Packing List for Students

When was that? I'll ask to be sure. I'm there now.

 

The first 50 hours behind the wheel (BTW) the mentor has to be in the passenger seat. After that it is up to the mentor whether you are qualified to drive as a team. The mentor can opt to require more one on one before certifying you for team driving.

I'd certainly never certifying anyone unless I felt they were safe enough for me to sleep while they drive. In some cases mentors can say you aren't qualified to continue training, in which case another mentor may give it a shot.

IMHO mentors that run a lot of super single during the first 50 are not maximizing training or their income. Since they have to stay on duty while the trainee is driving it doesn't take many days before they run out of their 70. Then a 34 hour reset is required, the trainee isn't making money, and it doesn't help the trainee get the feel of running solo off their 70.

 

Thanks that is a good idea and you must know a lot being that you are in the business for so long.
I wonder if I can load the card while out on the road like call into my bank or do it from a cell phone and
reload it with another $100 just in case so I am not out everything I have. I hate to carry a ton of cash on me
and its a mess to deal with cash and making change. But I suspect I will need both cash and a credit/debit card.
Do you think that credit cards are safe out there if they are for smaller amounts.
Do you have any other really important tips for me. I am very new and naïve to the world out there and to this business
and being that I am female I think I already have the odds against me.

 

Yes that is what the recruiters say but sometimes class members go out and they are starting the new hire
right away. I am not ready for this. I need time to adjust.

 

It must be hard to get a shower in training because then there are 2 of you that both need showers and if you don't fuel up each day who gets the shower? you or the trainer.
I suppose that is why many drivers deliver their loads and look all gross they can't afford to pay for showers.
I will have to get used to going around smelly.

 

I also was looking for a post about contacts and someone was nice enough to message me with the thing about using
water from a water bottle which would be what you would have to do with your kind of contacts and also you could use the cleaning solution then rinse them. But I bet the soft contacts or disposable would be much easier.
I have had both but the disposable don't need water just solution. You can put them in without anything but the solution.
I was also going to get one of those glasses that change color with the sun but read that with the UV protection it might
not work so now I don't know if I should just get prescription sunglasses. I think we better take both just in case we can't use contacts at times if our eyes are sore or if we lose them. Also good to have extra sets.

 

The recruiter did tell me that I could get more hours if needed from the trainer. I am wondering if this is really the case.
I sure do hope so. I am not the brightest person out there but can learn if given the chance but need practice I have never done
anything the first or second time and got it down pat. I just hope there are good trainers out there willing to teach me every little thing they know. It does not always click with me that fast. But I am sure I can do it in time. I sure wish I had their experience and was not just starting out.

 

That was in 2008

 

Ask the clerk for a team shower, they will give you 2 shower rooms.

 

When driving solo during training or whenever the truck is stopped then you go to the clerk and ask for a team shower (two showers on one shower credit). When you are driving as a team the best time to take a shower is during your 30 minute break.

Before you start your driving shift, while the truck is in motion, prepare your personal effects that has everything you need while you are driving. This would include a small shower duffle or backpack, which has your shaving kit, flip flops, and change of clothes. It would also be any snacks or food and your thermos and drinks. The idea is you don't want to be opening the curtain to the sleeper berth. Let your teammate sleep undisturbed. Once you are in the driver's seat have everything ready at hand you will need during your work shift. Prepare all these items while the truck is still in motion, then during the 15-30 minute transfer (including your pre trip inspection) you will swap out the personal effects in the "work area". Cubbyholes within reach of the driver will include sunglasses, food, etc.

Learn to take a shower within 30 minutes. Best done when it isn't busy, like midday or middle of the night, so you don't have to "take a number" and wait for a shower. I can shower and be back in the truck with minutes to spare on my 30. If you "just have to" luxuriate in a shower, get over it. Get clean and get out. Save the luxuriating for a time when the truck will be stopped for hours, at a time when you will shower and do laundry.

On a long haul I don't shower every day. On non-shower days a baby (adult) wipes cleaning and change of clothes with fresh deodorant is fine. Some days I'll plan to stop at a Walmart for my 30 minute break instead of showering, if I need to replenish my food.

Note that I focus either on a shower or on shopping for food for the cooler on my 30 minute break. It's really best for your health and your pocket book if you cut the umbilical cord to fast food.