Walmart here I come!

Yes, I expect as much about constantly referring back to introductory materials. Don't you worry -- I'm always the one in charge of THAT department, LOL Sorry, I did not mean to imply that he is one to cut corners -- far from it, he is positively anal about safety and going strictly by the book. And yes -- I think we are both beginning to see what you and everyone else is telling us about reprogramming our mindsets. Besides, it's kinda cute seeing him so happy, excited and enthusiastic!

Thanks, "VETERAN" WallyWife!!! Yes, "hard to believe" is beginning to take over!

 

It is cute. It is hard to believe that someone can get that excited about a truck driving job. But WM truly is different in the culture they have cultivated.

Those who slam the job as BS and just like every other truck driving job really have no idea. And, you can't have any idea until you work for them.

Rick is still anal about the job, and he still refers to his books now and then. He has really blossomed in a job where they do actually recognize good employees, and make sure that the employees know that they are appreciated.

You will see more of the man your husband used to be, before stress and worry became his everyday working life. It is wonderful to see, and a great journey.

 

Debra, it is a good thing I still have my Driver Onboarding binder. I have been on leave of absence for so long I had to look up some names from the DC I was beginning to forget. LOL!

 

That's what I'm looking forward to for Brian -- knowing that he is appreciated. They were actually very good about that aspect at the job he just left, but the small Mom and Pop operation has just been bought out by a large company out of New Jersey, I believe.

And yes -- it IS hard to believe that a trucking job can really be as wonderful as this is beginning to look to us.

Those books will surely be a lifeline for him, though at only Day Two he can't possibly have any idea of how much yet, LOL

 

He can also create additional reference materials as well. For example, each of these DC's (grocery or GM) are very large. I took birdseye aerial satellite images from online of each DC. I then overlaid each area location of the DC onto the maps from the not-to-scale drawings that were given out at orientation. This made it so much easier for me to get to know the layout of these massive DCs very quickly. I also use aerial views from Google maps on my phone or iPad to look at stores I am going to I have not been to so I could see any potential problems areas, such as tight driveways or loading dock areas, to make better use of my time making a delivery or drop and hook quicker without sacrificing safety. The more you know, the more the paycheck can grow.

 

Thanks, Tom -- yes, he's big into using his phone's aerial features exactly as you describe.

However, he just got a new phone this evening -- an iPhone, which I know absolutely nothing about, so he's on his own with that one!
He has been known to call me to get an aerial on my PC for him in the past

 

Those aerial views can be priceless. He will be able to see Google maps/Bing maps on the iPhone. As much as these stores look similar, there are many differences in the layout for where the best entrance for the truck is and how small or large the dock areas are. The GPS on the truck's computer, Jill, will do an excellent job routing the truck to the exact driveway he needs to turn in, but I am a bit old school and do not put 100% faith in the GPS, so I always want to see the aerial view of the store, vendor, or DC.

 

Yep, I'm definitely old-school -- I won't have a smartphone. Love my li'l ol flip jobby

Like you, I think he's gonna want to see the aerial just because he is an extremely visual-oriented individual. And once he sees it, he's got it.

My hope is that he will be with the mentor for most of the stores in his DC's territory... Seems to me that he said 112, 121, something like that.
Our local Walmarts are in his DC's area, which will probably be nice for him from time to time.

 

I am old school mixed with The Borg (Star Trek character that is part human-part cyborg) based on the electronic gadgets I use.

He may see some of the same stores, then not see them for weeks or months. He will also end up in the coverage area of other DC's who have a 100+ stores as well. More the reason to use aerial views because it could take years to remember the layout of so many stores. I know the exact layout of 3 Walmart stores within 7 miles of me, but only because I go there and shop often enough to remember them. I am the one driving my car around the back of the store like I am driving the truck.

 

LOLOLOL That's funny, but I can see the practicality!

Yep, I predict that Brian will be driving around every Walmart that he encounters during his off time -- just so he will know their layouts!

And I do see your point. It's like riding bulls -- you can't anticipate anything, just ride 'em jump for jump!