What are your best trainer and trainee war stories?

Man, where is otter, he has some good ones.
@otterinthewater check in.

 

Let’s see… I had the “Granny-Mutha- Trucker” trainee, “Sir $#|?s a lot” that was rough, and couple others.

Frankly I’ve only recently recovered from Trainer PTSD and was feeling normal so thanks @Espressolane fornbring this back up.

 

Hey, glad I could help.

 

Not sure they had "training" programs when I started. I'm sure the mega companies did but not in the twin cities.
My training had me going with a buddy who worked with me at a distribution company(DQ & Taco John's.)
He was 1 year younger than me but his dad was OTR and he already knew it all. We were both too young for interstate but he ran adjoining states every week. Invited me along to learn tractor/trailer.
I already had years of truck driving including gooseneck, just not T/T or class A.
Took a few weeks but I got good enough, I thought, to pass a driving test for a company job. I believe I had a permit but not an actual A chauffeurs license. Started applying right away from ads in both newspapers...But they all wanted to see a physical license.
Until one didn't..they asked but said I'd left my wallet on the dresser.
In a bind as they had their driver quit in Spokane and asked when I could start and how much I was asking..told em immediately and said you're hiring, what are you paying?
Offered me 600 a week plus expenses.
I flew out the next day with an advance and a company credit card. Truck was abandoned and sitting in the summer sun for a couple weeks, a still loaded flatbed.
A 72? Transtar eagle COE.
I was in heaven cept for the cat pee smell fermenting in the heat.
Observed and asked lots of questions when needed. Still hadn't got the shifting down pat but mad it to CO and KS. Got loaded in Winfield KS back up to Minneapolis.
I was now a truck driver.
To prove it I was awarded 3 speeding tickets in one week in 1980...
My first few legit jobs after I got legal where Warren out of Waterloo, Pirkle from Madison and Overland Express from Blaine,MN.
Older drivers will know them.

I Remained a company driver throughout, union mostly.
Retired in January after 51 years of accident driving.
I reckon I got lucky w my entry into trucking circa 1974.