New soon to be swift trainee!

@raca Thank you for reading and posting, I appreciate it. GOOD LUCK in orientation even though it's a few weeks from now and congrats on putting in the hard work for your cdl!! It's way worth it! When you come out here you'll see some very interesting things. First and foremost though make sure you do everything safe. If you don't feel safe doing something let your mentor know, if he is good he will either take over or show you how to do it safety. Training is all about you and getting what you need to be solo, if you aren't learning anything,aren't getting backs in, or driving time; talk to him/her first and if that doesn't work do not hesitate to switch mentors. Nothing is wrong with that. Don't let anyone tell you different.

Right now I'm coming from Virginia, in Tennessee. I have 26.31 more hours left and then I'll be solo. It's be fun, and a little worrisome but I wouldn't trade my training and mentor for anything. I would write more but just finished driving and going to get some sleep. I tell you the first 7 hours passed before I realized it, I guess it was the up and down of the mountains but tonight the time really flew by. Anyway goodnight, stay safe!

 

251 hours is what I finally had when I finished this morning driving from Nebraska to Lancaster. I enjoyed my time out there, I had a blast. I want to add something about mentors; I dont want to make it seem like it was always rosey between me and him because it was not. Just remember all who are preparing to go into training, have an open mind, bite your tongue, and respect his/her truck. Because it is his/her home away from home. Dont let anyone cross the line to disrespecting you in a manner that is not professional and doesnt move either of you closer to your goal of getting you out here on your own and making money for your family. Sometimes after being with him for weeks, I just wanted to be in the truck alone, doing things the way I wanted but he taught me so much and I know I can use what he taught me. Dont let pride keep you from learning no matter how long or how short of an amount of time youve driven. If you arent learning something new everyday,every week, every month, its time to stop driving. When you feel you have driven more backwards than me forward you have become a hazard to everyone around you. Never be ####y, be helpful as you can be if the help is accepted and if not well at least you tried.


This morning I made it to the terminal and was really nervous to do my road test and backing and it showed during the road test. The lady who tested me asked me why was I nervous? I did this for 6 weeks 251 hours, its the same thing. I calmed down a little. my downshifting was lacking for the majority of the test but because I was willing to listen to her and the way she knew how to do it she had patience and made an effort to look passed my nervousness. She obviously knew I could drive the truck or I wouldnt have been there testing for a company truck. There was an older guy with me and he knocked the test out the park. He was really good at everything for the majority of the tests. I think my saving grace was when I went to Colorado and had a backing test with an older guy, what he taught me about setting up and what to look for my backing improved 100%. Needless to say I passed my tests and am waiting on a truck Monday, taking a 34 reset so that I can start rolling and not worry about hours. My backing saved me from failing if possible and my upshifting played a huge part as well. Im glad and thankful that I worked with some great people in the academy, my mentor and the tester because everyone has seen a driver even when I was down on myself. It happens, everyone has bad days out here, its what and how you recover from it that matters. The main part I was worried about was my backing coming in and today I surprised myself with how she told me what to do and I did it without her intervening whatsoever. I did a 45 angle back and a 90 degree back that was changed from a blindside. Im blessed to be out here doing what Ive always dreamed on doing, but never had the courage to until now. If youre afraid or nervous, just step out if its something you really want to do, itll pay off if you work hard at it and dont give up when it doesnt appear to be working like you want.


Im getting my own truck! I like that thought, now its time for the real work to begin. Im working out in my head how I can get started being on time for pick ups and drop offs and most important safety. Thanks to everyone who has given me advice and helped with encouragement. Its gotten me this far. I appreciate it, stay safe!! Ill continue posting as I can .

 

Thanks guys. And lol@bumpy.

Just an update yesterday I was asked if I wanted to run khols dedicated account. It sounds good and though I have seen their stores I don't know much about the trucking side of things. Just wanted to ask if anyone knew any details about the account and if I should accept the offer or not. I informed the guy that I would think about it and get back to him soon.

 

I found out that khols is indeed a good dedicated route and have accepted the offer to run it. I'm just waiting on a truck now. I'm excited to run it. My road trainer from the academy came to the terminal earlier and he told me he used to run it before he became an instructor and said I would like it. I'm looking forward to starting on my own and doing a good job. Hopefully I can get a good dispatch leader too!