Starting my career at Millis

nasty · May 30, 2011

I used to drive for Millis in 1991 I would have to say that they do keep good equipment, But that is the only good thing I can say about them. my dispacture was Bob Staples? I think .I was in the millwaukee terminal for A week just setting during the winter, Bob said he had A load of beer going to Syracuse NY. it had to be there by tommorow. I told Bob there was major ice on the interstate, and I needed more time. bob told me if you do not want this load I have A team that will take it and you can sit for another week. So I decided instead of them starving me I would run it. I went trough Ohio like a #### idiot on ice ( wide open 67 mph I think), but I made the delivery with no problems, and reloaded for Millwaukee. Once I made my delivery I set for another week. I hope you have A better exsperience than I did!!!!! Good Luck Troy Hart

338-Dark-Knights said: ↑

As I have been with a new trainer now for a little over two weeks - I needed to update since I've actually been home for the past couple of days.

I've passed my state exam - took two tries, but hey..
I've failed the company test once, and I'm going to pass it next round; being said I've completed my eight weeks OJT out here - I'm due for at least two more if not three according to the director of training. I don't agree with how the testing was performed and the given circumstances for the 'instructor' and my own personal ability on the day of testing at a 'particular' test site or the equipment on which I was tested - but the director doesn't exactly see it my way. No, I'm not going to post it here (so don't ask); that's just not professional. Yes, the training is worth the money I spent - I did pass my state exam. I'm looking forward to working here actually, and I can't let one bad experience get the best of my hard earned position that awaits me; I'll strive harder now instead.

My new trainer is great. I'm in a 2010 T6 and loving it (aside from the space issue cause he's a big boy) - but if it was just me & the truck I'd be stoked. My shifting has dramatically improved since the last post; still needs improving (especially with an emty trl) but I'm getting good remarks from the trainer. Backing is also a bit different as is driving the center of my lane coming from the T2 to the T6 for obvious reasons; it's taken me about the two weeks that I've been with my new truck and trainer to adjust.

As for the new life and what I can and have experience - I LOVE IT! Sure - every job has the little things, but this one has by far fewer than any other job I've ever experienced within the first 90 days and if that's the bulk of the expectations then I'm set for the next couple of years at the least. I don't think there's another job that could be 'banked' on for the upcoming down-slide in the employment market that requires this type of start-up for cost/training and requires the amount of responsibility and dedication from the individual which gives back the freedom from burden on so many levels for oneself. There are some times that I wished I could have followed this dream about ten years ago - yet I also have talked to a few drivers that have done just that and from what I gather, I'm better off with where I'm at because of the changes that have come as of late. New operating standards and QC's are just the tip of the pro's/con's that I hear time and time again - but it's all standard issue for me so I have nothing to compare it with if I had started years ago; and it's going to become more of the norm for everyone regardless of the independent or company operator. Safety is everyone's concern (at least it should be for everyone - I've seen some drivers that could put a yard stick between there front bumper and the D.O.T. bumper and not have any room left - and even worse - tail a 4wheeler like that??!) I like to think of something that came to mind on my first few weeks out.. I may not know the people around me as I travel from towns to cities, however, if I were in an accident (regardless of who's fault), I bet there would be a circle of fifth's connection from a passerby vehicle to the one involved. Sometimes I get cut off and think the same thing about the vehicles around me... what if they cut out in front of a vehicle coming around me.. what if I had hit the brakes a bit harder.. what if.. What if they caused the reaction that killed someone they knew or they're related? -- I allow for the unexpected, always. I try to put myself three and four steps ahead, always. I give myself a comfort zone - and try to keep it. I only wish every driver (big truck or smart car*) did the same.
Click to expand...

Sully72 · May 31, 2011

All I can say is Wow!

rubberducky68 · May 31, 2011

Sully72 said: ↑

All I can say is Wow!
Click to expand...

I second that.

Hitman · May 31, 2011

nasty said: ↑

I used to drive for Millis in 1991 I would have to say that they do keep good equipment, But that is the only good thing I can say about them. my dispacture was Bob Staples? I think .I was in the millwaukee terminal for A week just setting during the winter, Bob said he had A load of beer going to Syracuse NY. it had to be there by tommorow. I told Bob there was major ice on the interstate, and I needed more time. bob told me if you do not want this load I have A team that will take it and you can sit for another week. So I decided instead of them starving me I would run it. I went trough Ohio like a #### idiot on ice ( wide open 67 mph I think), but I made the delivery with no problems, and reloaded for Millwaukee. Once I made my delivery I set for another week. I hope you have A better exsperience than I did!!!!! Good Luck Troy Hart
Click to expand...

1991....eh? Nothing like up to date information. Wide open 67 mph on ice....sure....whatever you say buddy.

nasty · Jun 1, 2011

Hitman said: ↑

1991....eh? Nothing like up to date information. Wide open 67 mph on ice....sure....whatever you say buddy.
Click to expand...

Yeah it is what ever I say buddy. I have no reason to lie about it. I personally do not care if you believe me or not! As far as I am concerned I do not cre who believes it there rambo. I just stated my opinion of millis and that is my opinion and I hope the Dark Nights has A better one than I did. Troy

Baritone · Jun 1, 2011

338-Dark-Knights said: ↑

As I have been with a new trainer now for a little over two weeks - I needed to update since I've actually been home for the past couple of days.

