Is this normal with a trainer?

I had two bad trainers in a row, my third trainer was great. Don’t accept that.

 

I can't add too much more to what's been said. If it were me, I'd have a conversation. It may be some questions about the job, but I'd let him know my displeasure. I'd only have that dialogue once. Afterwards, I'd be looking for a different trainer. Now if you're unable to change trainers and you gotta stick it out, it never hurts to do a second training period. I remember a rookie when I started. I finished my training and was getting ready to get put in a truck. This other fella didn't feel ready to go out on his own. He wanted to stay with his trainer for another month til he got more comfortable with load securement, backing, etc. With the benefit of retrospect, I should have done the same thing. That 1 month of training did not get me all the way ready for flatbed life.

If you can't get another trainer, stick it out with this one. If you don't feel ready, let your company know that you need more training, but would like to work with someone else. You know yourself. Don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable, that includes this time now with your trainer.

 

I had to figure out most of OTR on my own, back at Schneider -- but I had good instructors & reference materials to help.

It's MUCH BETTER if you can get your carrier to set you up with a very competent OTR trainer -- then go out on the road with said trainer for a minimum of 3 weeks; longer of course is better still.

During that time: do some mountain driving out west; practice backing up in different truck stops; work on your trip-planning skills (& ask your trainer with any qtns or pblms), & learn where & how to chain up (aka, "slinging iron"). Some winter weather driving while with a good trainer is always a great thing to get -- especially out west.

Bonus points -- if you do the driving during at least one NYC delivery. Gotta love that parking up in the northeast (NOOOOTTT)!!!

-- L

 

You really need some time with an OTR trainer.
As others have mentioned, there is so much that you just can't figure out properly by trial and error. There will be too many errors.
Trip planning is a big one, especially on runs that take 2 or 3 days.
You seem like a smart person, and you may only need a week or two with the OTR trainer to learn the ropes. And while you might figure it out on your own, you will be much happier with that training.

 

OTR is not a big deal in my opinion. theres merit to both local and otr. I personally think local is more difficult. OTR drive your 11 hours and park it for 10 and then do it again, so yes you can figure it out, It would be a lot easier to have a trainer that cared.
But if they don't maybe you would be better off on your own.
Check the weather, check the truck and trailer, start thinking about fuel around 1/2 a tank this time of year, stay aware of where hte next safe place to stop is, and yes its ok to stop at say 9 hours if theres doubt about the next stop, lopcation, etc.. You just have to make your own call, and learn from it.
DOnt listem to the chatter in the truckstop, most of its incorrect anyway.
Also do not use gpogle maps for point to point directions, use a truck gps, google is good for checking out where your going as far as customer location, to see how to get in and out, but not for hghway.