Would you get off the truck?

Request a new trainer and if you don't like the next one then ask for another mentor.Sooner or later you'll find a good one.What you're going thru is normal.I suggest getting a new mentor ASAP before you reach your boiling point and quit.Believe it or not companies do want new drivers to succeed.You're going thru what I like to call boot camp.So I say stick it out, before you know it you'll be the captain of your own ship.If you quit now it's not going to be any better with your next company and will have to go thru training all over again.

 

Next time you stop somewhere to fuel and you're both out of the truck just have a blunt conversation about all of this with the guy. Just say look hoss, I like you and all but there's a few things I want to clear the air on since we're in this truck together. Then in a respectful tone just lay it all out there. Tell him you're getting frustrated about all those things and you realize he's calling the shots as a trainer but you feel you're being ran over a little bit and you don't like it. Basically let the guy know in so many words that you're a grown man and you're going to be respected as one and if he flips out and doesn't try to be reasonable then just tell him you think it's best if you and him get with Swift and figure out how to part ways without affecting either persons job/livelihood. Chances are he will change his ways and be a little more considerate and respectful. Don't threaten or get physical. Just bring it to the guy in a stern but yet respectful voice and stand up for yourself. He's probably never had that happen and is why he acts like a @@@ hole.

 

In most cases, mega carriers are the only companies willing to hire drivers with less than one year driving experience (I understand there are exceptions...). Also, it's a disadvantage to run teams during training. The best training opportunity is ran as a solo operation.

 

Why?

there is no formal training they take, it is or seems like these companies use the idea that because they have X miles or X years, they are good. It is a very counter productive situation which effects all of us in the long run no matter if it is a mega company or some two truck firm.

IF there was a system to teach, with guidelines and performance requirements, then yep sure get them to do it right but one reason I keep harping on the issue of crackerjack CDLs is because of this issue. New drivers don't need to be trained, they need experience and hand holding doesn't produce the experience.

I read the OP's posts and my opinion is he needs to contact both the DM and the safety department NOW, lodge a serious complaint with them about his behavior and see what they can do. Don't ask, tell them what exactly he has done, what he has asked and throw him under the bus in order to protect your CDL.

and a bit of advice for newbies. DOCUMENT things like this, keep a little notebook and jot it down when you get a chance, this way you can say this happened when and what the outcome was. Protect yourself, don't worry about marginal idiot mentors who should be asking "paper or plastic".

By the way, why does someone have to be trained to do OTR, it is the easiest thing to do, just drive. I think local and then regional is harder. OTR to me is a vacation.

 

And then you always have those "trainers" who are just insecure people looking for someone to call a "student" in order to make themselves feel like they're something special and stroke their own ego. The most comical ones are the ones who don't even have much experience or know what they're talking about on alot of things. Local company "trainers" are the worst. Sometimes you just want to whisper in their ear "they're only having that new guy ride with you for a week to pacify the insurance company". I've seen a few who it really went to their head. You know the type, the guys who if you have 10 horses they've had 11.

 

I had to drive a local route with a guy who actually asked me "where's the kingpin?"

He's a "senior" driver.

 

That's comical. I know what you mean. I worked with one who no matter what question you asked him he would give an answer even if he had to make up something. I don't think the phrase "I'm not sure" or "I don't know to be honest with ya" ever came out of his mouth. Complete know it all. Always patting himself on the back. One of those seen all, done all, certified and bonafied types. The ones I get the biggest kick out of are the ones who claim "2 million miles" or "been out here 20 years " but their age makes it mathematically impossible and you're silenty laughing to yourself.

 

Schneider essentially pays a daily salary, with a small bonus a few months later if the trainee does well when solo. Trainer makes an additional 60$/day but they run the truck as a solo. Student has to drive 80% of the time, trainer has to be on line 4 in passenger seat whenever the student is driving. Training is too short imo, only 5-7 days.

 

I had one apply for a job with me, I asked him what kind of trucks did he drive?

I don't know, maybe frieghtliners.

Then I was stupid to ask him what engines did they have in them, and I got ...

"hell if I know, I just got in them and drived them"

He didn't make the first cut.

 

gee can't imagine why,lol