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New Career ... From the beginning.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Markus, Nov 10, 2011.

Page 12 of 54
  1. Dec 7, 2011 #111
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Deland, FL
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    If you personally aren't comfortable with this then I highly suggest finding a company that is going to better suit your needs. There is nothing wrong with needing more training time then a week. A week isn't very much time at all. Don't sell yourself short by going with a company that just wants to keep the truck seats warm! If they are doing that their not worth driving for. Obviously you can be very easily replaced if they are rowing out new drivers that quickly!
     
    chompi, Dec 7, 2011
    chompi, Dec 7, 2011
    #111
    Wedge and sammycat Thank this.
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  3. Dec 8, 2011 #112
    sammycat

    sammycat "Oldest Hijackerette"

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    Congrats Marcus on passing!

    And like Chompi said-there is no set limit-it is WHAT YOU NEED to feel comfortable to get the job done in a safe mannor and timely. Some folks can do a week no trainer out of school (the Watkin Shepards guys are a great example of that like American Trucker) Then there are those that want or need the hours to train (100-160hrs or miles per the company) Like when 'Justsonny' (was oldnewbiegonnabee) went to Swift and trained I think 160hrs or 200-that is what HE needed.

    Just think things through and don't jump at the first thing to come your way. I know the clock is ticking...

    Best of luck to you and congrats again!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    sammycat, Dec 8, 2011
    sammycat, Dec 8, 2011
    #112
    Wedge and chompi Thank this.
  4. Dec 8, 2011 #113
    Markus

    Markus Guest

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    Westmoreland, NY
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    Participated in a conference call today with SNI recruiter and other newbies going to orientation next week. It's all beginning to become real. I leave for Carlisle (Harrisburg, PA) on Monday. Christmas comes right in the middle of things, so it will be a little different than most training periods. I am hoping for snow so I can get some good experience while still with a trainer.
     
    Markus, Dec 8, 2011
    Markus, Dec 8, 2011
    #113
    Wedge Thanks this.
  5. Dec 10, 2011 #114
    Markus

    Markus Guest

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    I went thru a number of entries here on this forum looking for suggestions as to what to pack for orientation. There are lots of good ideas out there. I boiled it down to a few dozen items...will go shopping today. One of the things I found interesting is using a military type duffle bag. Someone says conventional suitcases hurt when they fall down on your head...and they hurt even more when the driver/trainer throws it at you. I leave in two days. Reminds me what it was like when I left home for college....43 years ago!
     
    Markus, Dec 10, 2011
    Markus, Dec 10, 2011
    #114
    Wedge Thanks this.
  7. Dec 10, 2011 #115
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Yeah you really don't want to bring a suit case with you. Don't over pack you aren't going to Bolivia! Anything you forgot or need can easily be picked up at Walmart or a truck stop. There should be a thread on here for what to bring to orientation.
     
    chompi, Dec 10, 2011
    chompi, Dec 10, 2011
    #115
    Wedge Thanks this.
  8. Dec 10, 2011 #116
    Markus

    Markus Guest

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    There lots of threads..could probably weave a new coat. Thanks
     
    Markus, Dec 10, 2011
    Markus, Dec 10, 2011
    #116
  9. Dec 11, 2011 #117
    sammycat

    sammycat "Oldest Hijackerette"

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    Good luck Markus!
     
    sammycat, Dec 11, 2011
    sammycat, Dec 11, 2011
    #117
  10. Dec 11, 2011 #118
    Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

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    Wisconsin
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    Good luck...

    One week of OTR training is not enough IMHO. Years ago you could get away with it but today? You will agree with me after you have a few years under your belt.

    Just remember that this is a tough business... hard on the body and mind. Those who don't like solitude don't do well... your working hours are all over the place... forget about your circadian rhythms... that deal is out the door. You will find out soon enough.

    Taking a regional job can be as tough as long haul... rest whenever you can. At 61 you will need every bit of sleep you can muster...

    Again...good luck. I'm glad YOU will be doing NYC not me... been there/done that/wrote the book.
     
    Krooser, Dec 11, 2011
    Krooser, Dec 11, 2011
    #118
  11. Dec 11, 2011 #119
    Markus

    Markus Guest

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    Believe me, it is not my choice to do such a short training period. I am comfortable with my choice to go with Schneider, and will trust their judgement. I know they will lengthen the training if I'm not ready. I don't think I am delusional about this lifestyle change. I've been unemployed for 19 months...and have thought a lot about returning to advertising or some associated career...or selling insurance....or working at a Home Depot....and this career just seems to fill the bill. Yes, sleep can be an issue for an old guy...we'll see. I've been helping my wife start a flower shop. She is a great, creative designer, but she is a demanding perfectionist...and our marriage has suffered .... Our house is over full with 4 generations living with us....it is time for me to remove myself from the madness...make some money and have some serious time to be alone.
     
    Markus, Dec 11, 2011
    Markus, Dec 11, 2011
    #119
  12. Dec 11, 2011 #120
    WpgEagleEye

    WpgEagleEye Bobtail Member

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    Dec 10, 2011
    Winnipeg, MB.
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    Congrats on passing Markus!! Exciting times are they not.. I personally start my first day of being mentored with a day run from Winnipeg to Minnesota. Best of luck, take care and be safe out there
     
    WpgEagleEye, Dec 11, 2011
    WpgEagleEye, Dec 11, 2011
    #120
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