Trainer vs No Trainer

You haven't been around this forum very long then...

Any particular reason for your disagreement, or was this just a drive by insult?

 

You have to admit, you were the one that asked a question and then got all defensive when anyone answered it in a way you dont want.

I agree, honestly.

 

Come try and drive my truck. I bet you cant handle what i drive.

 

Ok here we go, if you get out of boot camp or basic or where ever you went, were you considered a full member of the team? No. Like me, I went to Parris Island I could shoot a rifle, but as far as everything I needed to know? I had nothing yet, I was called a basic Marine. The only thing I had was raw willpower to finish what needed to be done, only after going to SOI was I able to refine my skills and become a fleet Marine.

 

Ya' know Phro' yer a pretty good guy but ya' gotta admit that there is a world of difference between driving a smooth bore tank and haulin' freight in a dry van.

I bet that right now your training focuses on tank operation rather than driving in general.

Your current company probably hired you because you CAN drive fine - they just need to train you on the equipment.


..... Jim

 

Wow. Lots of Watkins Shepard haters. I've said several other places on this forum I chose them for the no trainer school. They teach you how to operate the truck, not just drive. Once again, from the mountain top: I THANK GOD EVERY DAY THAT I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BEGIN MY CAREER THERE! I also pulled their flatbed and went through a three day training for that. They definitely have their curriculum together and have been cranking out drivers for many years. It's a GOOD thing!

 

I don't know what thread you have been reading, but there hasn't been anyone here bashing W/S from what I can tell.

This thread has been about going with a trainer or not. It wasn't about any particular company per se.

 

Ok, from what you can tell. OP mentioned them by name. What I don't understand is what your post criticizing my reading skills has to do with the discussion. Unless you just needed a moment of perceived superiority. Have at it.

 

There's alot of times a trainer is only going to show you what the company does. Do I think that these schools teach enough, no. They just do not have the time. Most push the students through to get their CDL and that's it. But at the same time way back when we older drivers didn't have trainers either. I've been turned out just after the road test and they said here you go. But the difference back then 90% of the drivers were taught how to drive by drivers that have spent their lives on the road plus there wasn't any schools for truck driving. They taught how to take care of the truck, how to make the truck work for you, and how to drive defensively.

I would agree 100% of no trainer if the company sent the drivers to a truck defensive driving course like the Smith System. However , today is different. If you're in an accident today and someone gets hurt you're going to get sued. I would hate to stand in front of a jury and tell them I went to school then started driving with no further training. You would have to be spotless to come out and drive again.