Comments By DoctorWho_214

Just finished Day 1 of training and so far, it's been pretty good! Pretty much what I expected. A lot of videos, paperwork, and some goodies too. We have a really good trainer up here in Portland and looking forward to the upcoming days. A lot of it is just review since I already have my CDL but there's always room to learn if I want this to be my last job, so to speak. I'm really stoked to see what happens next and I'll try to keep you guys updated on the upcoming days. Got a lot of reading to do and gonna grab something to eat. Have a good rest of the day everyone!

I remember when I was getting ready to head home for my home time after 5 weeks out on the road, I felt like not only drivers but other things was out to get me from getting home. Traffic, construction, dispatch asking if I could do one last load on the way home but taking hours for trailer to be loaded, etc. Pretty sure it was just my imagination but seemed like everything was out to get me from getting home.

Always got home on time though haha!

Sorry guys for the late reply but it's now close to a month since I started at OD. I'm still working the docks since the class I'll be in got pushed back to mid-November.

So one week has passed being employed at OD. To start, my first 2 days were spent watching videos, paperwork, and computer work. I start the Driver Training program first week of November, up in Portland. I originally thought it would be sooner in Sacramento but hey, no complaints over here. They put me in dock work for the time being and, my goodness, my respect for the dock workers shot up the roof. Not that I didn't before but I guess as a driver I took that for granted. Never been on a forklift in my life, much less driven one but it took a week before I would call myself a beginner haha! Now because I have my CDL already they have me training as a yard hostler. I like the place and everyone seems to as well. A lot of the drivers I spoken to have been here multiple years and plan to retire here. Everyone has been helpful as far as the docks go and I can't wait until I get to start my linehaul gig once training finishes. I'll keep you guys updated on how it goes!

Yesterday was my first day at OD. They had me watch videos for the first few hours and fill out some paperwork. Then for the rest of the day I was getting trained with the dock work. I've never worked the dock a day in my life. When I was driving to shippers and receivers at my previous job, I saw some of the work they do with forklifts back and forth, fitting pallets of odd sizes into the trailers at the speed they were doing it, I thought I couldn't do that. But after following one of the dockworkers for a few rounds, they had me jump in the forlifts to work a trailer. The speed the other workers were going was crazy. Here I was driving that forklift like a semi, moving slow, checking around if I had clearance, trying not to hit anything. But the other guys were pretty cool about it. Never made me feel rushed or anything. I know it's only temporary until I start the driver training program but it was exciting learning something brand new. Looks like it will be 10 hour shifts for now but time goes by pretty quickly. I'll keep you guys posted on the journey!

I will let you know Bobcat. My scheduled time is in an hour. So far, I'm thinking it will be an orientation day today but if they need me to jump in dock work, I'm all for it!

Got the call from the OD terminal for my start date this morning! I start on the 6th of next month and I'll be working the docks until the driver training program starts!

Quick update: Last Friday, OD called and needed me to sign a release for DOT physical so since I was on the road, they had me swing by their Boise terminal to sign some paperwork. And still waiting on that call. I know the date of training starts on Oct 13 so I'm hoping I hear from them beforehand so I have enough time to put in my 2 weeks.

Cheers!

Hey Daniel. I wonder if I am included in that 6 in your class?

Nothing in the spam but when I spoke with the OM, he seemed surprised that I haven't received anything either. I'm sure it's not a big deal. Just trying to figure out when to send in my two weeks notice at my current place.