Trainers!!! How long before one should be a trainer

My very first trainer had less than 2 years. I've driven trucks locally around town and on the farm for a while and I honestly believe I knew more than him.

I drove for the company for six years and I became a trainer after four years, they offered Neva training position multiple times since about my 1-1/2 year anniversary. In my last month with the company I saw two people with less than a year(that I trained) experience..training new guys.

 

That's a great point. Proper training or lack of is what has this industry going in the wrong direction. IMO!

 

For one, If Im training you, your in MY truck. Now, since my attitude is not up to par, When I walk you around(Training You) Picture this, I have my fingers pinching your EAR, walking all around MY truck, while I watch you do a PROPER Pre-Trip. Now Im going to have you back up around 2 orange cones in a parking lot, WITH A MANUAL TRANS, and the first time you mess up, I Smack you with a PCV tube. PIPE up one time in MY truck, and TOSS you out. 3 years driving and thinks he knows it all. I have a Freakin LAWN TRACTOR im my yard, that I put more miles on it, than you have driving. Ill bet you have had a few Accidents, A few Tickets, MULTIPLE INCIDENTS.in3 years driving, I have more miles moving a pallet jack in a trailer, that you have driving. You said " you're not cut out to drive a truck if you can't keep your anger and other emotions in check. I'd hate to see how a person like that drives" I have 38 years NO accidents, No Tickets, A stack of Safety awards 4ft high, Great customer service, and MISSED LESS than 1 Week of work in 38 years. My dad was a life long Trucker Also, and HE went to work every Day, NEVER SEEN HIM STAY HOME. Now if you can accomplish all this in your NEXT 35 Years, Ill buy you coffee. But I wont be able to do that, because Ill be DEAD. I did say anyone can reply, and I wont be upset, Cant you just see me Smiling?

 

No, I picture you jumping up and down, frothing at the mouth.

 

yep your right, but you had to see the hand in the air.

 

so, tell us how you really feel Capt'n....LMAO.....* i support crusty drivers*....LOL...i need a bumper sticker that says that...

 

driving is like riding a bike you never forget i do agree someone might need training on new hours of service elogs etc. but that can be done in a classroom someone still wet behind the ears training a vet in driving COME ON REALLY ARE YOU SERIIOUS i mean come on folks im not trying to be mean but the facts speak for themselves

 

Ok, well then since you're a better trucker, why don't you come over and drive mine while you're at it?

Sure driving a truck takes time to learn the ins and outs of the job, and 38 years is a lot of experience, and congrats on your excellent career history, but I think you're being a little pretentious.

You don't need 38 years to learn to be safe. In fact, you don't even need 1 year to be safe. I haven't had any accident or tickets yet in my 3 years, and I played it safe from the start, even with my crappy trainer who went to bed soon after I started driving my very first shift. At night.

It takes the right mindset to drive any kind of vehicle safely.

And companies are requiring "recent" experience because of insurance requirements. Insurance companies don't care how many years you have behind the wheel, they seem to care more about being behind the wheel recently. I guess their scientific algorithms and research have determined that once a driver has stopped driving for 6mos, then their accident rate goes up.

In any case, I didn't mean to flame up this thread, but seriously, if anyone started screaming on my truck like that to me, they'd be out. All of us here should know that this job has a lot of stressful situations, and the ability to let it go and ride the waves as they come without getting your panties all up in a bunch is very important.