My first run experience.....HORRIBLE!

The easiest places to park are typically TA's, Petros, rest areas, and some of the mom and pop truck stops. Loves and Pilot typically have the least parking of any of the big chains.

And if you find yourself parking at a truck stop with a lot of empty spots, don't just pick an easy spot and shut down. Instead, head to the back where there's a bunch of empty spaces, pick one of them, and practice backing in from 90 degrees as if there was a truck on either side.

Also, your ELD should allow you to off-duty drive if you're told to move your truck while parked.

As far as people waiting for you, remember that your only audience is your employer, the shipper, the receiver, and law enforcement. Everyone else can take a flying leap.

And remember, it's the same as quitting something addictive: the first day/week/month/year is the toughest.

 

You need to be with a trainer for a month or two.
The first week he should just be watching you and teaching.

 

The Smith System. And slower speeds, even if it's the Autobahn.

 

@Qbf594
Now here's a perfect example for your "Ignore" thread.

 

your in your 50s , you have life’s experience, give it a little time, you will get better. Be patient. Good idea getting rid of the kid. That’s all you need is a kid driving you nuts, ha ha ha .

 

I'm prolly supposed to thank this? But I'm sitting here thing 'you brought me here for this???' LOL

 

Lol...I'll try again.

 

Yeah. Some people just won’t stop talking.

I know a guy that’s 23 and is a driver trainer at the company he works at.
And he complains about his trainees that just won’t stop yapping.

or the time he was in the sleeper for a couple hour nap and gets back up front and notices a red light on The dash and asks the new trainee what is it .
“I dunno it came on a while back”

It was the low fuel warning light .

 

Mentor. He needs a mentor. Someone who knows how to truck, and the company policies
He’s steeringwheelholding. No preplanning, not watching the clock, not watching his speed or following distance. He has to be below average on the pay scale for drivers. Who was the trainer...the 22yr old kid?

 

Be careful TripleSix.....you will be accused of being "mean" to the new guy and risk being "ignored". Lol