Student Concerns

I wouldnt worry about the backing part. I went to TDI in Sanford FL in a class of 14 and we didnt have alot of practice backing. For the most part start with the straight line backing. You got that then move on to offset. You get that good then do the alley dock. Get that then move on to parallel. I mean "got it" as in if you do it over and over and get it in there. I wouldnt worry about the first time approach. The state test you have pull ups and g.o.a.l. I took the 160 hr course which is the only one they have. I also live in FL and got a job. Most companies have terminals in FL. Find the companies that have them by researching on there website most have terminal locations. I myself will have to drive to Jacksonville. Plus out of school you will get more advanced training with the company you go with. Unless you do horrible and dont listen and make critical mistakes you'll be fine. Theyre not expecting you to be the best straight out of school hence the more training theyll provide. Experience is the key and will help you the most. On the road driving and time on the range. If someone takes long in a truck go stand by it and get some seat time. Its what you take out of school that'll help you in the long run along with what you learn on the road. I'm going for training Monday. Im not the best but have confidence that I can handle the truck safely and will be there for advice and polish my skills more. Once I go over the road with the trainer then thats when the most knowledge probably more than what I learned at school will help me the most. Hope this helps

 

I hope this fits here. The fun side of Trucking! We had the weekend off. Sitting in a big parking lot, grills fired up, the Wives were talking as they do. Beautiful day. No loads till Monday. They talked about us. Backing contest! I had a Lowboy on, the others flatbeds. All empty. 3 trucks, three drivers. My husband is a better driver than yours thing. We did not need that. Wine & Beer was involved. The bet was a motel room that night. We all said no! Anyway a soda pop can was the target, whoever gets the rear left tire next to it without knocking it down wins. No pull ups. An older driver put the tire within 1/2 inch of the can. I got within three inches of it. The other driver got within 12" of it. Good clean fun. No trucks left the parking lot. We all had fun! We all ate well. A nice room cost 39.95 back then.