Well, I just got off the phone with my recruiter. I have to get my DOT physical and permit, then I will be on my way. One thing has changed however. I was informed that I will be attending the new academy in Richmond, Virginia. That's cool though, I guess I might as well get use to things changing all the time anyway.
New academy? Is it 3 weeks? Maybe you will get good equipment to train on if it's new lol don't hold your breath though.
I'm assuming it is still two weeks. I think the only reason you attend a three week course is if you don't have to bring DOT card and permit. I could be wrong though.
keep in mind that your 240hr mentoring is a 2-way street. your expected to know nothing (if new out of the box) so listen to instructions, keep an open mind, learn all you can and keep a thick skin. in my truck if you give respect and are willing to listen and take direction w/out an attitude, youll go far. be respectful and listen, cause once you test out and go solo its a whole different world out there. mentors can and will be hard on new hires, it happens and if it gets out of control just make notes of it and when you do your weekly check-in report it. swift needs to weed out these type of mentors. ive had students jump ship after a few weeks on my truck, i thought all was well and fine, student was doing well, etc.. they just couldnt handle the lifestyle, being otr for so long and the oddball hoursand consistant shift changes(days to nights n back). so be honest with yerself and make sure this is the right choice for you and your family, because trucking isnt a job, its a lifestyle not only you but yer whole family has to be onboard with it. good luck, dont let the negative post or bs you hear curve your decisions.. see ya down the line.
Excellent post, Zukimart. I look forward to learning as much as possible, and I know you are 100% right about it being a whole different world once solo. Once we are solo, we won't have the luxury of asking the guy next to us, what do I do now?
That is one of the things that Mentors have to deal with. The last time that I trained, my policy was, you think that you know it all and do not want to listen, then the next terminal that I am near, would be pulling in and kick his butt off the truck and let them have a talk with the leaders. I am out here to train, not listen to them try and tell me how to do it. I remember when I was in orientation almost 2 years ago, and there was a driver from Jamaica, and had not driven for a few years, and he was trying to tell me, 20 years exp and another driver in class, 8 years exp and how we are supposed to drive and log. He had so much exp, (yeah right), he had to go out with a mentor for the 240. These are the students that when I start to Mentor again, they will not even be getting on the truck at the terminal. When I interview them, if I detect right away that they have a attitude that they know it all, know it all with another mentor.
Agreed Blsqueak. Trying to teach someone that thinks they know it all has to be irritating. Much less having to do it in this type of environment, on the road, in a small space, and under the stress of the daily grind of the industry. Some people just don't appreciate the opportunities they have been blessed with.
