Comments By Miss Miyoshi

So he escaped your basement dungeon thing on the first try? Nice.

Prime pays for the study, and if you have to get the machine they can do a payroll deduction over time for you to pay for it.

Advertisements are always going to give you the best case scenario. Just because most aren't earning that doesn't mean there aren't some people that are earning that. I'm almost in line with what Rainy posted, but honestly I didn't look at my earnings in total yet. I have a husband who is a type 1 diabetic, so I maxed out all of my insurances, benefits, etc. So I pay out over $200/week on benefits alone, not including taxes. I get a decent chunk taken out, but I also make a decent gross as well. What helps is I have a lightweight, drive in the northeast regional area, and I don't push my speed so that I can make fuel bonus. I haven't averaged less than at least 8mpg the entire time I've been driving. I've even pushed it to 10mpg on two different pay periods. Also, my health insurance rates will drop by 50% (!!!) once I hit my 1 year mark, so I have that to look forward to.

I was locked in Rainy D's basement. Managed to escape though.

That statement is unacceptable. You're ready for it the minute you're in the truck. That is what training is for. Go over your FM's head. Rainy is correct about the reason the FM is unwilling to have you switch trainers. I had a TERRIBLE experience with my trainer saying the exact same thing and they were pushing me to upgrade before I was ready. I got another trainer and learned more in 3 weeks with her than I did with my original trainer in 2 months. It took a bit of pushing to get the trainers switched, and I had evidence she violated HoS and other safety rules, so it made my switch much easier.

Demand more backing time, and make it clear to your trainer what you expect out of your training experience and what you want to learn. You won't be an expert when you upgrade. You'll still be nervous and unsure of yourself, and time and experience will help all of that. It takes about 6 months of driving on your own before you feel like you've really got this thing down, and even then you'll have off days.

Training is a tough time, and I think as a trainee we put more pressure on ourselves to do everything right. Don't worry. Your trainer is not "grading" you and the only way you're going to fail is if you quit. So discuss your expectations with your trainer using clear, precise language, and in the mean time put in a few calls to the people mentioned so you can get another trainer. Believe me, they WILL help you get the training you need.

You know, I am very proud of what I've been able to accomplish. It's very empowering knowing I can do the things I can do. Let's face it, even though the culture of truck driving is changing in many ways for the better, it's still something of a surprise to see a woman behind the wheel. I get an immense amount of satisfaction when people ask me "you drive that thing???" Of course, there are some days that I can back into a spot other drivers tell me they wouldn't have attempted. And some days I could have 15 spaces open on either side of me and I still won't be able to back in straight. I rather hate those days, and it really affects your psyche when you know people are watching you just muck up like that. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like there's extra pressure to be "perfect" at my job simply because I am a woman and there are still a lot of men out there that think we're just not cut out for the job. I try not to think about it too much or let it get to me, but it's a constant thought in the back of my mind. The good thing though is when I do a difficult maneuver without much trouble, I know that they are more impressed simply because I'm a woman. A guy might not get the same respect for the same action. It's a weird thing, but it keeps me on my toes, always trying to make sure I do my best every day.

Keep the shiny side up, as they say.

At Prime, a jack-knife won't get you fired, unless a bunch of other stuff happened as well or you've done it too much and are deemed a safety hazard. A rollover is immediate dismissal, regardless of circumstances.

I second the driving at night part. As much as you can plan it that way, it's the best advice, especially once you're familiar with the area. I usually try to do that as much as possible.

Hahahaha! All good.

You're welcome!