Started Training With KLLM

I started my training with KLLM in Burns Harbor, IN on Thursday. I already had my CLP , so I had a headstart on some of the other students. The staff is friendly, the Hotel is very clean and the facility is very modern. the instructor I have been working with (Craig) has 35 years experience, and is the best! I did drive a lowboy in the military ( some years ago), but was unsure how I would do as this is a career change for me. I love the newer trucks. We drive Freightliner Cascadias with 10 speeds. I have enjoyed the first 2 days, and have gotten a lot of driving time (backing). Next week we start on parallel parking and other stuff. I do recommend this company if you are looking to get started. I plan on updating this once a week (at the end of the week).

Following along. Good luck, keep us updated.

Appreciate you sharing your journey!

End of week 2 - continued to practice the pretrip, in-cab, and skills (straight line backing, right/left offset and parallel parking - Yes, you can parallel park a 73 foot long vehicle). Even though it has been 40 years since I was in a large vehicle, it comes back to you. The instructors (Kevin, Matt, Mike, Craig and 2 others whose names escape me at this time) are wonderful to work with. They want you to succeed as much as you want to. We have lost a couple since last week for various reasons. We actually got to drive on the roads yesterday, I need to work on my double-clutching and shifting, but for day one, I don't think I did too bad (I drove a semi-automatic in the Army - M920, if anyone remembers that one). You have to keep a positive attitude, even if you are having issues keeping it in the box. The Freightliner Cascadias we are using are nice trucks. We are now separated into groups with an instructor (we have a 3 to 1 ratio) and we are on the truck we will be testing with. Everyone learns at their own pace, and they put the groups together according to their progress. We have a diverse group in our class and everyone gets along. We encourage each other and help each other study and practice the pretrip and in-cab. KLLM has been great. The Burns Harbor staff is a very professional group and it shows in how they teach you the skills needed. We have a 3 day weekend, I drove home to enjoy a cookout and rest for a couple of days. I will post more next week - I have to drive home next weekend and take my tanker and hazmat tests for my permit (TSA letter finally arrived). Everyone enjoy the weekend and Stay Safe!!!

Week 3 recap - First of all, i passed the HAZMAT and TANKER tests today, so those are out of the way. We did more driving, refining our skills (up and down-shifting). We are scheduled to test on Thursday of this week. I feel good about testing, need to refine the in cab, but I am good on Pre-trip and the Indiana air brake test. We will be doing some mock tests on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure we are ready. I am looking forward to getting my CDL. I can't say enough good things about KLLM and their approach to training. If you have the proper attitude and maintain a positive perspective, then you will do good. You have to listen to the instructors. Get involved, take the initiative to go over the pre-trip any time you have a chance to. Don't wait until an instructor tells you to. Ask permission to use a truck (for pre-trip) after lunch before you start the afternoon exercises. Anyway, I will post an update on Friday (maybe Thursday evening).

Well, passed my CDL driving test today!!! I am a CDL-A holder now. Looking forward to going through orientation and going on the road with my trainer. I have to say, I am impressed with the training. If you count from the day I arrived, this was day 15. I achieved my CDL in 14 days of training. I would highly recommend KLLM's driving academy, especially the Burns Harbor, IN location. Thanks to Kevin, Matt, Mike, Craig, George, Manny, Nicole, and all the staff that fed us, encouraged us and taught us what we needed to know. The friends I made at class, Stewart, Alex, Marlon, Tee, and Nadir I will remember forever.

Awesome words to read, William! Congratulations!!!

Great job!

Congratulations sir! Well done!

Well, went through orientation (finished last Wednesday), now waiting to be contacted by my assigned trainer for my 6 weeks on the road with them. Most of the people I was in orientation with have already hit the road. I will be making a call this afternoon if I haven't heard from my assigned trainer by then. I am ready to go. Yes, I know they are paying me per day, even sitting at home, but I would rather get this over with, and upgrade to solo. Will update when I know more!