Trainer's Behavior

My trainer ends up picking up a load where he lives every couple days. Ends up parking the truck in a shopping complex parking lot. And leaves me there. Nothing is open after 10PM. We get there after closing. Always. I asked for a truck stop before and they got huffy about it. I mean, I've been running max hours from day one, with no complaints. I think I deserve to be left in a lot with some facilities.

I feel this is unethical. But on the other hand, I will be done with "training" very quickly. But really am feeling i'm going to get the short end of the stick and not get proper training. We're due to go team in a couple days. I feel any training I have received is to make sure I don't f' up the trainer's truck and maximize what they can make off of me. Which is fine, if you want to make more money. But at least teach me stuff. I ask questions, but they're so busy on their phone, they don't even acknowledge my questions. And if they are answered, it's half-ass.

Should I deal with this crap? Request that he parks the truck at a truck stop? Or request another trainer. Mind you, I have classmates that have been waiting close to 2 weeks for a trainer to become available.

Old School Training Article

Mike Article

My son finished training, but his trainer took 3 home time visits. It added to the length of training. I would say bite the bullet and finish with the trainer you have. Better than sitting waiting for another. Remember the evil you know is better than the evil you don’t know.

Should I deal with this crap? Request that he parks the truck at a truck stop? Or request another trainer. Mind you, I have classmates that have been waiting close to 2 weeks for a trainer to become available.

You could ask him to park somewhere with facilities for you, You CAN request another trainer - but as you say, other classmates have been waiting two weeks - do YOU want to wait two weeks (or more) for a re-assignment? How much longer are you on his truck until you complete training?

The REAL PROBLEM I see here, is that you claim you are NOT GETTING TRAINED. Is he letting you back and helping you? Is he showing you how to deal with paperwork, your QC device, trip planning, etc.?

If you ARE NOT GETTING PROPERLY TRAINED, that would be the main reason for getting in contact with the office about it.

Sadly many trainers are in it to PAY THE BILLS (LEASE OPS - who can't make decent $$'s without taking on a trainee and running them as a team).

I'd start out with a "heart to heart: with your trainer, and POLITELY EXPRESS your concerns - then go from there...

Rick

All I'm doing is driving. When we get to a receiver or a shipper , he is on the clock since mine is out. I ask him about backing, elogs , Qualcomm , he says we'll get to it. I highly doubt it at this point. He's sleeping halfthe time when I'm driving. First 50 hours, he's supposed to be in the front seat training me on stuff. Also, as soon as my clock is up , he puts me in the sleeper. I asked him why am I not put on "on-duty" . He said we may need the time later. Sounds fishy. I have the extra time to study. I'm not losing sleep to study right now. Makes no sense when I have on duty time.

The lack of proper training is the issue. I posted this elsewhere and everyone replied that I should get a new trainer. Prolonging training is fine. I want to be trained properly before I go solo. Don't need to damage property or kill anyone.

If this is the way your first 50 is going I hate to say it but the next 150 isn't going to be much better.

I would chat with your mentor and explain your concerns and if it doesn't work then have a conversation with your DQ person. It is not unreasonable to request a place with facilities.

More important though is that you get the training. If they are not going over the qc with you, paperwork, and procedures then you are being used for your clock.

Part of the issue out here is too many students don't speak up when mentors are not doing their job.

The lack of proper training is the issue. I posted this elsewhere and everyone replied that I should get a new trainer. Prolonging training is fine. I want to be trained properly before I go solo. Don't need to damage property or kill anyone.

Is this trainer on a lease?

Drew, what company are you with?

When I read stuff like this, I realize how great my trainer was at Schneider. And then there's Mr. Turtle, and Rainy, etc. But not every student gets a great trainer. Very sad.

If this is the way your first 50 is going I hate to say it but the next 150 isn't going to be much better.

I would chat with your mentor and explain your concerns and if it doesn't work then have a conversation with your DQ person. It is not unreasonable to request a place with facilities.

More important though is that you get the training. If they are not going over the qc with you, paperwork, and procedures then you are being used for your clock.

Part of the issue out here is too many students don't speak up when mentors are not doing their job.

The lack of proper training is the issue. I posted this elsewhere and everyone replied that I should get a new trainer. Prolonging training is fine. I want to be trained properly before I go solo. Don't need to damage property or kill anyone.

Drew considering you are with Swift, please carefully consider Big-T's suggestions. He is a highly competent Swift Mentor, clearly understands the process and what is expected. I absolutely agree with his statements and suggestions. Talk to your mentor, try to work it out before addressing it with the Driver Development Manager (you should have met them when you were initially introduced to your mentor).

Force the communication to occur. It's your training, and unfortunately you need to be your own advocate.