Millis OTR journal

That speed limit sensing system seems... unpleasant.

 

Ya the good thing is the majority of trucks in our fleet dont have it. Its just the brand new 2018s. The 2015s-2017s should remain in the fleet for awhile

 

With the help of this thread, I'm 90% sure I'm going with Millis. But there are a few things that do concern me. The last few post about the Bendix system got me wondering how that will shake out. What are the general thoughts on that? Also, Can anyone tell me if I will have an auto transmission restriction if I get my CDL through Millis? I know most of the trucks are automatic and I would rather not have that restriction.

 

The schools use manuel transmissions, as long as you test out for the state with one you will not have a restriction. If you test out with the state in an auto then you will have a restriction even if you used a stick during your schooling.

Can't speak to the other question.

 

The bendix system itself isnt bad. Its mainly just the speed radar thing so far that I have an issue with. So far I've driven 4 days with it and nothing has been said bout it going off so thats a good sign. Also odds are being a new guy you'd probably not have to worry bout a truck equipped with it for your 1st year or so. It could happen, but the majority of our trucks dont have the radar thing

 

Will Millis provide the truck to test out in? I wasn't real clear on that when I talked to the recruiter.

 

Yes you normally test out in the your trainers truck. IF you prefer to test out in a manual and your trainer has an auto I believe they will let you test in Richfield with the on site instructor, but im not 100% sure about that. But just remember that you wont have much time tp re acclimated to a manual before testing. Like maybe a day of practice at most.

 

I don't think Jamie does the state testing for students, only the testing for Millis. He is a state certified instructor and has the ability to do it but I know when one of the people in my class tested out with the state a 3rd party guy came in, really nice guy.

Maybe they (or he) want to avoid any conflict of interest thing or something of that nature? Don't really know.

If you test for the state before going out with a trainer you will use the same trucks as you have been using in school (at least in Richfield), if you do it after your trainer time you are still able to use the school trucks if you like because they are sticks but as @keen98 said you'll have a very short time to get back in the groove with the school truck. My recommendation would be ti try and state test at the end kf your school period if possible.

 

Ya I meant the 3rd party guy sorry. Saying on site I was referring to beinf able to take your test right there at the yard on that course

Definitely big help to go to school in Richfield and have that option

 

I know Jamie does 3rd party testing for Millis students coming out of other school locations at the least because myself & about half of my class from Cartersville did our testing through him in Beloit (where he does testing) over the last few months, I suppose it's possible he doesn't test students he has taught directly but it's worth checking on. I tested out using my instructor's manual. Best of luck!