Comments By Monica M.

ClassA, Thank you for the kind and spot-on advice. I HAVE been afraid of irritating the instructor by getting out of the cab and looking at the positioning of the combination at each step of the backing maneuvers. I have wished that I was a bird so I could fly over and get an aerial view. And yes, he has instructed me a hundred times to stop "overthinking" this. Yet, I am to concentrate. My brain is a hot, chemical soup and yes, it must be affecting my ability to perceive what I am looking at. I must also be directionally challenged. A tattoo of L and R on the back of my hands, maybe? At least I'm smiling again. You rock.

What a hot, sweaty, and frustrating morning on the driving range it was for me. My instructor is frustrated with me, as well. The backing maneuvers are not going well. He has exhausted all his tips and still I often fail to find straight/center of the front wheels and can manage to jack the combination into all sorts of unpleasant shapes. My brain was so fried this morning that I couldn't even tell right from left. I don't seem to be getting the "feel" or the "hang" of the backing maneuvers. I am following the printed instructions but cannot even "see" the travel of the tractor/trailer combination in my mind. I'm telling myself that millions of people have learned to do this. Surely I can't be the ONE that cannot learn these backing maneuvers. On the positive side I can double-clutch pretty well and I have the Pre-Trip nailed. Careful reading of this site has shown me that many students face dark days such as this. My instructor suggested I borrow a non-commercial truck/trailer set-up from a friend and practice, practice, practice. He must be able to tell that I have never backed anything else before! Sympathy? Condolences? Should I consider yet another career change?

Yes, please continue. I am reading with great interest. It helps me to know that others have felt the same frustration that I am currently dealing with. My current drive range instructor keeps telling me to "Relax, don't stress so much." Hard to do for an anal, type-A perfectionist such as myself. Honestly, I think learning to drive a truck is much like learning to play an instrument and I have never been musically inclined! But, I will get this. I'm not retarded, even though I often feel like I am!! Haha.

AND, what absolutely KILLS me is that the Department of Labor labels this occupation unskilled. Just.Kills.Me. I have a ton of respect for the skilled driver you will soon be. Best of luck to you. Signed, another vet.

Well done! I was wondering how you were doing. I figured you guys were out with a trainer when so many days went by without a post. You've clearly earned a well-deserved weekend. I hope you have great weather and get something wonderful to eat! You're only missing 87 degree weather here. Hot and humid on the driving range. Dripping wet with sweat! And no shade to speak of. Will you two be coming back here for your home time when you get it?

Watch one or two of the "gluttnous" videos and you will be reminded of why you are doing what you have chosen to do. She always improves my state of mind. I think you said you liked them.

YIKES. That was an intense day. Everyone here is rooting for you and Patti. Good luck! Keep us posted.

I'm getting ready to join my husband as a team driver. I am in charge of securing fast, consistent Internet service for our truck. So, what service providers do you guys use? How much do you pay for it? Are there places where even the best provider does not deliver service? How about hardware? I have heard that touch-screens get "wacky" over time due to the vibration from hard-driving. What type of laptop would be a solid investment? What are your issues when trying to connect to the Internet from a moving truck?

I really appreciate any input you can share. Thanks so much!

That is comforting news regarding SAGE. I will say "Hi" to Tim and Eric for you. When you two finish orientation, where will your home base be?

Hi Bob and Patti, I was wondering how you were getting on. Please update as you continue your training with Schneider. My husband and I have applied to them, as well, but cannot start until June 5th (last day of public school for me, horray!!) I'll be reading with interest.