What do you want from orientation?

The reason the keep going over everything even for EXPERIENCED drivers is that is required to protect themselves if something happens.

No different than the daily construction site safety meeting , gets boring after the 321st time but its required.

 

Honesty, and accurate info is all i require. Don't bull**** me!

 

Problem is your going to find bulls**t anywhere you go. So don't really think that is going to be taken off the list. But keep in mind that all company's "may" try their best to tell you how it is going to be in their work environment as a positive but leave out negatives. If you want to give them great information, tell them what are the downfalls, and how to cope/handle the situation in your experience. Of course not trying to steer them away just giving them moderate information on what to expect and not to expect.

Example:
Alot of people don't realize unloading a GM truck that isn't palatalized is hard work when your short handed. But giving that information ahead of time shows them that this could happen and if it does do your best to keep a professional attitude. (53' trailers with 2600+ pieces)

I have never been to a trucking Orientation, nor am I a truck driver yet, but this is information I would like to know. I have trained people many times and had to explain the simple downfalls so they know how to handle them. Yes, short handed calls for a long day but it's rewarded with better hours, most likely overtime, and includes more money in your pocket. But of course, not all people will listen or understand but for the few who do, you have given them information even if it is from your own experience or anothers.

 

Well I leave for Greeley,CO on Sunday to start my orientation with JBS carriers. They say it will take til Thursday. I know I have to take a ergonomics test and i guess I'll find out the rest on Monday . The motel offers a continential breakfast and lunch at the terminal then i'm on my own for dinner. I'm ready for all the info (B.S.) and safety stuff since I'm new to trucking. I'm happy the school i went to had us in the truck on the 3rd day not much class room a ton of hands on expierence ie: straight line,off set, alley backing and drivinging in traffic downtown Denver,Brighton. I'm just happy im not on that Greyhound 18 hr bus trip to Stevens. (Dallas)

 

Like I said, keeping it moderate on what downfalls you suggest. I mostly mean stuff that can and most likely will happen. Something that is a common issue that can be overcome by giving that little advice ahead of time. Of course, the only real way of learning things is hands on and some times advice can get them headed in a easier learning direction when mishaps happen.

Keeping calm and collective about situations is the biggest thing people need to understand. People on the phone 2k miles away can't help you instantly, that is where being patient must set in. And this part I do know, Our Corporate support number for tracking specific items is outsource to India (as much of Target's call centers are) and they can only do what the computer allows them to do. Understanding THAT is the biggest thing.

 

..that wouldn't be so bad during orientation, either.

Oh, another thing I want from orientation: drivers who don't feel a need to tell a story regarding something that's being talked about. They say up front "If you have a question, that's fine, but please let's not have any stories. I want to get through this quickly and I'm sure you want to get through this quickly as well."

..but there's always at least one driver who has to tell stories.......

Now I know that's out of your hands. Do you think interrupting them and reminding them not to tell stories is out of line?