Profile For Britton

So we're driving along into Indiana when we started to get warnings about one of the trailer tires. We make a quick stop at the Petro and see that it's definitely leaking and going down. Make an appt with the shop, got in to park around 0100 and an appt for 0900, got in at 0800 and finished just now at 1105.

We couldn't see it at first but the tire had a nice big crack in it and it completely deflated over night. My first on the road issue and I'm amazed at these warning systems.

Anyway, all is well, appt for drop off is 1830 and we only have a couple hours to go and got some decent sleep.

TRIFECTA BABY!!!!!!

Aaaaw yeaaah!! I knew ya would.

Yeah, cold is cold, then you add wind, yuck.

Up here near Peoria. Make the 7ish hr trip from Springfield, got in late last night around 3am. I got to drive about 150 miles which was awesome. Went down through Peoria so thankfully it was so late! Pretty city either way. Got into the delivery spot, took a nap, waited to be unloaded, took a longer nap, not we're waiting for the 10 hr to finish up so we can head out, not sure where yet!

Super! Be careful out there. Lots of white and cold ahead. You'll do fine.

Luckily I'm a penguin, cold is alright with me. Thanks! 🐧

Finally heading out! Think to Illinois. Let's do this thing. 👊

Yes, I implemented a lot of advice I received for my testing anxiety, and thoroughly enjoyed a massive increase in my confidence, efficiency, and delivery while being tested by my trainer on pretrip today!!!! I got this!!!

That's what I like to hear my man

WE WILL SUCCEED!!!!

You know it!

Hey man, I honestly don't have any great advice but if you can find a way to channel the same determination you have been using for everything else into this you will find a way.

I think it's important to give yourself a break in the sense that it's ok to be nervous. Sure, they're examiners but they want to see you do well and pass. I know I would, if I'm testing someone I'd enjoy seeing students displaying their knowledge.

I would try to approach them much the same as anyone else when testing. I've talked to you several times, you are a very respectful person. My point is, act the same as you do with others, your demeanor is already polite.

My point is, try to humanize them. Just keep at it I know you'll find a way.

The more you do it, the better you'll become. Just takes time and repetition. Once you get out by yourself, it will take at least 6 months to get pretty good at it, 5 years to be a master at it.

Makes sense. Never stop learning!

I know the turns, there was no reason to get frustrated so I started singing to myself, so I could only think about the basics. It helped a lot! Went on to mail the left and right offsets over and over.

Keep in mind that what you're learning on the pad is to help you pass your driving test. Backing and parking in the real world will be a whole new adventure in learning.

Yeah I understand, which is why I distracted my brain a little. On the pad it's just about points. Learning how to guide the trailer is starting to come to me which is pretty cool.

Today was a million times better. I started off on the wrong foot because I was over thinking again. I know the turns, there was no reason to get frustrated so I started singing to myself, so I could only think about the basics. It helped a lot! Went on to mail the left and right offsets over and over.

Started on the alley dock, got it a couple times but basically got the idea so I'm off to a good start with it.

He wants to run a load tomorrow so it's about to get real. I'm excited but cautiously optimistic. I'm ready to learn.

That's awesome man. Love how good so many of my classmates are doing.

Whew, today was, meh.

We worked on straight backing and then offsets. I got the offsets the second or third time and then suddenly my brain decided to crash and I got worse and worse.

Tonight I'll be going over the points and start tomorrow clear minded. Gotta get out of my brain!

Might do a local run tomorrow weather permitting as well. Either way, this is it, gotta get it together and I shall.

Awesome dude, told you it would be today! I had a fantastic day with a fantastic trainer!

Awesome! Excited for us all.

Yay us.

Gonna catch up with him tomorrow to see what's next. Got to watch his current trainee practice backing for his test tomorrow. Good stuff.

Hey everyone....

I GOT A TRAINER

"I swear I don't smoke at all! I was just in a room someone was smoking in!"

It just comes natural to me. Those years of pulling lawn equipment paid off.

Good for you, previous knowledge on how a trailer turns is a huge advantage. Lots of us have no concept of that so natural talent has little to do with it. Those struggling probably didn't spend years backing any trailer.

Good luck to you.

Are you backing in a reefer or FB?

It was a flatbed but that was because they just put me on any truck not having a trainer. It'll be reefee but that does help.

I go over pretrip whenever I can. I'm getting to the point I can visualize and do it in my head. Learning names of parts takes time, as a non mechanical person it just takes time and practice. Knowing the names feels important to me beyond just passing a test. I want to know why I'm looking for something not just what I'm looking for.

Everything with this job takes skill. Some things will be harder than others but it's up to me to find a way to learn, otherwise it's not for me. The rules shouldn't change to make it easier to gain more workers. Especially gaining less qualified workers.

You don't need a passport to start.