May Trucking Orientation But My Backing Isn’t Perfect Since I’m Fresh Out Of CDL School. Should I Be Worried?

I got an accepted by May Trucking, if anyone here works for or recruits for May, what can I expect from orientation? I know I will be required to do a backing and road test. From what I have been told it is unrealistic for brand new drivers such as myself that are just out of CDL school to already know how to backup perfectly, but I fear that if my backing isn’t perfect I won’t be hired. Can I get some insight please and thank you

May Trucking may be different than other companies. Usually you go through orientation, go out with a trainer - where you'll get a chance to work on your skills - then come back and take a skills test and written test before you upgrade to your own truck. Do you know if May wants you to take these tests before, or after you go out with a trainer?

Also, nobody's backing skills are any good fresh out of CDL school.

It's possible May is having you do these tests prior to having a trainer to gauge where you're at to see how much training they feel you'll need, but also have something to compare it to when you upgrade. To be honest most peoples backing sucks and takes about 6 months to a year or more until it fully clicks. Even then there are days your backing skills look like you're straight out of school.

I’m pretty sure we do our test before training

May Trucking may be different than other companies. Usually you go through orientation, go out with a trainer - where you'll get a chance to work on your skills - then come back and take a skills test and written test before you upgrade to your own truck. Do you know if May wants you to take these tests before, or after you go out with a trainer?

I can’t speak for the company you’re going to work for, but I just completed 2 weeks of orientation for TMC. Backing is definitely my weakest area. I was talking to the backing instructor, and he said nobody ever gets sent home for backing alone. He said the director of the program never even asks how individual students are doing unless they are really bad at other things. He said they expect new drivers to be bad, and they feel they can teach anyone to back.

I would be shocked if they expect you to pass a backing test first thing. I’m sure it’s after you’re out on the road with your trainer

My company gives you a road test at orientation. They want to see where you need work, and make sure you are trainable.

You should be fine.

Keira worries:

From what I have been told it is unrealistic for brand new drivers such as myself that are just out of CDL school to already know how to backup perfectly, but I fear that if my backing isn’t perfect I won’t be hired.

Re-read this quote. You were told new drivers can't do a perfect backup and they won't hire you if your backing isn't perfect. This is a contradiction that implies May won't hire rookies because that can't make a bullseye backup.

It's no secret that new drivers can't perform perfect backups, for the same reason the Celtics don't hire right out of high schools. Do the best you can and I'm sure that if the May Trucking people like what they see, you'll have a job.

Knight & Roehl had us "experienced" drivers drive around the area & do 1 back. My backing left plenty of doubt at both places. Shoot at Roehl I had to pull up something like 10 times. You know what my examiner said, "You didn't hit anything." That's all that mattered.

Take your time! Theres never a rush when it comes to backing. And remember to breathe with deep exhales to remind yourself to relax.

Being fresh out of school, they totally expect you to be a little nervous and/or iffy at backing. You won't be the first or last new driver to cross their threshold.

More importantly, they'll be looking at you to see if you're the right candidate. Handle yourself professionally and with confidence, showing an eagerness to train and be trained. You'll be fine. Just do what you do.