New Driver From MI Needs Input

First time poster long time reader trucker wannabe. I start my first day of school to get my CDL on Nov.12. I was pre-hired with TMC & Maverick 3 weeks ago the same day I singed up for school. I am very excited to start my new journey. After working for 8 years as a machinist (lathe) I lost my job. I have only few worries as far as changing a career. The unemployment is almost out and that was not supporting my family anyhow. The only worry and concern of mine is the training time at the company terminal and with the driver trainer. I have a little problem of SNORING. Ok it's a big problem. It's loud and I don’t know if the guy I will drive with or share a room with during the training is going to like it. Please let me know what you guys think of this. I am really embarrassed about it and that thing is really got me worried and it's driving me nuts. I do not want to sound like a little baby and worry about what other people think but on the other hand I am very embarrassed by this and don’t want to be a pain in somebody’s ...uh... ears. Thanks Martin

 

As a former driver trainer, let me assure you that you are not the first snorer to ever enter the trucking industry. I can understand and appreciate your embarrassment, but trust me it's the last thing you should worry about. We truckers, as a whole, don't judge people in the same manner that other segments of society do; especially when a driver is training someone.

I'm not trying to blow sunshine up your...uhh...ears/eyes, because there will be times when you and your trainer are sleeping at the same time in the same truck. However, most drivers have learned to sleep through all sorts of distractions. Why do you think they created those super loud alarm clocks such as the Screaming Meanie?

Honestly, the most important thing for you to be concerned with is learning how to steer and gear safely, effectively, and professionally. Then there's all the other aspects of the job you will need to learn.

 

Also let me ADD to that their is such a thing as ear plugs and some people who team together or train together have been known to use these little orange devices in their ears for distractions.

So not to worry! Things like this can be worked out.

Good luck to you!

 

If your trainer has a real problem with this, he'll probably pick out a real simple solution. Most likely, he'll smother you in your sleep with a pillow, drop your body off in a drainage ditch in some out of the way area, and then report to the company that he stopped for fuel and that you left and never returned to the truck. It's common in trucking, happens all the time, probably to 1 out of every 5 trainees.

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I remember one night when I tried to smother you with a pillow.
YOU thought it was funny and proceeded to snore louder !

 

I know what you mean about Michigan. Don't worry about the snoring. Thats why trainers get the big bucks. At the school, its all part of the journey. Where I went, it was more of a dorm. It had a shared kitchen, but we all had our own bedroom. If they have a problem with it, just tell them to Deal With It! They will start appreciating that term anyways.

 

Thanks a lot guys. This makes me feel a lot better. See you out one the road. Martin

 

Just hope we don't HEAR you before we see you

 

Hehe... my wife has used ear plugs every night for years and a box fan next to her head... She really hates snoring and I'm told I saw some serious logs.

 

I still like my solution....