My Trainer Is A Great Guy

So I got off home time and we started back up. We drove a load that took us to springfield oregon. Took awhile and it was dark when we picked up our next. I thought I was fine to drive longer and it was my first time really driving at night. Well I was starting to get tired and I let him know. It was due to staying up late on home time with my son trying to keep him from crying. No questions were asked, no complaining and nobody got mad. He took over driving and got us another 2 hours down the road. Glad he did and he praised me for not pushing through and letting him know. I will be driving in the morn and am excited.

So I got off home time and we started back up. We drove a load that took us to springfield oregon. Took awhile and it was dark when we picked up our next. I thought I was fine to drive longer and it was my first time really driving at night. Well I was starting to get tired and I let him know. It was due to staying up late on home time with my son trying to keep him from crying. No questions were asked, no complaining and nobody got mad. He took over driving and got us another 2 hours down the road. Glad he did and he praised me for not pushing through and letting him know. I will be driving in the morn and am excited.

Hey Joshua:

You have a great trainer. Having someone who 'really' understands that safety should be the first consideration is invaluable. You'll do great with getting a start this way. I hope everybody gets a trainer like him. (I hope I get a trainer like him.) Keep safe!

Bad Bob

Joshua, thank you for posting some good stuff about trainers. You can imagine any forum will get complaints about "evil" trainers that really push you. But I believe for the most part they are pretty good people (my trainer included). Remember his point that it's a good thing that you recognized your limit and did not try to push on through your fatigue.

BTW, in real trucker life, your home time is certainly your "free time", but you are also expected to be rested and ready for a full shift when you get back in the seat.

Simple question: How would you handle the situation when you are solo - no backup driver?