Comments By Josh E.

I'm totally sucking at driving. In school I thought I was a decent driver. I didn't grind gears, my downshifting was pretty good, I took turns well and wide enough, and I could back up decently...

Being on the trainer's truck is a totally different story. I don't know if it's nerves or what but I feel like it's my first time driving almost. I forget to take turns wide enough, I grind gears frequently and screw up backing in truck stops.

What gives!? It's like I forgot everything I learned in school. Really getting frustrated, anyone gone through this situation? Any advice?

It's fatigue, man, and things will get better soon. I recall that on about days 4 & 5 with my trainer, all of my skills regressed - grinding/missing gears, not squaring off turns, etc. There is a lot of mental strain, not to mention trouble sleeping and living in an over-sized closet with another guy, that affects the trainee physically and it sneaks up on you. During that time, I actually stalled out in Houston trying to merge from US 59 onto the 610 loop (could not find a gear for anything!). However, things improved greatly after this and I finished the training strongly. Drink plenty of water and try to get adequate rest. You'll do fine.

I sure hope so!

I'm totally sucking at driving. In school I thought I was a decent driver. I didn't grind gears, my downshifting was pretty good, I took turns well and wide enough, and I could back up decently...

Being on the trainer's truck is a totally different story. I don't know if it's nerves or what but I feel like it's my first time driving almost. I forget to take turns wide enough, I grind gears frequently and screw up backing in truck stops.

What gives!? It's like I forgot everything I learned in school. Really getting frustrated, anyone gone through this situation? Any advice?

Congrats Josh! Sounds like you're just working out the bugs. Sure you will get it a become a rock star. I was going to try flatbed at TMC but was worried about the testing. (Haha) if I didn't pass it I would be out of there. I finally decided to try flatbeding at Roehl. If I do not get through that I can just switch divisions with them. I'm so glad to hear you are enjoying flatbeding. I've been excited since I made the decision to push for flatbeding. Glad everyone is treating you well.

Stay safe out there.

I've heard really good things about Roehl and you're right, you can switch divisions, that is awesome! They also have the hometime fleets too, which is great.

I hope you like it there and thanks for the kind words!!

I'm sure you'll do just fine and I wish you the best. And if course post about your experiences at Roehl for all of us.

Josh E.

Made it through orientation on Monday and now on the trainer's truck. We've done two loads so far that have been short runs and gotten some securement work in.

At this point I'm going at a snail's pace and making stupid mistakes that seem like common sense after the fact lol. My trainer assures me that speed and proficiency will come in time.

I drove for a little bit yesterday and I can honestly say that was the very first time I've been nervous about driving. I guess because it's 'for real' this time! Haha

So far I'm really liking this company. Everyone is so nice and helpful here and I think I'll be successful at Melton. Of course ive only been here a week and a half but so far so good!!

I was a little iffy about driving flatbed at first but now I'm glad I decided to. They give you a lot of tools and training to be successful here. Ready to get past training and the first 30 days solo behind me, I've heard those are the hardest.

Josh E.

Some really good advice y'all, thanks!! I just got on the trainer's truck today and just looking for advice from everywhere. Once I get my own truck I want to hit the ground running...as best as possible.

Any drivers out there have any advice on load securement and tarping?

Looking for tips on how to work smarter and get the job done faster.

Thanks y'all.

I usually hold my grip on the bottom of the steering wheel. That way I can steer the towards the direction I want the trailer to go.

Other than that, just like others have said, make small adjustments at a time.

Also, if you get straight, stop, and make sure your wheels are straight. I usually turn the wheel to the left so I can see my tire in the bumper mirror. Then you turn it back to the right until you think the wheels are straight and so is the steering wheel. I hope that makes sense and hope its it's helpful.

Dag, dude...You are making some serious bank, wow! Good for you man, seem to be doing really well for yourself!!

OP, how's it going over there at Melton? You in your own truck now and running solo? I have Orientation at Melton this coming Monday, little nervous but excited too. I hope I can make the cut!

Yeh the recruiter says they can take me on because I'm prior military and they wave the approved schools criteria, so any school is okay.

I'm trying to decide between Shaffer and Melton. I talked to Larry on here about Melton and he likes it there, now just trying to find a current Shaffer driver to talk to.

Thanks