Is there a way to get into OTR trucking without a driver trainer?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by 4Him-notme, Apr 22, 2022.

  1. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    I did a Walmart dedicated job with Schneider out of SE Ohio. The trucks would leave on a run and usually be back within 24 hours.

    I believe they hired new local drivers with no OTR and trained them for that account. It might be one way to get in the through the back door.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Schneider does have the shortest training period, but the pay is low.
    In your case, a little sacrifice in pay for the short term is probably worth it.
    Schneider probably has what you want. Stay there 3 to 12 months, then can move on to a better paying company.
     
    snowmantrucking101 Thanks this.
  4. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Last week, inahd to help 2 new drivers back. Once out in Denver, and another time just right outside Kansas City. They didn't get a detailed teaching of backing. After I walked then through backing, i saw a light bulb go off. The first guy i kept making hik get out so he could see what his trailer was doing. I had all morning. The 2nd girl, I had her watch another driver back so she could understand how crucial it is not to oversteer. The had 6 months and 1 month of experience respectively. Training in a semi is necessary. Some members have a mindframe that's stuck in the 60s and 70s will say don't worry about going to school or a mega to get training and just borrow someone's truck and pay to practice. That ain't even realistic, especially in this day and age. I think at least a month with a trainer, preferably when there's a mix of good and bad weather, will get you ready. At least going out with a trainer will allow you see certain situations that are not taught in class. It's like hands on training. Now I have to admit, when new drivers are in such a hurry to get through training that is a cause for concern to me. Those will think they know it all, and they will be more focused on the money aspect than being a good driver. OP, get your training, and become really good and most of all, be patient. Then the money will take care of itself. It will come.
     
  5. Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    Most of us didn't want to have to do the trainer thing. I get it. But, most of us also come to realize its importance after we went through it. I kind of think it like this. Your CDL training will get you your license. But, the time with a trainer actually teaches you how to do the job. Driving the rig itself is only one part of of it. You gotta learn both parts to be able to do this job.
    And, although there are too many subpar trainers out there, there are also alot of really good trainers that will teach you (if you let them) how to do everything else to the point you can fumble your way through being solo.
    I hope you end up with a good trainer. Trust me and alot of us on here, the time with a trainer is essential, valuable and worth the time and effort. Parts of being with a trainers are a pain in the butt. Totally agree. However, it is only temporary and will be over before you know it. So, just roll with the flow on that stuff and take advantage as best you can of the opportunity to learn from someone with their experience and insight. I'm definitely extremely grateful for my time with a trainer. Fortunately, I did get lucky and ended upmwith a good trainer. Took me about a week to adjust to him. He was an old, ruff, crude Mexican guy (FYI, my mother-in-law's madian name is Garcia and I live in a place that is about 80% Mexican in population. I don’t have a race issue with it). However, he had been a trainer for over 16 years, trained folks because he liked doing it, not just for the extra money, and gave me the ability to glimpse into the perspective of how someone with 16 years of experience does this job. He was a gift with a heart of gold. Once I adjusted to his personality, he and I had a wonderful time. I remember that we laughed alot about just about everything.
    Anyway, understand your trepidation about going out with a trainer. Just understand, many of us had similar trepidation yet in the end found it very worthwhile and were grateful for the experience. Going out with a trainer will get you set up to be able to be successful with this job.
    Best of luck to you!
     
  6. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Let us know how it works out without a trainer. And, let keep us informed where about you’ll be driving so we can stay far away from you.
     
  7. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    I guess I lucked out... Ive never been with a trainer. On 2 occasions I've had someone ride in the jump seat for 30 mins or so while I drove, just to verify that I could do what I said I could do. But I learned to drive truck as a kid on the farm in the 90s, been in and out of trucks for well over 20 years... Maybe getting close to 30 years now. Didnt actually get my CDL until 2013, but by that time i had a few 100k miles. In 2018 I went OTR with a company local to my home 20.
     
  8. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    Hate to break it to you but you did ride with a trainer. Dad/uncle/cousin/farm hand showed you how to shift, back, and secure stuff. It wasn't formal and happened over your teenage years, but it did happen.
     
  9. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Does anyone think you can learn all the important stuff in7-10 days? Maybe if the newbie remembers 100% of everything said and done in that time, it's possible. But being alone in a huge vehicle in a strange city doing a job you didn't know about 21 days ago is a bit overwhelming for most people. This industry is filing up with 4-wheeler drivers bringing thr eir dangerous and distracted habits into huge vehicles. I guess the only good new is 80% plus are gone before 12 months.
     
    firemedic2816 and Diesel Dave Thank this.
  10. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    I think if a person got a CDL and wanted to do this for a job that unless he grew up on a farm or around heavy equipment that he would want as much training as possible
    A couple accidents and you’ll be out of this business as fast as you got in it

    I would seek out a couple top tier companies. Maybe even a few who normally don’t hire right out of school
    Let them know you want to do it right and will run with a trainer as long as it takes

    This. If possible to do would put you at a much higher position in the trucker food chain than just starting at the bottom and working your way up and possibly get you in with a better company that you would stay with longer
     
  11. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Road Train Member

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    Washington Courthouse?
     
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