Little experience / Needing advice on where to go next...

Reply to Post #4 from Mark: (Sorry... didn't realize I should have "quoted" it)

Thanks for the comment, Mark. I totally AGREE with you that I am certainly not "experienced" in terms of reflexes, snow driving, skidding, ice driving, hydroplaning, emergency braking and a host of other "situational" circumstances. What I am referring to regarding "experience" is that I've been "exposed" to, and performed reasonably well in just about all "skills" that a trainer has to teach in a 3 week program. Of course, there isn't any "substitute" for years behind the wheel and the increased reaction time, reflexes and "feel" for what to do in an emergency situation. I'm only saying that I'll pass ANY skills or knowledge test that an examiner could evaluate me on as a "new" driver. Repeating such program will not "teach" me anything new... at this point, the best "training" would be on-the-job PRACTICE.

Specific to experience in "team driving"... having already been a couple thousand miles behind the wheel as part of a team, driving 11 hours/day and sleeping without any problem, what exactly is there to "teach" over an additional two weeks with a "trainer"? My point was that I had already been EXPOSED to and practiced that type of driving and situation, so why waste my time as a "trainee" repeating it again. It didn't make sense to me.

No matter HOW "skilled" or (book) knowledgeable a driver might be, there are ALWAYS further lessons to be learned that only come from TIME and practice. I hear you...

 

Hi Magnanamus... unfortunately, I either did not receive the message or am not yet "permitted" to see it per this forum's rules. Evidently, I am required to post a minimum of 7 times before I'm granted access to PM's. I don't know if these "responses" count toward that 7... if so, I'm getting close.

I wonder if one of the board moderators might forward to me your message if you asked them to do so? Anyway... thanks for taking the time to "attempt" contact with me, and I hope to communicate with you soon.

 

Hi 8thnote:

Please note my response to Mark regarding use of the word "experience". Where did I insist that I was "God's gift" to ANYTHING? You have obviously mistaken me for an "arrogant" person... which I certainly am NOT. There is a BIG difference between feeling "confident" about the skills I have been taught and my ability to pass a TEST. Honestly, 8th... from what I've seen of so-called "trainers" thus far, I wonder sometimes how THEY would score on some of the basic skills and knowledge tests!

Regarding the "treatment" I expect... only that a hiring authority give me the opportunity to show them what I have already learned, rather than attempt to re-train me on skills that I already have. I have verifiable documentation proving successful completion of such programs, as well. As far as "paying my dues", working my butt off and proving myself to the industry... I'm WITH you on that and am simply wanting help to get that chance.

I meant no condescension or disrespect to truly "experienced" drivers... only that I have achieved a "skills" level adequate to pass any road test that might be administered to me. Didn't mean to offend you, or any other drivers!

 

Thanks for setting me (the newbie) straight. It was just my "warped" sense of humor... I understand the rule.

 

Hi Hoth2o:

Please check my previous replies to understand my definition of "experience"... it isn't what you are thinking, nor was it intended to be.

Regarding your question... let's just say that I was using the term "trainers" VERY loosely. But that is a topic we can all have "fun" discussing later in another topic post, OK? Besides... I doubt that you would believe HALF of the stories I could tell. I could tell you "it wasn't my fault", but you wouldn't believe that either, right? All I can say is that what I have "represented" about myself is the truth... and I've faced myself in the mirror way more often than most to question MY attitudes and personal responsibility for "what happened". I've learned what lessons I could, am resigned to "tolerate" that which I'll never be able to change, and have made personal "adjustments" to what I had always thought were "reasonable" expectations.

I'm totally committed to these (temporary?) changes in "how I am", because I so want the chance to "break in" to your profession and DRIVE. I just need to be tested (not so much "schooled" any further) in order to EARN the trust and privilege to do the job.

 

In other words you want to play by your rules , made by you for you....instead of accepting the rules made a potential employer , who by the makes the rules for your employment. I'm glad after a couple thousand miles , you've come to the realization , that you're trained and ready for work....seems that not 1 , but 2 different companies have seen it a little differently..you've already had the door slammed in your face twice , and I'm thinking it's the attitude you have....you need to learn from the 2 examples already given to you....try doing exactly what potential employers ask of you...if they say sit in the corner and sing Howdy Doody....do it...they are the ones expecting you to conform....besides....your way ain't working....2 job opportunities thrown away....accept this advice or not....I wish you Good Luck...

 

Drive for Western Express.

 

Hi Tony:

Wow... what a "crabby", somewhat ANGRY reply! Your presumption of me being arrogant, non-conformist and unable to play nice are WAY off base. You start with "In other words...", then you pretty much CHANGE the meaning of most of what I have explained. You assume that I'm a rebellious kid that can't take discipline... and you are SO wrong. I have a "problem" tolerating disrespect and lies... NOT with "conditions for employment" as you suggest. You seem to dislike my "confidence" regarding basic truck driving skills, and expectation to be treated fairly. "My way"... regarding a relationship with an employer, will be based on mutual honesty and respect- and if THAT "ain't working", then I ain't interested. If you ever met me, then you'd realize how off base your assessment of my "attitude" truly is. Anyway... enjoy your retirement!

 

I will railroad guy , trust me I will. My assumptions were based on the content of your own posts sir....you seem to think ( know ) much more about this industry than your experience level dictates... (read your arrogance towards anyone that knows the industry)...I'm not crabby in the least sir , just speak my mind...and after over 40 years total . I started at 15 on an uncles farm , then retired in 2011 , I know an up-start rookie when I see one...in order to get respect sir , you must give it 1st..in the 2 opportunities given to you you've done neither one......The confidence you refer to is only in your head sir , you've neither driven enough or had enough seat time training with and watching another driver to claim any real experience. In your 3 weeks with USA truck and and your time with CRST ( a whopping total of 2,500 miles....your words now ) you've not even met a lot of companies minimum requirements as a trainee....

You say that you're capable of passing any skills test , a feat that a any student fresh out of school can do BTW....and that makes you road ready....wrong...only after completing a companies total training period will you be allowed to do as you think you're ready to do.

 

Ok, Tony... I respect your right to an opinion, and I'm obviously not going to change it. I'm not sure what "fight" you are referring to... but I "surrender" if there is one. By the way... what's with the "sir" stuff? Take it easy... just KIDDING! Be well...