The New FFE Driver Academey

Denal, I can't answer for Michigan (that will come down to scheduling with you and your FM), but OKC is on a major shipping lane (I-40) I think it is the only city I saw more than I did LA.

 

I believe FFE does runs through Michigan if anything you probibly could do LTL runs out of Chicago...hometime I'm not sure about...to see your grandchildren and get hometime your best bet would be OTR.

 

Got my trainer....leaving tomarrow morning...not sure where we're going yet,but can't wait to leave,CHAD!!!! It was a pleasure meeting you and your GF yesterday and driving that cascaidia was a joy...I see how you guys get spoiled driving one of those......Hopefully we'll meet up again,if not by truck,maybe by bike going to sturges SD.....

 

Have a safe trip! Good luck to ya!

 

OK day 7 is officially in the books! gonna grab gears on the road tomorrow! DFW look out! It has been non stop boogie since the bus dropped me off and altho i am tired as a mother, i am loving every minute of this. what a great, challenging experience this has been.

As an fyi, do you remember where you were 10 years ago today? Never forget. Hug and kiss your loved ones, and God Bless America.

 

I am starting 9/19/2011. I was told I will be a company driver based out of MIdland, TX pulling water tankers to the oilfields.
Can you please tell me what the living situation is like while at school? (food, laundry, roommates, hours, etc)
How long after graduation until you were actually able to start work?
What will I need to bring?
What will I need to be prepared for?
What was the biggest shock?
What will be the hardest for a total newbie to learn?

 

Wow, really? I have been here a week and had no idea they pulled tank. I thought it was just reefer and maybe some dry van. I think the biggest shock you may face is the fact that none of the classroom training will cover anything about getting your tank endorsement.

 

It's a new division opening out of Midland, TX. What was the hardest part of training? Were there many women in the class? Can you tell me a little bit about the training? Anything I should bring besides clothes and toiletries?

 

Look i don't know anything about the tanker stuff. Be that as it may, I can tell you the hardest part of training is whatever you can think of, everything effects everyone differently.

For some the bus ride was the toughest part, others found the transition from hotel to dorm life unacceptable. Others could not pass the 5 required dps tests just to get their learner's permit.

Some found that the blind side parrellel parking to be challenging, others found the 45 degree alley dock to be a ballbuster, some had issues with both. (they got a bus ticket back home this morning)

Your fellow students are cool, no drama here. We all have the same goals which is to complete training and get a job. Everyone gets along fine and everyone respects eachothers space and belongings. you will find alot of ppl willing to help you study and to bounce ideas off of.

They are a 2 women here now from the 4 that begin class with us.
they do not stay at the dorm, it is for men only. they get to stay in the hotel for the duration of their training. Free breakfast every morning for them, but the men can at least sleep in an extra half hour if they choose.

Bring money for food, do not expect any meals to be covered during training, except for breakfast while you are at the hotel. roach coaches are here in the mornings and lunch time, and its kinda hit or miss for dinner time. Also there is no catering trucks on the weekends, you gotta fend for yourself.
walmart runs on mondays and thursdays. Bring clothes you dont mind getting dirty, and smelly in. Hats and sunglasses. Sunscreen will also help, but they provide some smelly stuff when you are on the backing range.

You will not be eased into your cdl. it is a lightning fast transition from 4 wheeler to cdl holder in 18 days, with no days off. if you can't see yourself grinding away for 18 days non stop, don't bother. there are certain levels of skill you must be graded on to proceed in the program.

That being said, i can honestly tell you that i have not been this scared/challanged in a long time! It feels good to be a part of something again, and i don't let my fear or concern overtake my willingness to get this done. the best thing you can bring to this school is a GOOD ATTITUDE. That alone will provide you with the will to stick this out and complete the cours. good luck to you.

As for me, I drove out on the frontage road today, grabbing gears from 3rd to 10th and back down again. Upshifts were good, downshifts, not so good. gonna do some more tomorrow along with some highway speeds. nervous about it but theres nothing to it but to do it. I got homework to do. goodnight.