Tenn. Technology Knoxville

Ok, I haven't been on here in a while but i will try to update this thread if anyone is interested. Tennessee Technology Center at Knoxville, TN.

I started TTCK on Jan.3, 2011. First week we went over basics of a truck. I kinda found this boring since i have been a diesel mechanic for dealerships for 11 yrs. Toward end of the week we started trip planning and log books. Luckily i understood since i have been going OTR with my cousin for a year now on and off. There are only 2 others besides me. One guy never even seen the inside of a truck and the other fairly knowledgable since he has worked for a trucking company. I got my cousin to show me the logs and trip planning very well and helped the other two guys. Missed one day first week due to teacher being sick and to let the other go get their CDL A permit. I already had mine. I am in the second week now and we started straight line backing the last day of the first week. and now are doing off-set backing. No one has had any real trouble with backing yet. Straight line was a breeze. Off set was fairly easy other than the pouring rain and cold. Did fine the first 4 or 5 times then i must of got tired and cold and in too big a hurry and set up to much at an angle the last couple times on blind side off set. Still was able to correct myself and put it in the lane straight. no cones hit. Everyone did well and cant wait to finish up the week! Hate that we were out for MLK day but what can ya do? We even have opportunity to come in early and stay a lil late if we want to continue practice. Overall it has been great!

 

Driving and diesel mechanics is across the street from the main campus. they have a range out back. It isn't huge but it works. we r doing our last backing skills and r to start road training middle of next week or the following. I stayed after class for an hour today helping one of the guys with his parallel backs. I will keep ya informed and hope everything works out for ya!

 

Thats me man...theres something about skateboards thats drawing me to it. But my cousin owns his own truck. He has for 7 or 8 yrs and drives for ForwardAir. his wife had to come off the road(they were team) and looks like hopefully ill be with him. it would be good i guess starting out cause id be with him and were best friends and kin so...Yea, recruiters come but not like they used to. Online apps. have replaced recruiters. The 3rd day of class Werner was there and we have 2 or 3 more scheduled...mostly big companys. TMC is coming. I dont know much bout them but i worked on their trucks for years at pete and kw and they have nice equipment. every driver i talked to was really happy but i guess its what u make of it. You hear good and bad about them all! Good luck man!

 

Week 2 was fine tuning backing skills and then got out on Rutledge Pike practicing up and down shifting, shifting coming to a stop, and driving up and down the highway in general. It was a blast since we finally got outta practice range. Didn't have any trouble considering you are required to double clutch on every shift...which actually works perfect at correct speed and rpm versus listening to rpm and shifting without ckutch. Have one kinda struggling a lil but doing good being his first time driving. we spent the week before valentines day driving all over Knoxville. Through the downtown city in very tight spots, interstate, and two lane highways. This was really a blast since it teast you in every situation. Didn't have any problems. The instructor is a really good guy. He is a serious teacher and very knowledgeable but he like to talk and laugh too so you we be comfortable and not too nervous. McElroy recruiter came by saying their business is picking up and replacing 200 of their trucks. They pay really well and sound good. im not sure of their average weekly miles but im going to call them. Wal-mart road team came by and talked safety and company. Rosedale is coming Wednesday and Trans-Am momday. Comcar was coming but had to cancel til next class. they have a network of compnies ( CT, CCC, WSE, etc.) My overall experience has be great. I love it and hate having to take off for the weekends. The class used to be 3 months (i wish it still was) but is 7 weeks no due to state budgets. ill will update again soon.

 

Yea, i am seriously considering mcelroy. Just found out i have to get a year experience to go with my cousin (owner op leased to Forward air).
Thanks man, good luck!!