Rookie LTL, should I go OTR?

TripleSix · May 16, 2018

coastietruckin' said: ↑

Thanks, Six. The 'incident' in the yard was moving a trailer. He said just hook up the blue line, dont worry bout the landing gear and put it to the side. We'll grab the one behind it. So, I did as told, hop back in cab, put her in gear, and now I'm trying to DRAG a pup trailer through the yard. Its a simple task, and lesson learned on my end to never cut corners, but dang it if I wudnt mad. This wasnt the only example, but just the last one that had me say time-out, I need to address whats going on here.

I would say the 'struggling' is trying to balance the learning curve with having to adjust to the non-stop ltl world. So for instance, because I'm worried about the clock, and since my trainer is hanging out in dispatch not anywhere near me, I'll drop the ball on something having to do with the manifest, or not properly working the diade or something like that. I really am putting in an effort to learn as much as I can, but I feel at tines I'm trying to drink from a fire hose, and my trainer is sort of letting me just figure it out on my own. This is when I feel that my ability to operate safely is put in danger, and I do not want to harm anyone because I made a rookie mistake from feeling under the gun with no guidance.
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Yeah, kick yourself for listening to him and you knew better. He probably laughed at you. Hate to see someone abusing the equipment. Dont worry about time and the clock right now. Learn the job like the back of your hand first, and then it will be much easier to work on efficiency.

Luck in battle.

coastietruckin' · May 16, 2018

TripleSix said: ↑

Yeah, kick yourself for listening to him and you knew better. He probably laughed at you. Hate to see someone abusing the equipment. Dont worry about time and the clock right now. Learn the job like the back of your hand first, and then it will be much easier to work on efficiency.

Luck in battle.
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10-4.

Bean Jr. · May 16, 2018

TripleSix said: ↑

Stick it out is the right answer. If you jump ship, you're only postponing things. Your next trainer at the next company may be exactly like the one you have now.

Now, where is it that you are struggling the most? What were you doing when the trainer walked away?
What help did you need from the other driver? Before he walked away, what exactly did the trainer say to you?

"What difference does that make, Six? I needed help and he walked away."

Depends on what you were working on. Some things he may want you to figure out on your own. Obviously, you two have spoken since then. Right?
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I'm guessing backing up, Six.

TripleSix · May 16, 2018

coastietruckin' said: ↑

10-4.
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Do me one small favor?

Raise your right hand and swear that you will NEVER allow another worker to get you out of your game. There will be tougher adversities ahead. A holes in shipping and receiving, other drivers, deskjockeys whatever. Stick with the plan. And keep your business YOUR BUSINESS.

Puppage · May 16, 2018

coastietruckin' said: ↑

Thanks, Puppage. Thats what my TM said as well and I'll be starting with a new trainer tomorrow.
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That’s great news! Keep the faith man, you got this.

coastietruckin' · May 16, 2018

TripleSix said: ↑

Do me one small favor?

Raise your right hand and swear that you will NEVER allow another worker to get you out of your game. There will be tougher adversities ahead. A holes in shipping and receiving, other drivers, deskjockeys whatever. Stick with the plan. And keep your business YOUR BUSINESS.
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True dat. I dont sweat other drivers and if someone wants to get in my grill about the time I take, I have no qualms about telling them to back up. Im a pretty big guy though, so I dont think that'll happen too much lol. I just have to learn not to let myself feel that pressure to 'beat the clock', and accept that its ok to go at my own pace until I become proficient in the job.

Puppage · May 16, 2018

TripleSix said: ↑

Do me one small favor?

Raise your right hand and swear that you will NEVER allow another worker to get you out of your game. There will be tougher adversities ahead. A holes in shipping and receiving, other drivers, deskjockeys whatever. Stick with the plan. And keep your business YOUR BUSINESS.
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^^^^That right there is what they call EXPERIENCE.^^^^

coastietruckin' · May 16, 2018

Puppage said: ↑

That’s great news! Keep the faith man, you got this.
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Thanks Brother!

Jazz1 · May 16, 2018

LTL is busy. Keeps your mind occupied and you develop skills. A stoned monkey can do OTR. Point unit, set cruise and await arrival at destination. Linehaul that i do is the same. Totally mindless and you get running interstate that will just bore you to tears staring at the road for 18 hours waiting for the mountain or beach or whatever to appear on horizon.

coastietruckin' · May 16, 2018

Jazz1 said: ↑

LTL is busy. Keeps your mind occupied and you develop skills. A stoned monkey can do OTR. Point unit, set cruise and await arrival at destination. Linehaul that i do is the same. Totally mindless and you get running interstate that will just bore you to tears staring at the road for 18 hours waiting for the mountain or beach or whatever to appear on horizon.
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I wouldnt say a stoned monkey, now. Lol. My bro does otr for a specialized company and he has his challenging days here n there. Ltl is def busy and the hours go by pretty dang quick. The backing skills definitely need to be on point too in order to run like these guys out here.

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