I had a trainee once who never seemed to know what state we were in. She was a very nice gal from Chicago, who'd never been outside of Chicago in her life. She could handle that traffic like a boss however. I had a serious talk with her as it was obvious OTR or trucking wasn't her calling. Since she lived in the city (not the suburbs) I helped her put her new CDL to use by recommending her for a job driving an airport shuttle bus for CTA (Chicago Transit Authority).
Almost 2 years later, I still hear from her occasionally. She absolutely loves it there. They started her out at around $23/hr in training, trained her for her passenger endorsement and she was able to afford a nicer safer place to live and get out of the public housing. She was young and single, only works Monday through Friday, 8 hour shifts so is able to go out with her friends every weekend too lol. One happy gal.
The very first clue was when she seemed shocked we wouldn't be staying at a hotel each night. Would drive 2 hours and pull the "I'm tired" card. Didn't seem to know where ANY states were geographically, but knew Chicago and low overpasses like the back of her hand. She taught me some great ways to get around lol. Unbeknownst to me, asked for a new trainer, not because of any personality conflict, but because "I work too many hours". Very nice gal but got her CDL and NO clue what she'd signed herself up for. The public assistance office had convinced her to get her CDL and had paid for her school. At least it worked out well for her. Many other people who think they want to drive a truck but aren't cut out for it, aren't so lucky.
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Great story Susan. Kudos to you for leading her in a different, and much better direction. Well done.
Don't know about y'all but I'm in the great state of Confusion!!!!
Don't know about y'all but I'm in the great state of Confusion!!!!
Welcome to my world Dave.
I question where I'm at when I wake up at least once per week.
Oh I definitely did when teaming. I'd be sound asleep, the truck would stop, I'd wake up and my other half wasn't in the truck. I'd look at my cell phone and use Google maps to figure out where I was at and which direction to walk to the restrooms.
I'd look at my cell phone and use Google maps to figure out where I was at and which direction to walk to the restrooms.
That's funny, I taught my wife the very same trick. She'll often wake up and have no idea where I am, or where we are.
I have a motorcycle buddy who never knows where we are on trips. We ride a lot in the mountains of TN,NC,GA,SC,WV,VA and may be in several different states between stops. We will stop and he will ask "Are we still in KY? No Bob we are in GA." Also never remembers our route plans or where we are stopping for the night.
He also is very technology challenged. Except for Bob we all have satellite based GPS units. Bob just uses his phone and in the mountains there is often no cell service for miles. If we ever get mad at him and decide to ditch him it will take him a week to find his way home.
Don't be like Bob.
PS: That is me in the middle. Bob is on the right with the red bike.
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Innocent question right? Nope. Not when it comes from the person currently driving.
This question tells me two very important things.
First off, they are not really trip planning. Part of trip planning is knowing where you're going and when you will be there.
Trip planning is not a one and done exercise. Everytime you stop you should be checking your plans and updating as needed. Are you ahead of schedule? Are you running late? Do I have enough fuel? What are the road conditions ahead? And so on.
Second, it tells me they ate not reading signs. They missed the big "welcome to...." sign.
Not reading signs will quickly get you in trouble out here. How many turn lanes are there? What is the speed limit? Weight restrictions? Height restrictions?
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated