I'm glad we could help! Good luck!!
Congratulations Joe! I'm real excited for you. I know you've kind of labored over this decision possibly because what you've said about making some poor decisions in life, but I think you'll be pleased with the outcome.
Just remember, it will take some time for you to be proficient at the job. Even though you kind of come in with more understanding than most new folks entering the field, don't get too anxious if it's not going like you expect at the first. You've been a very inquisitive member in the forum, and I can see you like to be well informed on things, but realize that there will be times in this career that you won't have a clue why your dispatcher is doing what he's doing. Just roll with the flow during those times and try your best to keep that great attitude and professional behavior shining through. The folks behind those office doors sometimes have to change plans on us in the middle of a load for some reason or another that we are not privy to, and even though it might be frustrating, it's best for the driver to follow their lead during those times.
I love this job Joe, but there were a few times at the beginning where I just wanted to throw my hands up and walk out. It will happen to you too, but hang in there and keep learning with each new day and experience. Give all you can during that first year commitment and you'll start to see tangible rewards in due time. It only gets better after that.
I think you've made an excellent choice for your training and your company. I don't know you real well, but from what I can gather from your posts in the forum I think that Celadon is a really nice fit for you. Best of luck to ya, and please keep us posted on how things are going.
Hey congrats Joe! I'm really glad you enjoyed my article. I was hoping people would laugh a little at that and realize that learning to back up a truck is tough but it doesn't have to be stressful. You can have fun with it.
I love this job Joe, but there were a few times at the beginning where I just wanted to throw my hands up and walk out. It will happen to you too, but hang in there and keep learning with each new day and experience. Give all you can during that first year commitment and you'll start to see tangible rewards in due time. It only gets better after that.
Amen to that!!! As time goes on you'll understand what's going on a lot better but in the beginning a lot of it is simply puzzling. And that's not to say that everything management and dispatch and trainers do will make sense. Sometimes they're just guessing or they don't have a clue. But most of the time there's a reason for what they do and it isn't readily apparent.
Best of luck! Certainly hope you can keep us informed. We love to follow along.
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Well, it is official. I contacted Celadon today to make sure there was room in the class starting on Sept. 9th. There is plenty of room, so I am on the roster.
I also turned in my two weeks notice today. Went very well. I was surprised. Hard enough to find any kind of drivers today. I expected my boss to try and talk me out of leaving. But oh well. Tons of stress of my shoulders. I have one more trip to take with this company then I am DONE.
I very much look forward to starting school next month.
And a word to Brett. I laughed so hard at your post The Backing Range At Trucking Driving School – It’s Like Clown Soup For The Soul. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Thanks for the great laugh.
Just an FYI for fellow truckers or I should say, future fellow truckers. If you hear someone on the CB somewhere down the road with the handle The Blue Angel, you are hearing me. I will be bringing back my handle from my earlier trucking/CB days. Man, thinking of that really makes me feel old.
EX Navy and proud of it. Not an EX Blue Angel, but I really admire them, so I borrowed their name for my handle.
When I get started in school and my training, I will be coming back as much as I can to keep everyone posted. And to keep asking questions. Everyone knows how busy students are, so I will post as much as I can. Plus I won't have a computer or laptop till I get my own truck. And it is not easy posting with my cell phone. But I will do my best.
And again to everyone. Thanks for all the help. All the encouragement. And all the uplifting and laughs to help me/us along.
Keep it safe out there. Joe S
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.