The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking
Company Training: Dealing With Your Trainer
Like it or not, you're going to be paired up with, and live with, somebody who, until very recently, you didn't know at all.
Normally, the both of you will make it through the company training phase unscathed, and you will move on to your own solo career.
Personality conflicts are almost inevitable, but your job is to stick it the best you are able, and learn how to safely operate the vehicle. There are occasions, however rare, in which trainer & trainee just can't stay together until the end.
What is life with the company trainer like?
For new drivers who aren't used to it, it can be kind of strange. You are living in a tiny space with a stranger who has been tasked with making sure that you are ready to drive a truck by yourself.
It's something that every new driver has to go through, and it's another situation that you want to do more listening & learning than talking and worrying.
Stevens Transport: On The Road Training
You will then head out with a trainer for 5 to 6 weeks (minimum of 35 days) and a minimum of 8,000 miles driving. During this time, you must to travel over three mountain passes and drive in all five regions of the country. You also have to successfully back into a dock in the northeast region of the United States.
Article - Surviving a Company Trainer
If you're just getting ready to hit the road, and you're anything like me, you are probably nervous about sharing a truck with a complete stranger for 6 or more weeks. I think that's a totally natural feeling and there really isn't any fix for that.
Video - Maverick Trainer truck - Inside View 2015 Freightliner
Will there be a wait to find a trainer or mentor?
You may find yourself waiting around to find a trainer, depending on the company. There are cases in which new drivers are sent home to wait, but usually the company will be pretty good about getting you out on the road.
There may be a longer wait for female drivers who want to wait on a female trainer, as there generally just aren't that many of them.
If you get to the point that you're waiting to go out with a trainer and it's taking more than a week you can try calling other Company-Sponsored Training Programs to see if they're willing to bring you on board.
Forum - Male trainers or female trainers...which do I choose?
Training has the potential to be a very difficult time, but it's best to just stick it out and realize that it's just a short time that will soon be over. You can still learn a lot from someone that you may not really enjoy being around.
How will I be assessed on my driving abilities by the trainer?
Forum - Started as a trainer on dedicated account. A trainer's perspective.
For me personally, the biggest thing I like to see from anyone trying to learn anything is effort. If they're willing to do whatever it takes to learn the materials and overcome the challenges then I'm willing to give them every opportunity imaginable to make that happen.
Article - Training Time Is Over And It's Time To Test
Well, after two weeks with my trainer, I got to go home for three days to relax and get ready for my company test. Before I can get assigned my own truck I had to go back to the operating center and take a series of tests so the company knows I am knowledgeable enough and safe enough to go out solo in my own truck.
Article - Your Trainer Will Test You On Far More Than Just Your Driving Skills
Just like most careers you get into you've got to pay some dues to get where you want to be. It's no different in the trucking industry. Sometimes we just take what life throws at us so we can get to the next step in the process.
What about personality clashes with my company trainer?
Company training is stressful for both the trainer and the trainee, no question. You're kind of forced to be around a virtual stranger 24/7 for weeks on end.
Normally, we would suggest trying your best to make the situation work. As a rookie, you are there to learn how to do the job safely & efficiently, and one of your biggest challenges will be adapting to less-than-perfect situations.
Article - Types of Trainers and How to Deal With Them
It's a stressful experience for the both of you. Each individual will deal with that stress differently. But everyone, from the CEO of the trucking company all the way down to your trainer, wants you to succeed!
Article - The Showdown With "The Colonel" - Handling My Trainer's Tirades
You really have to keep a wide perspective when you are with someone on the road this much. I had also confessed my weaknesses to Kurtz at our first meeting.
Article - Surviving a Company Trainer
I believe I either got real lucky with the trainer I have or I just adjusted very well, because I have had nearly zero problems with my trainer. We get along great. The first week or two was the hardest.
Article - Dealing With Some Crazy Personalities During Training
I’ve been really happy with my fortune so far but the first day I met my finisher, I got a little concerned. This guy was definitely a hot-shot and, when I told the other students about our first conversation they were actually laughing their heads off.
Video - Sharing A Truck With A Trainer
What if my trainer takes home time?
Forum - Home time while in training
Hi my name is Mike and I have a question: when you are out with your trainer and he takes home time what do you do? Do you stay in the truck or do you go to a motel or what just not sure how it works.
Forum - Prime Inc. trainer wants to take time off but I'm stuck
My recommendation would be to ask the trainer if he could have the company pay for the hotel. If that doesn't work I would just go ahead and bite the bullet - pay for a cheap hotel room for a few days if you guys can manage it somehow.
Video - Trucking And Truck Driver Trainers
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