Well while I'm sitting here at home. Does anyone have any advise for me, before I enter my 240 hours with my mentor?
L. I. S. T. E. N and ask questions. Only dumb question is the one you didn't ask. One more- don't overdrive your confidence level. Good luck to you. Mark
First and foremost, remember you are practically a guest in this guy's house. Be mindful of the little nuances he may have about you sharing his space. Kind of like spending the weekend in the county jail. You wouldn't throw you stuff in the first bed you saw and expect someone to not get mad, right? Sleeper cabs are the same way. Not that I've ever been in jail, mind you. I've seen enough tv though to know I'm not climbing into someone else's sandbox before I know what his expectations are. It shows that you are mindful about getting along as well. Secondly, concurring with the above, ask questions. Your trainer is there to teach you. Keep asking as long as there is a need for a better understanding. Third, you work for Swift as a trainee. Don't take this the wrong way, but you are going to have to grow thick skin sometimes. I don't work for Swift, but I understand their drivers are just like me out there earning a living just like me. Don't fake anything personal while you are learning. Join in on the fun with the cb warriors making fun of CR England. And Werner to even things out. Also, don't be afraid to make rookie mistakes and look stupid from time to time. I tell everyone that you aren't doing anything anybody else hasn't done a million times before you and won't do a million times after you. That truck is only going to do what YOU tell it do. Practice makes perfect. Don't get frustrated. It will get better with time and practice. Good luck to you shamrock. It's been fun following yours an Docs progress. Speaking of which, be flexible if you have problems with your trainer. Be ready to adapt to change and let your company people know you are there to work, not make your new best friend. It will all be over before you know it! BTW- drive naked as much as possible. It helps to relieve stress and will offer good conversation staters with your trainer.
Keep us updated on how everything goes for you out there Shamrock. I'm gonna be done with my hours this week and will be upgrading to my own truck late this week or early next week. I'm really excited and nervous at the same time. Good luck to you bro.
Make sure you learn everything you can. Anything you don't learn now, you will have to figure out yourself later and that can cost you time and money.
