Comments By Andy C.

Well, i don't know about wine taster, but it's been a fun two weeks for me ha. A change in management i guess, but the work is flowing nicely.

Jolie, are you going to Marshfield or Appleton? I went to Fox valley tech for training. Roehl has a contract with them for training. From what i understand, the Marshfield school is much more thorough than Appleton. An extra week or so... As for me, i got home on a Monday night, and Wednesday afternoon i met my trainer. Advice? Leave your fear at home lol! So far everyone has been incredibly helpful. Other drivers, fm's, training manager. But i think there is no replacement for experience. You will learn the basics of what you need to know. The rest is trial by fire. I'm more the type who over thinks at times ha, I'm only on my third run, and no matter the headaches, i absolutely love the job. The things I've seen in such a short time are more than enough to make up for the messy truck stops and the blind back around a corner i had to do today lol please, start a diary of your journey, I'd love to read it! Feel free to ask any questions, happy to help in my limited experience!

My two cents here... Roehl, after thirteen days with my trainer, i have to agree with red. Most of the time my trainer was spelling things out for me, it wasn't until the last run that i did a lions share of the work, but he still... "Pointed things out" rather than letting me show what i did retain and what i needed help with... Another week would have done me worlds of good, there are things that come up that your trainer may not have opportunity to go over, another surprise. Yes, i asked tons of questions, yes i have a notebook full of wisdom, but i still find myself scratching my head.. He/she is experienced. Knows the ropes and sometimes forgets i think that they were new once to. Any trainer your with, try to think of different scenarios as you move along. Example, my truck pc goes down, what do i do? Trip planning. More than an hour explaining a map, get details. My tandems got stuck while i was trying to adjust them. Wouldn't move either way. What do i do? I found out the hard way lol. And when you call dispatch, if you can get a hold of them ha! Don't take the attitude personally. As a rookie, your expected to ask questions! Ask for help! Ha... Sry. Rambling. Waiting at a shop for a repair before i move on.

Just beginning my third trip solo... First two were quite adventurous... To say the least. Unfamiliar with Georgia, i got lost a couple times, picked the wrong 20w exit.. Lol My truck pc's co pilot doesn't work so I'm doing things the old fashioned way, a map and a ruler... When dispatch asks how far i am from my destination and will i make it on time because my hours are low... I measure from where i am, looks like i can do it with half hour to spare, and BAM... Out of hours and still 75 miles to go... I use 45 mph in my figure to be safe. Ugh. Late. Glad it was kool with the consignee, but how to avoid that in the future? Running a heavy load this time, grossing 78,000. through Virginia, lots of hills to slow me down. Leaving at 11 pm (2100) to arrive by 4pm (1600) tomorrow. On paper it looks ok... But I'm not sure of myself. Lol... Rookie blues? I'm not giving up by any means, absolutely love the job...

You betcha wt... Look for tractor 7419, scored a condo lol...My trainer taught me well.. Be a "bobble head " lol They bought six mirrors, why not use them! As for backing? Meh. I'm a pro. Lol jk.. I don't care if it really does take me ten minutes. Rather time than filling out paperwork. Six weeks went where?... At least my first run takes me home! Almost to my doorstep, from Atlanta to buffalo. Can't say it's been a picnic so far lol. My truck pc copilot doesn't work, i really don't rely on it, but the "nudge" it's helpful lol. 20 to Ga 138 hmmm.... Well, it said West! Lol. Only about three miles in the wrong direction. But another five before i found a safe place to turn around. Little lessons to be learned. Drove my butt off and just had to stop in north Carolina here. Was kind of hoping i would get to a pilot or j's after the early birds left. 5 to 6 am fuel, grab a spot and sleep. Naw! Rest area it is. Oh well, coffee in an hour when my ten resets. I really hope that my stories help any of you who are thinking of going into the career. I had zero experience, no clue what i was getting into lol. I've made my mistakes, I've felt like i wanted to walk away, like i would never figure it out. Even now, when they send the directions, it gets rather confusing. But, take a little time to relax, to sort. And its all good. I think it's fair to say that what you might go through, many Many others have also....

It really is pressure. My test out yesterday, heh, backing was in front of a class of new students, in a beat up old truck, manual clutch instead of hydraulic, i stalled the truck a couple times letting the clutch out, just relax, shake it off and keep going. One of the criteria i saw on my trainers checklist was "is the student easily angered, frustrated " It's definitely part of the testing. Part of the job. Just keep your head high, laugh at your mistakes and move on learning from them. You will be fine. Promise!

Randy, i can totally understand! Downshifting was my great nemesis too lol. If i can offer advice, i found i was bumping the rpms too high when i was going to downshift. I found a lighter touch was better. Maybe 1100 give or take unless going to a lower gear. And DO NOT TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR TO SOON lol. Going for eighth gear, at 35mph. No sooner. 6th gear, 15mph No sooner. Speed had a lot to do with proper downshifting. Try progressive shifting if they will let you. Eighth to sixth, sixth to fourth etc. Of course talk to your instructor before doing anything. I don't know what their policies are. Nowadays a use coast shifting from sixth to third... Clutch in, truck in gear. (6th) as i slow down, just pop it into fifth, fourth, third, brake fully. Things you will pick up on as you go. Believe me, i was so incredibly frustrated about downshifting, but it comes. Truly.

I found, very specifically lol. Flying j's and cascadia trucks passenger fuel tank don't quite get along. I use a bungee to keep it in while i walk around the truck to do my Windows while it fills. Otherwise, I'd end up with a huge puddle of fuel on the ground. Bad habit of slipping out. Might just be a good idea to wrap one around the handle just in case...

Couldn't agree more buttonup! The accomplishment is huge and tho there may be days we question our wisdom for choosing this life, there really is no better feeling.. Tell you a secret, lol, i yelled my fool head off in the car lol After i passed all my testing. Truck Orientation time, then finally on the way home. Be safe gang!

Your not kidding button up, many highs, learning i can move this beast by myself without hitting anything lol, the small victories of downshifting and progressive shifting, laugh if you guys like, lol, the lows were tough too. The few minutes when everything escapes your mind and you can't find a gear to save your life lol. The hills in PA, holy hell, but the thrill of getting it done. Stress left and right. But... So very worth it. Tomorrow when i finally head out on my own, it will be real. A long arduous journey, but to join the ranks is a great feeling. Thanks to all of you on trucking truth. Invaluable insight and support. I'm just... Happy today...