Start training 9 JAN 12 with Millis

Just a quick update. Tested out this past Monday and got my truck. A 660. After learning to drive on a T700 trying to back the 660 is a lot different. I'm sure I'll get used to it. I've been trying to catch up on some of the threads since I got home yesterday afternoon for the first time since leaving with my trainer on Feb 8th. About a month ago while staying in a motel while my trainer went home I was able to use their computer but since then I haven't been able to. One of the things I wanted to bring up is going home while your with a trainer. I think I'm the only one from our class that never went home at all while training. I was given the chance to go home for a few hours last weekend while the truck was getting a B service on it in Cartersville. Since I didnt have my car there the timing didn't work out for someone to come and pick me up within the time frame I had. My trainer tried to get me home after I passed my cdl test last month but had to head to TX for a load going north. I was real lucky getting a trainer that we both got along with real good. He went out of his way to make my time in the truck as good as he could. If some of you think you will be going home while your training keep in mind there is a small chance you wont. I think my case is an exception but it still could happen. Like everyone keeps saying just look at the big picture at the end. One day you will wind up with your own truck and then your trucking career will officially start. Life is good.
I do want to take this time to thank my trainer for all he did. I wont mention his name because I don't know if he would want me to but I will say if you have the chance to get a trainer with the initials S. B. chances are you will wind up with a good one.

 

Any day a trainer goes home or the truck isn't running due to a break down those days dont count towards the number of days you have to be with a trainer in a truck. Unfortunately we had to visit the kenworth dealership three times to get his truck worked on. One time we sat there for three days waiting on it. Between that and him going home I wound up testing out a day or so after I got the minimum amount of time needed. It's all up to your trainer if he thinks your ready for your own truck or not. I believe training runs anywhere from 5-8 weeks even up to 10 if he doesn't think your ready. Keep in mind their not going to turn you loose in your own truck if your not ready. Every trainer has their own way of training just like not all trainees will learn everything on the same time line. It will take some longer and others not so long. Hope this helps.

 

Congratulations to you too Boomer. I'm going to love my 660, just have to get used to that whole backing thing. My trainer told me I would have to learn to drive it since it's a little different then his truck. Ha he hit that nail on the head. It does seem to have more power taking off. Drive safe going home and let me know how how your trip went.