New Career ... From the beginning.

A lot of drivers don't seem to like it. Weather, older infrastructure, un-truckfriendly layouts, etc.

 

Mark - If it makes you feel any better last spring I was sent to the Worchester, Mass TJ Max to grab an mt. I couldn't find it with the SNI directions, GPS, google maps, maquest, and a call in to support shift (they found me a new mt).

To me driving is like being in a relationship - as long as you are attentive and respectful things will be pretty okay. But the moment you stop being either attentive or respectful you'll get a shoe thrown at you.

 

Not going to ride your butt Markus! You absolutely cannot do that again though! G.O.A.L.!!!! If need be, if its a tight spot find someone to help you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help.

I believe that is two preventable accidents right? You absolutely do not want three on your record!

Please be very careful Markus and take your time. Sometimes you get rushed when the clock is ticking and are also tired at the same time. This is when mistakes happen.

Good luck Markus! DO NOT LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN!!!!

 

First load and doubts about new path are over!!!! Still dont know If this is for me but I'm going to give an honest shot. Currently under load #2 and alot more relaxed in my abilities. I do think it was unfair to not get ANY practical hands on Exp with the Mac system. TE was already transitioned to WF. Between the 2, bugs or not, I'm ready for WF!!!

 

You know it is funny how you look at the people in these forums and at the schools and truck stops and most see to be over the age of 40. A lot of career changers when economy when bad. WOW.

 

Hi Markus.

I just finished catching up on your posts and I wanted to share something with you.

When you first start out alone, you have a lot on your plate. There's no one in that jump seat next to you to offer assistance when you have questions. These first 4 weeks will be a huge learning curve for you and you must be very cautious through this period. It may seem to you that things are taking a long time to get done, but they're really not. We tend to naturally think of millions of things when we're backing into a spot or looking for an address, and that gives us this illusion that time is flying by when it really isn't. This is natural. It goes away after a while.

Right now, to second what Chompi posted, you must take the time to get out of that truck, 5 times if need be, to make sure you back in properly. In addition, you need to come up with a system to help you find your target address. I use my computer (Google Maps) to find my locations and look at the shipper or receiver with the "birds eye" feature which are usually photos of the complex. I see the building and can see where the truck entrances are. Don't rely on an aftermarket GPS for routing. Follow the SNI procedures for routing, and use your truck atlas. All of the following things: shipper location, routing, fuel stops, overnight parking, and receiver's location, must be planned before you move that truck! It's done as soon as you accept an assignment. A well planned trip is the key to reducing the pressures that you are experiencing.

Creating these tools or routines, will relieve some of the burden of this job. It's not the driving. It's the beginning and ending of our trips that can be difficult.

I guarantee that if you listen to what Chompi says, and get yourself a system in place that works for you, your life as a driver will be much more enjoyable and in the long run, rewarding.


Stay strong, Markus. Everyone has been through what you're going through right now.



Be safe out there, my friend.

 

Hi Markus was just browsing posts and saw ur hectic day! I train drivers for another company and I've seen how bad things can get with a student and with myself. Just remember it's not the end of the world, nothing hurt but some aluminum and ur ego. I've been down that road (NO pun intended) and all u can do is move past it and show them some consistent miles with no accidents! It's not as easy as it should be but not only as hard as we make it! Good luck!!!

 

10-4 on that! It's like flying a plane, landing and taking off is the hard part!