New driver in training

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Winpat722, Mar 10, 2025.

  1. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    Wargames Thanks this.
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  3. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    This one is food service....& home daily; will accept rookie applications:

    Sysco -- Ankeny, IA

    -- L
     
  4. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    This one will not be home daily -- but is still a great place to learn how to drive a big rig; I've recently seen them looking for drivers as far away as South Carolina:

    Driver Training - Halvor Lines

    Also -- they have a terminal in Altoona, IA.

    -- L
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2025
  5. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    For an Iowa-based driver -- if you think you are up for a real challenge....you might consider flatbed duty.

    If that is of interest to you -- a no-brainer place for you to start would be with TMC (their home office is in Des Moines). With them -- you would drive some of the best-looking equipment on the road.

    You can check 'em out at:

    TMC -- hires & trains new CDL holders -- home weekly

    -- L
     
  6. Winpat722

    Winpat722 Bobtail Member

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    Hello fellas..I have a question..I've secured a position with a company..ive been training for 4 weeks..I go on my own next week..I feel pretty comfortable being on my own..the one thing I'm having issues with is sometimes downshifting to a lower gear ..especially going from 6th to 5th..or downshifting when I'm about to make a turn in lower gears..I'm good downshifting in higher gears..It's frustrating to me..ive watched YouTube videos made by experienced truckers..I'd like to experiment and try things but it's kinda hard to do with a trainer sitting right beside me..any advice..thanks guys
     
  7. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    All you gotta do is get your RPMs low enough and you can float down. If you're having a hard time floating, just do it the old fashioned way and use the clutch to pop it out of gear. Take a look at your speed, give it throttle, then put it in the appropriate gear. Over time, you'll be able to do it without looking at the dash, and you'll be able to just go by the feeling of the truck. If your uncertain in the 5th or 6th range, just take the lowest gear on the low side you feel most comfortable with. Long as your rolling, your good.
     
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