My training with Roehl begin tomorrow.....

Go to a grocery store and always, always, always keep something to eat on the truck. Beyond that, some of the best advice I have ever heard is" Get some pictures of your loved ones and put them right up on the dashboard, to remind you of why you are doing this''.

 

Good Luck whatever you do, NewDriver. I was in your shoes (not THAT upset about being away from home), and I just knew that I had to make this work. I ended up being on the road with Swift for about a month, then got onto a regional run, and got home home every weekend.

I ended up leaving Swift in Jan., and got into a GREAT company, making great money, and being home every Friday (at a minimum), and sometimes I'm home on Thursday. I also get the Weekends off, and still able to rack up 2500+ miles/wk.

With this new company, I'm loving life, and able to provide for my family, which is the most important thing in life.

I say all of this b/c if this is what you REALLY want to do, then at least you know there are some good companies out there that do get you home, and you can still make more than 50-60K/yr.

All it takes is a little sacrifice on both parts, and you will be much happier in the long run. If you live near Atlanta, then you should check into the company I drive for (we have a warehouse there). If you're interested, check my thread in the "Good Companies" section. You may have to be solo for 6-9 months, as I dont think they take people as new as you, but it's always something to think about.

 

Welcome to the life of an over the road driver. Want some advice, get out of trucking. I am sure your trainer is sick and tired of your moaning and is trying to break you in softly thru some humor which you are unable to understand. Was your trainer crying when he had to sit there for 18 hours or did he man up and say this sucks and went along the best he could with the situation?

A shower every 24 hours would be wonderful, heavenly, but in most cases doubtful. I would say 3 days is an average.

Why didn't you bring any food with you? seems like a silly thing to forget.

Better buck up young man think them there hills are high, lol wait till they get snow covered.

Your down time is part of the job, you are going to encounter endless hours of wasted time due to a planner who really only sees you as a number.

Missing home that much, waahhh get used to it or get out. Just tell your trainer that this life is not for you. I am sure he will be more then happy to give you a lift back to Atlanta.

The truth is there, the tact is not. RUM

 

newdriver,

Haven't seen it mentioned, but make certain you are on duty at least 4 hours a day, even if you don't drive.

Good luck, and hang in there. You'll be with another trainer soon, and hopefully the experience will be better.

 

I am curious about something as I have never driven a big truck. You mentioned shifting, how much different is the clutching and shifting as compared to a 4 wheeler? I wonder because I can drive the hell of a manual 4 wheeler, now I am nervous about and 18 wheeler.

 

Well to be honest was waiting an onslought for what a mean driver I am. LOL well there might be hope for you yet. Not much but just a little.

As far as your next shower, if there is no time, just ask your trainer to spray you with the water hose next time you fuel up (they are located near the pumps at most fueling spots). That will make you both happy LMAO.