Comments By Dave

Hello all

Well my C-Seat phase continues. Headed to my trainers hometown so he can have a couple of days with his family.

I'm looking forward to a few days in the hotel to stretch out, chillax, watch some TV & just generally relax. First time in about 6-8 weeks I won't be spending every moment of free time studying, practicing or worrying about passing the CDL....😁.

Hope everyone has a good week & remember to vote early & vote often

Dave

Adam called me this morning. Small world. I'll be waiting for his call on Monday. I was so excited i wanted to jump up and down but i was very professional and waited til the conversation was over.

I know that feeling all too well lol.

I've got my fingers crossed for ya!

I wanted to take a minute & thank you and all the others who have created/contribute to this website.

It has been crucial in my passing not only the written but also the driving portions of my CDL exams.

Now I am continuing to utilize it to learn and grow.

The knowledge, advice & information is EXCELLENT.

Again, thank you and thanks to all who have replied, posted info & offered encouragement & support

😄

We regularly have people report that they'll go in and knock out all of the CDL permit exams and all of the endorsement exams in 45 minutes to an hour. They walk out of there with their permit and their endorsements all in one shot.

That is exactly how it worked out for me. The MVD Lady was SHOCKED!

Thanks Brett

Hoe it worked for me too. The High Road program is invaluable for preparing for the written permit tests. It also is generally a great tool. I've learned so much more than my fellow trainees who haven't used it.

What kind of fuel mileage is a good target/ expectation.

I get differant trucks larger, lightweights etc, just a kindageneral expectation.

I understand various companies reward better fuel mileage. Just eant to see what kind of target to shoot for during tnt phase.

Having no experience at all in the trucking industry I was amazed at how good the fuel mileage is, especially when compared to the diesel ambulances I used to drive

My trainer has a Peterbuilt 579 w/a PACCAR (sp?) even with me driving on a permit and struggling to shift it got 8.7 one week and 9.3 the last week of my permit driving phase. Both times we were well above Fleet average

Butcher OMG! Im sitting here waiting for a phone call to either get moving or get on the computer and apply to more companies. I feel your excitement. Im all pent up energy ready to go. Im gonna pull a muscle. U be safe.

Have you looked at Wil-Trans/Jim Palmer? There are detailed reviews on this site.

I can say nothing but great things about them from my first phone call wit my recruiter forward. They are exceptionally nice. I've not encountered one rude person. Everyone is helpful, patient & understanding.

Hello all.

I'm well into my 10,000 mile "C seat" phase. Drove right at 630 miles yesterday. Driving is a lot more fun & much more relaxed w/o CDL test looming. Driving alone in the cab while my Trainer sleeps isn't near as nerve racking as I feared.

My skills (shifting, backing and etc) continue to improve while my confidence grows.

New Jersey traffic (just north of Newark) is intense to say the least lol ;-)

Well I am officially a C-seat driver. My trainer will be here, Wil-Trans terminal, soon to pick me up.

He has a load already & I'll be behind the wheel headed to Tulsa.

I am anxious and excited to start this phase of training. It will be nice to train, drive & learn w/o the CDL test looming over me.

Be safe all!!!

Got my acceptance call from my recruiter at Prime and I start November 14! Man I have a lot of things to do before then...mainly study! Any nuggets of wisdom from any of you will be greatly appreciated!! And A HUGE thanks to this site!!

HighRoad training program right on this website. Learn it, Love it, Live it.

Congratulations!

What he ^ said. The program on here is EXCELLENT

Butcher,...beyond my congratulatory reply I'll share some thoughts on your questions about tips or advice.

The next phase of your journey is road training, a month or so sharing the closet with a trainer. Like many things in this business, building and managing the relationships of the people we work with and work for is important to success and happiness. Might as well consider your trainer to be the first of many relationships you'll have throughout your career.

If you haven't already done so, establish an understanding with your trainer; review their expectations and the limitations they will require of you. Things like sharing space, showers, laundry, and eating are things you should try to get a clear understanding of up front, before you hit the road. I would also suggest and review how your trainer intends to help and instruct you on training topics; driving under a load, winter driving techniques, mountain driving, real life backing scenarios, trip-planning, HOS management, and handling yourself at a shipper/receiver. Initially try your best to establish a base understanding, discuss any issues before they fester into a problem, and apply common sense to your learning process. Do not be timid when it comes to standing up for what you know to be correct and/or unsafe.

With all of that said, your trainer also needs to clearly understand your expectations and where you believe you require extra help. Again, don't be timid in clearly communicating with your trainer what you need and require. Things will not always go as expected,...again try to work it out. If all reasonable efforts to correct or work through a problem fail, make sure you understand your company's protocol for escalating a training issue and take action. Don't wait, for instance if you are a week into training with no shower and/or no backing maneuvers. Be your own advocate, this is your training and will serve as a basis for safe and efficient solo operation.

Beyond that here are some additional basics to consider:

Never, never rush. Take your time. Rookie mistakes many times are a result of rushing, hurrying at the expense of safe operation.

Manage your space, front sides, rear (to the extent that you can), and even above you. Watch for low hanging tree branches or structures. Pay close attention to low overpass warnings.

When in close quarters GOAL as much as you need to. If something is really tight and you can, GOAL before you are actually "in it", proactively figure out and plan your set-up approach. Take note of any obstructions that will be difficult to see from your vantage point in the cab.

Always watch your wagon,...use all of your mirrors. Drive the trailer.

Do not rely entirely on the Qualcomm or other GPS device. Review your route a head of time. I use a yellow sticky note for written directions,...I continue this practice religiously. Electronic devices fail, can reboot without warning, and are not 100% reliable. Have a back-up.

Common sense. Use it all the time. If something seems unsafe or wrong to you, it probably is.

Safe travels. Good luck.

Awesome advice & tips. Thank you very much.