The New FFE Driver Academey

1. no out of pocket expense, NOTHING to pay back, unless you quit.

 

2. I would say...NEW TRUCKS!!! Yeeh haw Im excited to see what we get to drive, practice, training...etc.

I got a new comfy, powerful Volvo winch truck to replace my worn out International hooker when I worked at Steel Dynamics Inc, but only got 3 weeks of driving it before I quit. But that was also about 4 years ago, so I expect all the trucks have changed a bit? Do you guys have any complaints or yee-haws about the new truck selection?

Im hoping to not be crammed in a "jail cell" with my trainer, and I hope to take my girl as a rider once I get my solo truck. 70 hours a week trapped in a 5x8 will drive anyone crazy... Which truck is bigger for space, or has the best spread-out room?

 

You will train at the academy in 07 Frieghtliner centurys. thay are gutted with 3 extra seats in the bunk.

When you go out with a trainer, you could be in anything.

After your final road test you will be issued a truck. It could be a 08-10 Frieghtliner,09-11 International Prostar,11-12 Friehtliner Cascadia, or a 12 volvo.

you dont have a choice, ya get what ya get. And its truly random.

Frieghtliners have a TON of storage a sliding 5th wheel and no bells or whistles. However they are workhorses, reliable and make you money.

Prostars are more comfortable, quiet. They dont have as much room, have proven to be unreliable and are very heavy. The 5th wheel is stationary. The fit and finish is great as well as very comfortable cloth seats. Chrome gauge bezels and overall its a good looking tractor.
Ergonomics are supurb, it just feels right. Storage is good , I have room to spare.

Playmaker has the Cascadia, and tigger has the volvo. Im sure they will be here soon to give you the 411.

 

Sorry tigger I'm still here and kickin. We are down to 8 and we have been doing our driving this week. I seem to be doing better than average because my trainer said I would be ready for the academy road test on Thursday instead of Friday like the other trucks.

 

Thanks Spat, I have a bit of a soft spot for the 'Nationals because I worked security at the plant in Indiana while they were being designed, but I do need some comfort, good ergonomics, and reliability. I know I wont make any money if Im hanging out at the shop all the time Its too bad ya cant choose what you want to drive, but Im familiar with "deal with what ya get" companies.

That '06 Volvo I drove was fancy on the inside, real nice riding, and had plenty of power (think it was close to 400hp and it had a cummins). I could hang 64,000 lbs off the back of that thing, and it would almost lift the front tires if I popped the clutch too fast in 2nd! I appreciate the input about your Pro Star, cant wait to see who thinks they have the best truck.

 

The Volvo let's u know when to hit the head and how many times to wipe. It has the most toy, gizmos, and dodads in the fleet. It is Quiet! It has no need to idle do to the battery powered(has its own battery bank) ac/heat unit. It has a fridge, not a little fan powered cooler, actual refridgerator. She has decent power but not sure on power as she only has 6000 on it and is no where near break in yet when she will be better. U do sacrafice room for the comfort though. Storage is complicated but doable. If u are an unorginized person u would hate this truck. I love it. Will be better once I get home and unload half my girls stuff because she thinks she is traveling the globe with what she brought. But don't hold ur breath on a volvo, havnt seen any new ones in since the first batch that I got mine from but I may be wrong.

 

What are the transmissions in all of their trucks? Academy and company trucks.

 

any one else have a best reason to join FFE ? would appreciate the input.