New Trainer at CRST needs advice

2 hands on the wheel is a good habit to have. You'll be thankful when/if you get a steer tire blowout that you had both hands on it.

 

Being a noobie with some age that was the first thing I was thinking but we all know we get lazy and only have 1 hand on the wheel at times.

As for a trainer first I would want some one to treat me as they would want to be treated. If I was to do something wrong to let me know (with out yelling) what was wrong with it and how to correct it. If something was not done the "trainers" way but was not wrong either, to offer the way "he" would do it and why he would do it that way. Maybe before the trainee was to do something the trainer should ask him/her "how would you go about doing this"? This way maybe before the job is started you could offer how you would do it and not in the middle of the job when he/she could be stuck. If it is a good way of doing it to give praise.
We all like it when we hear we did good but we hear mostly of the bad we do.
Dave ----

 

Holy wrecked truck Thyme !

Like I said, if the student is not getting enough rest for whatever reason, "That is an ISSUE".

You are experienced & wise now.

If you "Suspect, feel, think" something is wrong, it probably is.

People's lives are on the line.

You are the Instructor in command of the vehicle, do whatever you think you need to do to remain Safe.

 

Don't teach them to move towards the shoulder on a two lane road to avoid high fiving mirrors. Mirrors are cheaper then roll overs. I learned that the hard way.

If you're hot racking keep a fitted sheet to put over your bedding or completely remove your bedding.

My first trainer had a cupboard filled with soups that I was welcome to. It was all he ate. For me I just ate a lot of PB&J. It was easy enough to make a couple extra to eat on the road.

My second trainer complained about every bump I hit and was overly concerned about it (not truck breaking/damaging just annoying). I told him I understood it made it harder to sleep but as long as I didn't break the truck or have an accident to ####.

 

My first trainer wanted me to go as fast as i can at all times and we would argue about the speed limits.teach your students about the 45 back and how to chain up,i didnt know about the 45 till recently and i still dont know how to chain the tires. Oh and show your students how to drive first before you give them the wheel....my first trainer did that and never let me back into a place

 

When standing outside to direct the backing, just point which way you want them to turn the wheel. Simpler for you and your trainee. Also, whenever possible... take a minute to let them make a setup plan on their own and then discuss it. It will likely be different than what you would have chose but not wrong. There a many ways to setup and back into a dock. Be sure they are able to make good, safe decisions when they are on their own.
Windows down every time you are spotting for them and have a STOP sound you will make. Mine is a low tone but loud WHAO! Nothing high pitched, it sounds like you are screaming. In the final week or 2, I make sure I am always out of the truck when they are setting up and backing AND they CANNOT SEE ME! They will be watching for your facial expressions and watching your eyes when they need to just get out and look like they should on their own! I am only there to protect them and I do that with the WHAO! Make sure they are able to handle all this on their own and let them make some decisions but be sure to show them other options. I keep a toy truck with me for those discussions and it seems to really help. Good Luck! You will become a better trainer the more you do it. PS, please make sure you behave like a Professional, not a super trucker around them at ALL times.

 

When I picked up someone new, the first place we went was Walmart. I told them to bring an empty duffel just for food. Then we buy some food. Some don't even bring soap or toothpaste. I kept dry oatmeal, water, protein bars and instant soups on board for when they had no food. Those are also my supplies, so I don't give them unless I knew they had nothing to eat. I also shared my boiled eggs since they sell them in 4s and I only eat one or two. If we are at Flying J and they have their 2 for 1 sandwiches, I buy two and share one. Same for fruit.

 

Buy a big jar of vasoline.