things to learn when training

Good you already know that.

Unless the trainer is really bad just get what you can out of them. Even if you think they are useless when it comes to one area that doesn't mean they aren't great in another one.

Trip planning and backing are two things a lot will struggle with at first.

Learn as much as you can about how the company wants things done and who to contact with questions or concerns.

No matter how good a trainer you get and no matter how much you learn, the real learning starts when you get out on your own.

Important things you should already know:

-The learning never stops.

-You will make mistakes. They are usually small ones, don't panic and turn them into big ones.

-When driving you can't have too much space around you.

-When backing you can't take too long. What matters is getting it in without hitting anything.

-You will make mistakes. Don't turn small ones into big ones.

-Patience is a virtue, don't let anyone rush and if you feel rushed take a couple of deep breaths.

-Don't turn small mistakes into big ones. They can end a career real quickly.

You should already know how to control the truck. You will get better and more comfortable with it over time but the basics should be there already.

Just keep your head, don't rush things and don't turn small mistakes into big screw ups. There are countless threads on here by people who have done that.

 

There is too much detail to learn it all in 30 days.I'm still learning new techniques and ideas. A lot has already been posted,but basically learn how to survive and be safe.Learn what to do in an emergency like when a steer tire blows out.How to get the truck back straight when you start jacknifing on slippery road.How to physically get out and get under nose of your trailer and verify yes jaws of fifth wheel are locked around king pin. Dont just rely on a tug test.What to do at the weigh stations and Wyoming port of entry.How to properly double clutch,upshift and downshifts,and how to "float gears. How to navigate in 5" of snow,keep airlines (brakes from freezing. How to drive in middle lane(leaving yourself 2 lanes of escape.How to drive 80,000 lb rig down 6° grade.And most important how initial vehicle positioning will make backing into a dock so much easier.

 

Theres so much to learn I left out some stuff. Constantly check your Tires.This is a safety issue,look for bulges,missing chunks of treat,tread separating,retread about to come off. Learn how to "scale a load" and how to read the scale ticket. Learn how to "size up" a dock area Before you get in there.Notice other trucks in the dock. Dont just drive in there and then realize "I should have came in from the other direction " or I should have set up different. In other words your trucks to long to just blindly drive in to a place and then start thinking about how to back in.So make a plan before you pull in. #1 rule : Avoid getting yourself into a situation you cant or will have trouble getting out of.ie dead end street,not enough room to turn around,what do I do now?So always crane your head around Before you get in a tight area ,make a quick decision,have a plan.Know before you get there,"hey theres not enough room to turn on that street with those cars parked there,or them trees are hanging down too low,oh,no! theres somebodys cable line. One time I had to back out of a no truck route in New Jersey with cars on both sides of the road. LEARN TO DRIVE THE TRUCK INSTEAD OF LETTING THE TRUCK DRIVE YOU" good advice an old dinosaur told me once