oreintation at trans am

Don't worry, you'll learn too.

 

It's NOT normal to leave a student driver in the truck or for that matter in a motel for 2 days while the trainer is visiting family. The company is at fault for two things; They should never stick a company student driver with a contractor. He can do what he pleases, he's the one making the truck payment so the company has no control over the learning environment that the student is in. Big, big mistake! Second, the company has allowed a trainer to have a two day layover right after picking up a new student trainee. THIS IS JUST PLAIN STUPID! But then again, this is normal for Transam. You may want to request a new trainer if you feel that you are not getting your money's worth out of this one, and it sounds like he's the worst of the bunch.

Y'all are supposed to be operating like a team for the most part. It is normal that you should be expected to do the lion's share of the work in order to learn, but at this point you should be doing every vehicle inspection with him being almost attached to you as you do it to make sure that you get it AND THAT YOU MAKE IT AN AUTOMATIC HABBIT!

If I were you, I would stick it out with this one for a few more days. Talk to him about what your SPECIFIC expectations as a student driver for him as a trainer are. If he is unwilling to train you, as opposed to using you to make his truck payment, then get a new trainer. It Transam gets too freaky on this request, back off. Let EVERYTHING settle down. Do your best to learn what you can and get the heck out of his truck and into your own as quickly as possible. Remember, it will be your trainer's call as to when you go solo. As soon as you can, start shopping around for a real company to work for. Visit their home office and talk to their safety director. Let that person know what you've gone through with TA, find out what they would be looking for in you, what expectations they would have of you in your current position, etc. Then find out how long they would expect you to be at the TA job before they would hire you. It would also be in your best interest to request a trainer with the new company just to let them know that you are committed to the job and are interested in become a safe and professional driver.

I know first hand the kind of politics and backstabbing that goes on in TA. Although it was a horrible choice, you had no real way of knowing. Now it's up to you to decide what you can go through to get past it and move on. I wish you all the luck in the world. Let me know if need any other ideas.

Georgia Joker

P.S. If you ever get a chance to talk to a fleet manager name Wayne J., tell him I said "hello." He'll know exactly to whom you are referring.

 

Durrty, I'm a fellow driver of Transam. Don't get down and out about your trainer. I myself had a great trainer and experiencde with him. Just try to get as much info as you can from him. You'll most like learn most of everything, when you get your own truck and are solo. It's just to much info to learn in 3 weeks. Keep your head up and take care.

 

good thing you checked the reefer. that would have been very expensive,boo boo. normally during the summer, those things run constantly,have to keep and eye on them. won't be so bad during the winter months.

 

Sounds like TransAm strikes again! Of course, this is not unusual. GJ

 

Durrty so sorry to hear how bad its been for you. You really don't need to be stuck with that "scalded dog" do you? Hopefully you can find a good company to go with. Too bad you couldn't just use another of Trans Am's trainers, but I can't say that I blame you for not wanting to get burned twice. Good luck. Keep us posted.