First Week Down With My Trainer

Well my first week is finished I got back into Syracuse about 2P.M. today I was able to get about 400 driving under my belt for this week. I started out meeting up with my Trainer on Tuesday afternoon he just picked up a load of containers to go to the Turkey Hill Dairy in Conestoga PA with a Wednesday morning delivery then it was off to Denver, PA to pick up a back haul of cardboard to Solvay NY, Then Thursday it was a load of Bud Light King Cans down to a distributor in New Jersey and another back haul of cardboard from Cranberry New Jersey. Then out to Rome NY today to pick up a load of Wire which is heading out to Indiana on Monday. Luckily we are not hauling the wire on Monday we will be heading out towards western NY, Central Ohio, and then on to Wallbash Indiana. My trainer said that I'm going to get allot of driving time this coming week, and of course filling out the paperwork. I've already picked up my TA / Petro, Pilot / Flying J, and Loves loyalty cards. If I do well this week then I'll test out and transition into my own truck and start 2 weeks of shadow training where I will receive my own loads and my trainer will follow me in his truck with his load (The company coordinates our deliveries in the same area) If all goes well with shadow training then I will do my final test out and become a Rookie Solo Driver I'm aiming to complete training by Mid-April.

Awesome !!!

Way to go Chris. Sounds like you're off to a good start. I am happy for you. Happy Trails. I start school with CRST May 6 in Cedar Rapids. Take care and be safe.

I love hearing these. You all going forward and learning. I start school this Monday and cannot wait for my own stories.

Chris, did you back into Westrock (Solvay) or did your trainer?

I am dreading that one. It has limited space in front. That guardrail eats lots of front ends

I love hearing these. You all going forward and learning. I start school this Monday and cannot wait for my own stories.

MT, believe me, you will wish a few of your stories had waited. Happens to us all, so slow and careful carries the day. I’m looking forward to hearing your stories as you progress.

Chris, it’s great to hear your experience. I never heard of shadow driving before. It’s an interesting concept, as long as you aren’t afraid of your shadow.

Grumpy wrote:

Chris, did you back into Westrock (Solvay) or did your trainer?

I am dreading that one. It has limited space in front. That guardrail eats lots of front ends

I've backed in once at West at Rock so far. You are right it's super tight. My trainer set me up so I could back in smoothly.