Saying Hi! Begin my Orientation Oct 11th.

Well, it's great to hear you are still alive and kickin! So, what made you decide to go lease purchase? Seems like everything I read on this board is so against it. Does KLLM have a good lease purchase program that will allow you to make a decent paycheck without going broke in a few months? I know, stupid question since you've already decided to go that route.

 

Ah Yes, the infamous Donner. I did the Donner 3 times within 3 weeks, along with the Grapevine outside of L.A. After you do it once or twice, you'll be ready to do it again. Another one was going through Nevada from top to bottom on Hwy 94? I think? Whew. Had everything in that one. Small towns, dessert, mountains, cliff hangers, you name it. Anyway, my favorite run after I got my upgrade was The Fresh Express run from King City California, or Salinas, going to Chicago. I love I-80. You get Hwy 101, I-5 then do the Donner up and over into Reno, then you get the beauty of Wyoming, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, and a stop at the Iowa 80 World's Biggest Truck Stop, then onto Chicago (yuck!) Hope you're having fun and learning.
One little tip. Try to remember that after about 4 to 5 weeks, you will begin to get frustrated, agitated and grumpy. Most drivers learn to control it, but after 4 to 5 weeks, you're ready to go home and take a break. Living in a cramped truck, especially with a trainer, will start to take effect. Try to remember that and let theings pass. Let it roll off of you and try to control any agitation. My trainer told me about it ahead of time, and when it started happening, he told me so. That made it easier, knowing he knew and I knew. Just try to focus on your work and driving your hours. And yes, sleeping in a moving truck is hell. I had a one up on that, because I was in aband for years and slept on a rolling tour bus for a very long time. I used to tell my wife, I can't sleep right in our bed, because the bed ain't moving.
Last but not least. The clothing and shower thing. First, get you some "Wet Ones" or baby wipes and when you wake up, try to clean yourself up like the soldiers did in the desert with no showers. Put on deodorant and try to stay as clean as possible. It helps. I brought 5 changes of clothing, but 15 changes of underwear/ socks and several extra colored, pocket t-shirts. I would change my underwear and socks everyday, and it there was no sweating or spills the previous day, I would wear the same shorts or jeans, and change the t-shirt. It helps you feel cleaner and at least smell better. You can make the clothing last longer until laundry time.

 

Well, as long as they let you hand the Keys back and don't kill your DAC it sounds better than most. I have read on here about certain companies saying that if it didn't work the driver could hand the keys back and leave without any issues. Then when the driver did that, they would kill the DAC report and he/she was stuck without a job.

Please let us know how it turns out. I'm sure there are alot of folks on here that are interested in it, they are just to scared because they are affraid to loose their butts. I wish nothing but the best for you and will continue to follow you on your journey of trucking.

 

Get some practice in and you'll be fine. Got all fingers and toes crossed for ya.

 

Sorry to hear about your bad luck with your current trainer. Atleast you had the nurve to stand up and say i'm done. It sucks when the trainers look at the newbies as a paycheck. They are there to train newbies to become professional drivers. Hopefully the TM will get you a new trainer and understand that you did what was best for you and for the company. Good luck bro and keep us informed.