I Have a few questions. I had some stuff come up with my mentor that I wanted to ask about. I called the after hours dispatch and they said that they were all minor issues. I'm also kind of confused to a point, because my terminal is lancaster, and my mentors is laredo. My mentor is gone on home time right now and I've spent 2 nights at a hotel out of the 3 nights I have been on the truck. I have questions ranging from the student sign in macro, I don't know who to call it in to when I don't have the truck or quallcom to use, Driver services which I was told was my supervisor, is closed till tomorrow. Then who I need to contact if an issue arises. My mentor wasn't going to file a load for shortage, then he hit a tree knocking out a marker light on the trailer, and denting the top corner up, as for what I know, it was a brand new trailer and he didn't report it. Then he drove extremely fatigued, and was crossing the yellow center lines, hallucinating, and had very irradict speed. It made me feel very uncomfortable. After hours dispatch said since I was a new student I couldn't tell if a driver is fatigued. I feel bad too, because my mentor is to have 20 years experience driving, but it is so dangerous what he is doing. I told him I was willing to take a log book violation, to get home alive, since he was trying to get home for home time and would not stop for rest. He was even trying to eat sunflower seeds, and throw the casings out the window, and didn't have the window rolled down enough, so they were landing in his lap and on the floor. He needs at the very least a drug test, and checked out by a doctor. I was told by after hours dispatch that all of my issues were minor. I just wanted to see what other drivers thought, and find some help and support. I have driving experience as class B in the past, and know some things like fatigue and basic lane control. I did most of the backing yesterday even though it was my first day. I basically didn't worry about how long it took me or how many pull ups, as long as I got into the spot safely. Sorry if it's all mixed up, I've been very stressed about it, considering it is my first day on the road and dispatch is saying the opposite. We are running team currently too. Even though we aren't logging the driving hours (11 needed supposedly to be called team), we are doing the on duty team hours. He was in the sleeper berth the whole time I was driving. Any input what so ever would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Natalie
Let me count the ways............. This post shows why many companies with trainer programs don't have above average safety records compared to those with no trainer program...We have a preventable, logbook violations, driving while fatigued and failure to stay in lane...And hallucinations?...Oh lord...No way would I ride in that truck with that driver(trainer)...Quit and find another company while you're alive and able if they won't give you another trainer... The fact the trainer isn't a woman is not good as well, I don't see how you can do it...
Well, Injun (aka Mama Swift) will see this eventually and give you great input, Natalie. She's one of the best resources you have for Swift questions of any kind. What you describe does not sound "minor" to me and my guess is it won't to her, either.
oh I forgot to mention that they told me, not to rely on the gps that he uses to watch my speed. He was doing 10 over in a 35 at one point even. The truck is supposed to be governed at 62 apparently, and it is not. I've had to watch it real carefully. I was tempted to just pm injun since I see her posts everywhere, but I hadn't talked to her yet on here.
i bet you if you told after hours dispatch that you were documenting everything and saving it for your records and your protection in case something happens they would fix it quick!!
I have been writing notes down in my notebook of what happened. The tree he hit, was in front of a whataburger. I know it was before a TA, but not exactly sure where, as it woke me up while I was sleeping and I know the route we took. I do have to admit it was scary too when we had to pull over for an inspection while I was in the sleeper berth, and he yelled for me to get up and I was greeted by DOT. Thankfully I keep my log in order. Minus the fact that he wrote on mine and messed it up. Which is a whole other issue together.
I'm trying but there is no telling how he is filling out his elog when I'm on paper still, as I haven't taken the elog class.
You should, without delay. I think you have a problem that needs expert, personal service. She can help.
You have a training advocate! Call them now! some issues such as trainee sign in is no big deal, but fatigue and accidents that's a big deal. its your behind in that truck PROTECT it.
