Comments By Jeff1000

Too bad you couldn’t have cleaned it up or had it cleaned up. It’s still a new truck. Filth can be cleaned up but an old truck is always going to be an old truck. These are just thoughts I had, FWIW, you know the situation better than I could ever know.

Good luck!

Just to add Dave, I wanted to convey that I’m a team player in the sense of wanting what’s best for the company and/ or myself. I didn’t want him to think I was lazy or really didn’t feel like working.

The job I applied for was Western Regional solo. As an example, Covenant is supposed to be a pretty good company but they do exclusively teams so I crossed them off my list immediately.

I’m concerned about getting burned by office politics. Maybe I’m overthinking things.

I'd say just wait. Unless you really need the money immediately, you may be stuck team driving for a few weeks until they get each of you a truck to go solo, or get you back to wherever they want to give you a truck.

It took them like 9 or 10 days to get me my truck. I used the time to relax and get ready to be away from home for a while. In the grand scheme of things, waiting another day or two or three is not a big deal. Just call your DBL every other day and ask what the status of your truck is.

Hey Dave, that’s exactly why I called; I wanted your feedback on this. I really wanted to wait but I didn’t want to make the company disappointed with me, so I went along with it. Waiting will not cause me any hardship whatsoever (I have money to live on).

When he calls me up I’ll try to bring up the subject of waiting, but I don’t want to get fired either. Any reassurances there?

Thanks man.

Update, I talked to my DBL today, actually he called me. He told me that there’s a shortage of equipment right now and asked me if I wanted to team drive with one of my classmates. I told him that I really want to solo and he said he understood that and that it would just be temporary and a way to get me out earning some money instead of waiting for a truck. My classmate has become a good friend and he lives in Vegas too. In fact I saw him yesterday.

I told the DBL that if it was a choice between waiting around for a truck or getting to work I’d rather get to work, but I definitely do not want to be a team driver. He said he understood.

I talked to my trainer (TE) and he said that the company is getting rid of the old Centurys and replacing them with Cascadias so the shortage makes sense. The Centurys don’t use DEF and CA is pretty strict about air quality.

I’m kind of disappointed that I have to start this way but I’m just gonna roll with it. I can see some advantages like having another driver along to help figure stuff out; having a spotter for backing, as well as someone to talk to. The negs are two people crowded into a truck, and getting along with someone for long periods of time.

I mean I have to think about the company as well as myself and it seems like that’s what they want me to do, so I’ll just roll with it. What do you guys think? Thanks.

Jeff...I have more fun than the law allows with this. ...But the only one I really harass is Roadkill...but he just asks for it.. .and besides...he's easy

They don’t call him Roadkill for nothing. Sorry, couldn’t resist; I don’t even know the guy hehe.

Jeff called me SIR !!!!

I must need to shave my legs again......

LOL, oh no are you kiddin’ me. I’m embarrassed lol.

I just assumed . . . well you know what I mean :-).

Oh wait, it was a typo, a computer glitch, I knew you were female haha ;-).

Wow! What a ride! You have nailed it. It was scary there for a moment though, wasn't it. Feels good now that you are about to be in that driver seat soon.

Proud of you Jeff. You have done a great job. You are with an awesome company too. I have talked with many a driver who loves being with Schneider. That do know there stuff. A member of my church is a Safety Instructor on the contract side and has done work with them. He said they have one of the higher good driver reports. They teach you well.

Good Luck. Keep us posted. Tell us all about the truck you get and your first run.

Tell me about it. The orientation brought me to my knees a few times. The first week I almost went home because the instructor said that I basically needed a miracle to pass his backing test :-). So I figured I was done at Schneider but at the last moment I decided to go through with his test and I miraculously came up with the goods out of nowhere. I still don’t know how I pulled that off.

The third week I was in severe trouble with trip planning. In fact, before I took the test I was still lost but I was able to lay all the paperwork in front of me and basically figure it all out during the test. I only lost 4 points. Then I absolutely nailed my driving test driving and shifting better than I ever had in my life. Someone must be looking out for me :-). So here I am facing my first week on the road solo and the challenges ahead are probably much tougher than anything I had faced in trucking school and orientation.

I really like this company and the people I’ve met have been great. I’m proud and happy to be with Schneider and I look forward a long and prosperous relationship with them. I’m not doing this for the money but because I want to drive trucks.

I’ll try to post my solo adventures but I hope I’m not too busy or tired. Anyway, thank you for the kind words. Later.

Congratulations! Sounds like everything is heading in a good direction for you! I can't wait to read about your first solo adventures!

Thank you sir. It’s been a long journey reaching this point, but everything has miraculously worked out pretty much as planned. I just never knew how difficult it is to become a truck driver. There are so many obstacles to overcome and hoops to jump through. I’m excited but nervous about my first week solo. I’ll just have to keep grinding and hope everything works out.

CONGRATULATIONS JEFF !!!!!! Enjoy your off time...cuz now is when you will realize how much OJT trucking really is...theres alot that you just can't learn by seeing, reading, or videos..ya just gotta experience it !!! Stay safe out there, and know that we are here to help in any way we can... Now go out and start your adventure !!!!

Thank you sir. I talk to my DBL on Monday to find out how to proceed. Getting a truck has to be the first order of business. I hope to start no sooner than after Xmas. Basically orientation wiped me out :-). Very tough at Schneider.

I passed my SQT today (Schneider's final exam) and now I am officially a driver. Tomorrow morning, after 3+ weeks I get to go home. I am exhausted and excited at the same time. I'm ready to go home but also ready to get out on the road and start hauling freight and making money. It is going to take some time to get a truck. I was told to call in Thursday morning to check in but also be ready to leave then if my truck is ready. I hope to meet you guys on the road.

I just passed my SQT in Fontana this past Thursday. I’m exhausted too.

Congratulations for quite a noteworthy accomplishment.