Past Solo Test Part 2

Refer division is what I sign up for and was assigned an mentor with a local Dedicated Route/Yard Hostler. He is a great trainer and passionate about his job. The guy has more patience than words can explain. (more than I had) I thought he was going to kick me off his truck several times during my wonderful nerve wrecking training days. In the end we turned out to be friends and was told to keep in touch and he is here for me any time I need some advise/help. Week1: My journey begins driving in Seattle, WA. heavy traffic and crazy drivers. Can't keep the trailer in my lane, cars honking there horns, giving me the middle finger. Stress level is off the chart range, heart pounding, sweet rolling down my face. Had to pull over and let my mentor take over. Later in the day, I'm driving on the Interstate same problem, trailer in the other lane. Almost caused three car accidents all in just day #1. Man, was I glad to get that day over with! Sunday's he is a Yard Hostler and I was able to get some backing practice in. Well I backed into a trailer very luck I barely touched it with out doing in damage. Almost backed into a 2017 super extended semi less than an inch from it. Jack knifed my mentors truck, near misses with some trailers at the docks. My first week sucked, multiple near accidents, backing is so horrible I can't back into a spot if it was 12' wide. (lmao) Can't seem to get a grip on nervousness, backing and keeping trailer in my lane. During the week I told my mentor a few times I wanted to go home. He would tell me to go for a walk, relax and think about it. After letting some steam off, back into the truck and off to some more training I go. Week2: Started the week out Hosteling, didn't feel my backing was getting any better. Drivers waiting to be loaded are laughing at my backing. I guess I put on a good comedy show for them . However, I didn't have any near accidents that day. Monday we headed to a shippers to pick up a load. I pulled into the exit gate instead or the entrance side, security screaming at me thinking to myself is it going to be like this in the future! Through out the week I'm making a lot of mistakes, can't seem to get the system down. I finally had enough around mid week told my trainer if I don't see any improvement by the end of the week I'm going home. Week3: During my 34 hr break I read my reply's on TT and took that advise. Sunday as I was hosteling, the drivers who were laughing at me the previous wks wasn't laughing today. Blew my mentors mind and said," I'm shocked". Through out the week I've learned how to relax and not be so tense. Controlling my trailer has improved. I no longer drive like a drunk driver. I have more confidence in myself. I still get nervous but not nearly as bad as I was. Learned to deal with the cry babies at the fuel pumps. I've had a few encounters with impatient truckers at the pumps, blowing there air horns, belly aching that I'm taking too long getting fuel. In my few weeks of training, I have learned that this industry can make you or brake you. It will chew you up and spit you out. Not many make it to training stage and I feel lucky to endure to this point. Between school and orientation about 70% drop out. My orientation class of 15 only 2 of us made it. 3 walked out during orientation 10 walked off the truck during training. With out TT family I would have been one of them too.

What you have earned to do will serve you for the rest of your life. And I don't mean driving a truck.

Stress management is a critical life skill. Without it, life is frequently either short, or not worth living.

King-Pin wrote:

Learned to deal with the cry babies at the fuel pumps. I've had a few encounters with impatient truckers at the pumps, blowing there air horns, belly aching that I'm taking too long getting fuel.

Unless you continue to block the fuel pad when visiting the bathroom or in the TS store, not sure why they'd be honking or firing off the one-finger salute at you. You'll get quicker at the whole fueling process.

Your story is a really good one, a truthful depiction of morphing from a "Nervous Nellie" to a more confident driver, productive driver. Exactly why we have finish training. Good for you!

Best of luck as you continue your journey.

Excellent story and congrats on surviving. Surviving is a HUGE achievement.