I've passed my state exam - took two tries, but hey..
I've failed the company test once, and I'm going to pass it next round; being said I've completed my eight weeks OJT out here - I'm due for at least two more if not three according to the director of training. I don't agree with how the testing was performed and the given circumstances for the 'instructor' and my own personal ability on the day of testing at a 'particular' test site or the equipment on which I was tested - but the director doesn't exactly see it my way. No, I'm not going to post it here (so don't ask); that's just not professional. Yes, the training is worth the money I spent - I did pass my state exam. I'm looking forward to working here actually, and I can't let one bad experience get the best of my hard earned position that awaits me; I'll strive harder now instead.

My new trainer is great. I'm in a 2010 T6 and loving it (aside from the space issue cause he's a big boy) - but if it was just me & the truck I'd be stoked. My shifting has dramatically improved since the last post; still needs improving (especially with an emty trl) but I'm getting good remarks from the trainer. Backing is also a bit different as is driving the center of my lane coming from the T2 to the T6 for obvious reasons; it's taken me about the two weeks that I've been with my new truck and trainer to adjust.

As for the new life and what I can and have experience - I LOVE IT! Sure - every job has the little things, but this one has by far fewer than any other job I've ever experienced within the first 90 days and if that's the bulk of the expectations then I'm set for the next couple of years at the least. I don't think there's another job that could be 'banked' on for the upcoming down-slide in the employment market that requires this type of start-up for cost/training and requires the amount of responsibility and dedication from the individual which gives back the freedom from burden on so many levels for oneself. There are some times that I wished I could have followed this dream about ten years ago - yet I also have talked to a few drivers that have done just that and from what I gather, I'm better off with where I'm at because of the changes that have come as of late. New operating standards and QC's are just the tip of the pro's/con's that I hear time and time again - but it's all standard issue for me so I have nothing to compare it with if I had started years ago; and it's going to become more of the norm for everyone regardless of the independent or company operator. Safety is everyone's concern (at least it should be for everyone - I've seen some drivers that could put a yard stick between there front bumper and the D.O.T. bumper and not have any room left - and even worse - tail a 4wheeler like that??!) I like to think of something that came to mind on my first few weeks out.. I may not know the people around me as I travel from towns to cities, however, if I were in an accident (regardless of who's fault), I bet there would be a circle of fifth's connection from a passerby vehicle to the one involved. Sometimes I get cut off and think the same thing about the vehicles around me... what if they cut out in front of a vehicle coming around me.. what if I had hit the brakes a bit harder.. what if.. What if they caused the reaction that killed someone they knew or they're related? -- I allow for the unexpected, always. I try to put myself three and four steps ahead, always. I give myself a comfort zone - and try to keep it. I only wish every driver (big truck or smart car*) did the same.
Click to expand...

WOW -

As most people know about me - I am direct and dont beat around the bush.....so here it goes! How the heck do you pass your CDL and not the Millis driving test? That just doesnt make sense to me. I am slow and rode that bus with the helmets so "splain" please!

You can PM me if you want with the details. I am really not trying to be a jerk - just dont get it.

Like I'm the only one who was thinking that..........

Baritone · Jun 1, 2011

nasty said: ↑

Yeah it is what ever I say buddy. I have no reason to lie about it. I personally do not care if you believe me or not! As far as I am concerned I do not cre who believes it there rambo. I just stated my opinion of millis and that is my opinion and I hope the Dark Nights has A better one than I did. Troy
Click to expand...

It's sad to say but I saw a lot of that over the winter. Several ended in accidents also. Glad you made it through!

No company is a perfect fit for everyone.

Sully72 · Jun 2, 2011

Baritone said: ↑

WOW -

As most people know about me - I am direct and dont beat around the bush.....so here it goes! How the heck do you pass your CDL and not the Millis driving test? That just doesnt make sense to me. I am slow and rode that bus with the helmets so "splain" please!

You can PM me if you want with the details. I am really not trying to be a jerk - just dont get it.

Like I'm the only one who was thinking that..........
Click to expand...

No, I think we all have concerns but god bless ya for being blunt.

338-Dark-Knights · Jul 2, 2011

Well, I tested in Trenton (and I recommend to anyone reading to test out in C'ville or Trenton).. Passed of course. Been on my own with three loads so far, all 800+ miles. DH from Weedsport to pick-up in Buffalo going to ATL, then home time for about four days to clean out the truck and load up. DH from Canton, GA (home) to East Pointe, GA going to FT. WORTH!.. stoked for a two day trip out, then sat for a few hours to unload. Next DH to Waco heading to Albany, GA, NICE again - another two day trek. Get the load there just a few hours from deadline and I hit up DM with hours left for 70 and current drive time for the day, he sends back "got a ld going from Albany to Glenwillow, OH delivers Tues, you want to take it by the house for the weekend a get a reset or not?" DUH? but of course (twist my arm guy) So just over 1600 for the first real 'me' paystub on my own.

David - I'll have to get back to you a bit later tonight after the little guy goes to bed - we're fighting for the keyboard at the moment.

BobMack · Jul 3, 2011

Hey DK, just finished reading your thread, how do you like working for Millis so far? I drove team back in '85 for a couple of years. I'm sure life on the road is much differant now.

Log in or Sign up

Forums

Find Trucking Jobs

Starting my career at Millis

nasty Bobtail Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Sully72 Medium Load Member

rubberducky68 Road Train Member

Hitman Mr. Gamer

nasty Bobtail Member

Baritone Road Train Member

Baritone Road Train Member

Sully72 Medium Load Member

338-Dark-Knights Light Load Member

BobMack Bobtail Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Find Trucking Jobs

Starting my career at Millis

nasty Bobtail Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Sully72 Medium Load Member

rubberducky68 Road Train Member

Hitman Mr. Gamer

nasty Bobtail Member

Baritone Road Train Member

Baritone Road Train Member

Sully72 Medium Load Member

338-Dark-Knights Light Load Member

BobMack Bobtail Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!