Life After RDTC/WI CDL School

A couple people on here, as well as several drivers at the terminals, have asked me what goes on at and after RDTC. Well, there’s a good bit on what happens at school, but not much on what happens afterwards. So, much like slipstream’s orientation and training diary/journal/captian’s log, I too am going to complete one so it will hopefully help someone who was in the same spot as I was a couple months prior, deciding on what to do.

Life after RDTC: Hire Day

Last Friday of RDTC is your hire day. Lots and lots of paperwork to fill out, you get your voicemail and EFS card setup, hopefully meet with your Training Fleet Manager (or since mine was very busy, the Fleet Operations Manager), then you start going to where you’re going. Some people drove from quite a ways away, so they were able to put some people back up in the hotel for another night. I however was headed for Gary, Indiana for Flatbed Securement Training. I got to the Inn of Hammond at about 9:00. The Hotel is interesting. Appears to be mid renovation. The room is equally interesting. Nice quality materials installed for the lowest possible dollar. Still comfortable and clean, and the staff here are nice. Bed is very comfortable.

 

Life After RDTC: Securement Training Day One
You are told to be at the terminal at 12:00 noon. They tell you that because someone should be there for a couple minutes to tell you who to look for, or let them know you’re there and will be in the driver’s lounge. You then proceed to sit in the drivers lounge until after lunch. The driver’s lounge is nice, has vending machines, microwave, coffee, water, tables, and some comfortable chairs to post up in and watch the couple 47” samsungs they have hung on the wall. There are also bunk rooms, showers, and laundry facilities here (all free). Bring something for lunch as you don’t get any provided for you today, but you will get a dinner (I got a gyro, It was freaking awesome) The next day you get lunch and dinner, and I snagged an instant oatmeal packet from the hotels breakfast for tomorrow since it doesn’t open till 7 on weekends. In class, we spent the remainder of the day going through the practical load securement book, going over all the basic requirements and fmcsr rules, with the instructor explaining anything that needed explaining. Got done around 5:30, and were free to go do whatever. I decided to hang out and do some laundry that needed done. They have 3 sets of machines there, but I still ended up waiting till about 7:30/8:00 for a machine to open up. Got to chat with several other drivers. Very friendly and picked up some good tips. Talked to a guy who had the same Fleet Manager as mine and he says she’s awesome. Made it back to the hotel around 11.

 

Life After RDTC: Securement Day Two
Day started off going through the rest of the securement book up until lunch. Lunch again was quite tasty. Then after lunch, we went out to the yard, got shown a couple of loads. Were taught how to chain, strap, and tarp, as well as fold and wrap straps and tarps. (be mindful of where the folded up tarps are. I backed up over one I didn’t see and wound up on my backside) Then we were told to strip any securement off and then secure it, and tarp it. Instructor helped out as needed. All went fairly well. I know the bulk of what I need to know, and I feel like I’ve touched the equipment just enough to make it look like I have at least a clue of what I am doing. Roehl was nice enough to book the hotel room for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, so I’m spending the night here and going to get cleaned up and eat breakfast and take off for home early tomorrow morning so I can get home to see the wife for a couple days before going out with my trainer.

 

Life After RDTC: Day 4

Home at last. Came home to some nice weather. Got to see my wife and can finally catch up on the episodes of top gear I've missed while I was gone. That is all

 

Life After RDTC: Day 6

So... yesterday morning, I attempted to transfer my license to pa. Turns out that since they have sent my hard license out already, so I need to wait until I get the card so that they can put a hole through it. I still have yet to receive a phone call, text, or email from my fleet manager. I have called and left a message as well. Going to try calling again today. Really just want someone to say, yeah, we're still looking to get you with your trainer, even if they don't have anything lined up.

 

Day 6 update. Just talked with my fm. She was quite busy and was why she hasn't gotten a chance to call till now. Things are progressing nicely