US X First Day Orientation

OK as promised.

I arrived in Springfield after the 17 hour Greyhound odyssey. Waited for about 30 minutes for the shuttle from the Quality and settled into my double room. My room mate is a good guy, my age and we have some things in common so it's palatable.

Up at 5AM for the 6 AM shuttle to USX. The usual cattle call and intro. All in all a good start. Medical and Physical testing was first. The physical consisted of a box lift (70lb) and then carry. Up and back three times with the box. Each time making sure the pulse rate never got above 146 bpm. Mine never topped 80 and I'm no marathon runner. Then there was a pull and push test. Not sure what that was for but I passed. Then the duck walk. It's a squat walk of about 5 feet. Again no problem. That was it.

The medical was the standard. My BP was 136/80 which is down from the 148/82 last time. No added salt, no cola for the last week. Lots of water and no caffeine or "chaw" for the last two days.

Once everyone got through that we began the road test.

Having never driven an auto I was a bit apprehensive, but no issues. Drove it like I stole it. I had the best 45 backup I have ever had. Which was good timing as there were a bunch of drivers milling around I guess to watch the "Newbie's" screw up. I just pulled in, swung around, gave her a little nose to the left, hit the horn and backed the old girl in between two tight trailers. The trainer had this big sheeet eating grin when I got out and said, "Well that should shut those F'rs up". All in all a good day.

It was boring at times. There were numerous calls to go into the next room and meet with those who are processing everything. NOTE Bring your last three years of W-2's and documented proof of any unemployment or unemployment compensation. For the life of me I don't know why the recruiters don't tell you to. I did and several others had to call home or spend time on the phone with the IRS.

There is the right way, the wrong way, the DOT way and the US EXPRESS way. Get used to doing it the US X way or find some place else to be. That message is sent loud and clear from minute one.

It was an 11 hour day. Lots of info, several breaks, many vids and class time. A very long day. Tomorrow will be longer.

More tomorrow night. Max sends from Springfield.