then, the trainee should be doing all of the parking, navigating, trip planning, etc. The trainer should be advising only.

You learn much more by doing than by watching.

 

better get out 20 times to make sure you not gonna damage anything while backing, take your time ...no rush ...I would ask for tips from experienced drivers on sat/sun when people resting and have more time to talk or help vs week days

 

VERY SOLID advice.

As an aspiring flatbedder -- I would suggest for you to get two magnetic flashlights.

Then attach one to each side of the back half of your trailer when backing into dark/poorly lit spots.

You will be far less likely to hit something with them.

Look for flashlights with an output of AT LEAST 450 LUMENS. Of course -- more than that is even better.

-- L