I'm between commitments in another job, and I'm trying to decide whether to dive into schooling and company training now, or wait until the beginning of summer. Is it better to begin OTR in summer or winter? and, when will the company I sign on be more generous in terms of contract terms? Finally, aren't we experiencing a drop off in the economy right now? I see signs of layoffs and students who aren't really getting trained. I don't want to have my wheels spinning if the company isn't ready to dish out the miles.
Best time to start you ask, how about January-March ? While the economy may be slowing, so what? There will always be goods in need of delivery. I think the 1st quarter of the year offers a few unique advantages. (1 - trainer availability is higher (2 - introduction to bad weather driving is most desirable while with a qualified trainer
Thanks for the quick response Milestogo. I had thought that training in winter might be a good idea for exactly that reason.
DIDDO,THATS WHY I'M STARTING SCHOOL MONDAY AND WILL BE DONE IN 6-8WKS,ROADTEST THEN HOPEFULLY TRAINING.THE WEATHER SHOULD STILL BE BAD.GREAT FOR EXPERIENCE THEN I'LL BE READY WHEN THE FREIGHT STARTS TO FLY. LIKE MY BROTHER INLAW SAID COME OUT RUNNING!
Well, permit me to disagree a little bit. I don't think I would be in favor of a brand new driver also driving on snow and ice. I would much prefer that you get trained at a time where you can get used to the truck in relatively decent weather, and then take time to get used to handling the size and weight of the truck. Then, once you have 6-8 months of driving experience, and are accustomed to the weights and handling characteristics of a large loaded truck, you then move into handling it in poor road conditions. There are enough things to learn about handling the truck in good conditions to keep your full attention, and I tend to think that you should have the full course of that before you attempt to handle it in poor conditions. If you have to go through your learning curve in bad weather, it may be a bit steeper than you bargained for. My 02.
the donner party incident happened the third week of april....I had harrowing experiences just in the first rains, with all the oils oozing up off the roads, and a simple 2% downgrade on a dry day at 35, empty, when the light suddenly changes and that sled doesnt wanna stop. ####, thats at 35! most guys get in trouble leadfooting and tailgating.
Weather and road conditions in Winter is the reason my husband and I decided on now for training. We wanted to learn the ropes during the toughest times of the year when we could get first hand knowledge. But I also understand Burky's reasoning.
Great point Burky, I decided to start now,1.Because its my seasonal layoff and the best time for me plus was able to get a grant for the large tuition.2, I'd rather have my instructor with me teaching me the proper way to control my vehicle in bad weather. This way when I graduate at the end of february I will be looking for employment and out training in march & april. When the winter of 08 comes I'll have experience with the weather,more confidence driving the truck for 6-8 months as you suggested. Thanks for your wisdom. Its the greatest gift us newbies can receive. Happy Holidays
I am also of the opinion that learning your truck and how it handles would be perferable before you step in the doo doo.
1st day, very cold,icee, watched teamster video, paperwork and did straight line backing. It was AWESOME. Glad to finally get started.
