Comments By Brian

Hey Larry!

I was wondering what you thought of training? My recruiter says it's one on one and that's what I'm really interested in and that the new pay scale makes it uniformed.

Hey guys,

I was wondering if you knew which flatbed companies that hire new guys? I've been looking into Melton, Roehl, and TMC. I was also wondering if we had any drivers on here that work for Melton? I'm starting to get half-way through school and need to find what is best for me to work.

Day 5:

Classroom, range driving and the first day we leave the range to get on the road. I was little nervous that day and was unsure how things were going to go. As usual it's not according to plans, and I stalled the truck four times a stop sign on my first day off the range. I was getting uncertain with things because I never stalled it before and this being the first day off the lot was a lot to take in. I managed to remain calm and just kept starting it back up and eased off the clutch to get rolling. That was my mistake I kept pushing off faster than I should have. Trucking is a big learning process of learning from mistakes and how to improve them. I only drove 20 miles but it felt longer because I was out over an hour.

Day 6:

Classroom, range driving and another round off the range. I was able to nail the 90 degree perfect three times in a row, so I am now signed off on that for our checklist. On our state exam we're tested on obstacles, pre-trip, and road test. So every day we do our tests to get more practice. When we left for the road I was doing a lot better today. I was shifting more smoothly and felt like I was a professional, there were times where there was a grind or two but I was learning to correct them. Down-shifting is a whole other ball game, getting those RPMs back up to shift into gear while paying attention is interesting.

Day7:

More classroom, range and on the road. Every day from now we'll be the same of having classroom time and range and also on the road time. I'm getting better and shifting and doing my obstacles. My offset parking is a little interesting, and learning to correct those mistakes. Road time was fun, and I'm learning those WIDE turns are very needed. The button-hook is the best turn to learn.

Day 8:

Road time was longer, it was almost two hours today and I was loving it. Going on the highway at full speeds with a 53' trailer. I definitely love trucking so far and love being able to shift this thing! I'm correcting my mistakes on down-shifting and improving every day.

Day 9:

I was able to test out of hill parking and my shifting 1-10 speeds. I was happy to get that tested out, and still need to learn how to get those RPMs for downshifting. I'm sure by day 10 I will have my offset and downshifting signed off. I know this a future job I'm going to be interested in for a long time. I know there's everyday stresses but I correct my mistakes and just continue moving forward. I've been applying to jobs every day and looking forward to get more out this week.

Day 3:

We learned offset backing, 90 degree docking and 100 feet straight backing. I have been struggling with the 90 degree since the start, for some reason offset was easier in my opinion. I have a lot more to learn and every day brings a new challenge.

Day 4:

We learned coupling, un-coupling and uphill and downhill park. We have been going through every day the same tasks; pre-trip, 90 degree, offset, parking and backing. This is to get it into our head for the state exam to be fully prepared. It's only day four and I have learned so much already. I'm feeling more confident every day and I'm learning to deal with the challenges!

We also had Roehl come in today, they are a company I'm interested in for over-the-road along with TMC. I'm looking at Flatbed work because I like to stay busy. Also, it adds a lot to the resume when you have load securement, heavy haul and other things. I would really love to do heavy haul because I want the challenge to learn from myself. I just want to push myself to exceed my own expectations!

Now it's the weekend, I am going to let my brain relax tonight. But, I'll be studying all weekend memorizing the pre-trip and learning backing. I just have to get these things in my head!

-Brian

Hey Daniel!

I haven't been able to catch up on everything but are you at Prime now?

Awesome news! I'll be passing in three and a half weeks!

Yeah we'll be going over it every day so I know the repetition will sink in. Just so much stuff! By the way congrats on passing!

Yeah...that's about it. Pre-Trip is a LOT to take in and right now that's what I need to cram further into my brain. School is fun so far! Just posted in the training diaries, take a look if you're interested in!

Day 1:

We were in class from 7am to 1130am, learning handbook and terminology. It is a rundown of all the general knowledge. The textbook is a manual of tractor-trailer training. There are quizzes for every chapter to make sure we understand things.

After lunch we went outside to learn shifting in the yard. Shifting 1-6, with double clutching. Learning on 6 trucks for 9 people in my class. We have all new trucks, a Volvo, Freightliner, International, and a Sterling. They're all 10 speed, but the trucks make for variety for learning purposes. We have 20 minute intervals with the students driving and trading trucks with other students during this time.

All in all, first day was a success but a lot of things to be memorizing. Homework are the chapters and learning pre-trip.

Day 2:

Classroom until 10am with quizzes and pre-trip terminology.

At 10am we went outside to learn pre-trip, inside and outside. This is probably the hardest thing to learn in my opinion. It's very thorough and something that is needed to learn for the state exam. I have been taking the pre-trip on the high road and learning the handout that was given in class. I have 18 more days to get everything down. Class ends February 4th, with the driving exam on the 5th.

With everything so far I believe Century is a great school. We have 4 instructors with 30+ years experience for each of them. They're a smart group and willing to help with everything.

I won't be updating every day but I will try to get the days down here, over time. I'm learning so much that brain is maxed out is what it feels like. We begin backing up and coupling tomorrow. Monday will be learning to leave the lot and get highway time in. It's very fast paced but it's definitely helping!

Hey PJ,

How have things been going out there now?! Still hammering down I bet.