What concerns me the most (as a wannabe) is....

Sonny don't let all of the information provided overwhelm you...

I commend you on your active participation on this Forum, also on your direct approach to doing what is commonly referred to as, "homework". You also steer other wannabe's to do their own homework, which is key to their success.

You have a good chance at becoming a great driver.

There are good and bad aspects to all jobs... Many things can happen along the way regardless of the vocation that you choose.

Keep your eye on the prize, you will do just fine

All the Best!!!!

 

Youre a busdriver. You know the general rules. The best training will make you a decent driver. The best attitude will make you a top notch driver.

YOU

1. Wear your uniform. I was in the Iron Skillet in Amarillo when a guy walks up to the bar and sits beside me. Older fellow, handlebar mustache, rodeo shirt, belt buckle the size of a Spartan shield, pressed jeans, and polished pointed toe dress cowboy boots. This is the unmistakable uniform of the old school, outlaw trucker, king of the backroads bullhauler.
I'm not saying that you should send your clothes out for drycleaning like this bullhauler, but wear clothes that say that you are a truck driver, instead of one of those fat guys wearing short shorts and flipflops.

2. Speech. "How many truck drivers does it take to change a lightbulb? None. They'd would all rather sit in the dark and cry about it." You will hear alot of negative talk and crying. Do not join in on negative talk. Do not trash another driver because he drives for another company, trash him for being an idiot. There are alot of attractive waitresses out there. Lots. Do not make any lewd comments to any waitress or any female trucker until she has invited you to her bed. And if you do her, do not tell anyone...she's got enough trouble fending off unwanted attention. If you are a decent man, they will gravitate towards you anyway so dont be crude in your speech to her in front of other drivers.

3. Action. If you see a driver struggling to back into a parking spot, do not do like the sissies and point and degrade, get out and help him! See a largecar? Give him a bear report.

The Truck

1. Its what everyone sees. When you get your own rig, take care of it. Put your name on the side of the door. It becomes part of you. You hear idiots on the CB all day in every big city you go to. They all hide in the sleepers and trashtalk. Be bold. Put your handle on the door, under the window. Everyone will know its not you thats talking trash.
2. Drive as hard as you possibly can. Put as many miles as you can on that truck in a year. Drive hard every single day and reward yourself when youre doing a 34.
3. Be on time. I dont do late.
4. Drive! Dont be a dumb #$$ steeringwheelholder. If you cannot see whats in front of the truck in front of you, you are following too close. Say NO to bigtruck dragracing. If your truck runs 64.3 mph and a 64.6 mph truck tries to pass you, back out of the throttle by 2 mph. Interstates were made to flow...dont be the bottleneck.

 

If your big concern is having to ride with a trainer for several weeks, then Watkins Shepard is your absolute best bet. I will readily acknowledge that every company has its flaws, and I can tell you most of W/S's. With that said, their training is top notch, and you don't spend weeks in a truck with a trainer.

There is an extensive thread here by someone who just went through the program, which I will admit I haven't read, but that could give you good info.

Don't let anyone scare you about Dick. He's only mean on the outside.

 

If your training is done right your trainer won't make a whole lot more because he will be on duty every minute you are . At least for the first week or 2 , depending how you're doing and driving conditions . But even then I can't see a trainer leaving a trainee for 8 hours to get the sleeper time required to stop the 14 hour clock.

 

As one of the other posters said, from reading your post you are older, wiser, and way more mature than most of the newbies we see out here these days. You seem to have your head on straight, that and your maturity alone will take you much farther than most. Remember you won't agree with everything your trainer does or says, but, you are not there to gain a life long friend you are there for the training. If you become lifelong friends so be it. Take what you are taught, and adapt it to your own method once on your own. Just try to soak up all the things you think seem good, and ignore any that seem dangerous or just plain ignorant. It will really come down to luck of getting a good trainer wherever you go, just remember these things and you'll be on your way.