The continuing tale of DocFrank

Nope no uniforms although the trainer/mentors have to wear "Smurf" shirts when at a terminal

 

What a day! I did a rolling reset on the 24th so I was ready to go on my hours. Picked up a heavy load (46000 lbs.+) and set off from MO to OK. Everything was ticking along beautifully when I had to make a very necessary stop at a rest/fuel/food place in the middle of the toll road part of I-35. Got in and did the necessary deed and got rolling again in 5 min. All was smooth, then the Qualcom went down in Oklahoma City fortunately I remembered the route so I continued. I noticed when it came back up that there were messages. I have been told Not to look at messages while driving but the weather was bad (rain & lightening) so I thought I'd better check to see if there was some kind of alert. Boy, was there!!! It seems my mentor Tommy had also gotten out at my quick break in Kansas and I didn't know it as he had been asleep when I stopped. Fine, only I took off before he got back on!!
That's right I left him in Kansas! So I had to go back and get him. Almost 300 miles! Needless to say this caused much humor and consternation among the dispatch crowd not to mention Tommy.
We were low on fuel because of weight considerations so I put 30 gls. in at a Pilot and went and got him. It all worked out in the end O.K. and he is taking some home time as he lives in Okie land so I'm sleeping in the truck tonight and tomorrow in a motel so we both will have our full 70 hours on Monday. As I said...What a Day!

 

Nah, he was good about it. Just a bit vexed that I didn't drop the load and T-call it but we figured that maybe there would be further problems with me bob tailing out to get him so it's probably just as well. One thing for sure is I'm always doing a visual before pulling out in the future! Of course, being from Texas, it didn't seem like that far to go back.lol

 

Yeah! I figured out how to post photos! This is my training truck. Home away from home. Very nice Kenworth, comfy and pulls real well.

 

Not anymore. I got my 240 hrs in and tested in Ok City OK but the guy said I needed more practice backing...Duh. So I hitched a ride with an angel pulling a load for Laredo TX (my home terminal) as per instructions from driver manager. Practiced. Put it in and no collisions but it took be awhile so they want me to practice more and won't release me to a truck also want me to redo road test, everything. I got released Friday as they were all taking a 3 day weekend and I got to be back Tuesday AM. More practice! I don't know what's up but either they are going to send me out for another 50 or fire me. Seems stupid as my mentor said I was great over the road and just slow backing. Go figure! At least I get to see my wonderful wife and dog and get some sleep.
Wish me good fortune and Don't let the Minahunees get you!

 

Thanks everyone for all the positive help and advice. Tomorrow I find out if Swift will take me on or if I need to figure something else out. Don't know why I have such trouble backing. I guess I just don't want to hit anything and that causes me to be over cautious. I do great on the road (except for checking in the sleeper) and I do get it in the hole without hitting anything so I don't know what gives. Well, we will see. Be safe out there and Don't let the Minahunees get you.