Got A Question About What I Should Do After Training.....

Connie Maynard my recruiter says that once I am done with my training with my mentor then I can ask to go to the Nashville, Tennessee terminal to do my training on flatbed. That would more than likely be just before or after Christmas. I would certainly like to do flatbed cause for one, more exercise, two more income coming in, and three there is just some really neat things you can take on flatbeds that you cannot with a van trailer or reefer.

The question is should I ask to go right into training after getting off the truck with the mentor or should I wait till after Christmas? I will Lord willing get off the truck around the 19th of December. That only gives me 4 days till Christmas and they do their best to get you home for Christmas. Now that brings up another thing. My family does Christmas altogether at a family members house at Thanksgiving and its quite a beautiful time, now this is what it comes down to. For a day or two difference of completing training should I ask my trainer to drop me off at Allentown, Pennsylvania and then head up to my Grandparents and then celebrate those couple holidays in one with my family which is a big deal, and then go back out or should I stay out? It would be in 3 weeks after I start training.

I would suggest asking your fleet manager (your trainer's fleet manager) about that. There is a possibility they don't do securement classes (flatbed) for a couple days around Christmas anyway. The fleet mgr should be able to help you decide what is best.

That’s a tough question Victor. Been in similar situations...more than once on the WM account. Busiest times are around all the major holidays.

Family is important, no doubt. Holidays with family are priceless.

All things considered...

However...(I know you’ll were expecting a “but”)... it’s an opportunity for you to show your employer you want to work and start things off on the right foot, putting the trials of your past,... behind you. A lot of your brothers and sisters at WE will want time off during Christmas. If you are available...and able to get things done for your driver support management, you will shine and get immediate positive attention. I think you need that Victor.

What is your priority? Only you can make that call. Talk with your driver leader to get a feel for their freight levels during Christmas week, use that information to help with the decision.

My 2c. Good luck!

I agree with G-Town. There are drivers who would threaten to outright quit if they didn't make it home for the holidays, but here you are volunteering for it. That's a gesture many couldn't overlook. Good luck with whatever you do.

The reality is in trucking YOU WILL miss some holidays, and spend them out on the road. Unfortunately it's just the nature of the business. Many times pulling a van they're able to get you home for christmas no problem due to freight being slow as most customers are keeping a low supply to make year end inventory easier. The exercise you get from flatbed is more than you'd get from pulling a van but when it comes to staying in shape theres much more to it. Personally I'd do as others said and offer to stay out to make yourself stand out in a good way.

For those considering a career, I've heard many companies will get you home thanksgiving OR christmas but can not guarantee both. I believe it was Prime (?) That even gives drivers an incentive to stay on the road through the holidays by offering them extra money.

Thank you all for your advice. You know thats true that it does come with the business and I will probably stay out with the trainer if he so chooses.

I would suggest asking your fleet manager (your trainer's fleet manager) about that. There is a possibility they don't do securement classes (flatbed) for a couple days around Christmas anyway. The fleet mgr should be able to help you decide what is best.

That’s a tough question Victor. Been in similar situations...more than once on the WM account. Busiest times are around all the major holidays.

Family is important, no doubt. Holidays with family are priceless.

All things considered...

However...(I know you’ll were expecting a “but”)... it’s an opportunity for you to show your employer you want to work and start things off on the right foot, putting the trials of your past,... behind you. A lot of your brothers and sisters at WE will want time off during Christmas. If you are available...and able to get things done for your driver support management, you will shine and get immediate positive attention. I think you need that Victor.

What is your priority? Only you can make that call. Talk with your driver leader to get a feel for their freight levels during Christmas week, use that information to help with the decision.

My 2c. Good luck!

I agree with G-Town. There are drivers who would threaten to outright quit if they didn't make it home for the holidays, but here you are volunteering for it. That's a gesture many couldn't overlook. Good luck with whatever you do.

The reality is in trucking YOU WILL miss some holidays, and spend them out on the road. Unfortunately it's just the nature of the business. Many times pulling a van they're able to get you home for christmas no problem due to freight being slow as most customers are keeping a low supply to make year end inventory easier. The exercise you get from flatbed is more than you'd get from pulling a van but when it comes to staying in shape theres much more to it. Personally I'd do as others said and offer to stay out to make yourself stand out in a good way.

For those considering a career, I've heard many companies will get you home thanksgiving OR christmas but can not guarantee both. I believe it was Prime (?) That even gives drivers an incentive to stay on the road through the holidays by offering them extra money.