I Have Now Upgraded To First Seat Driver The Adventure Begins !

It's been a whirl wind 7 weeks. Two weeks on the road with my mentor has been great but I wish I had more time. At least I had a good mentor. I feel for the ones that are in it for the money. Mine really cared about what he does he showed me a lot. Even took a day to practice backing which is so important. I wish my shifting was better. My two weeks on the road was interesting. Saw a lot. Had a trucker almost take me out! My mentor said I handled it like a pro. It seems like a whole lot of hurry up and wait. 7 hours at a ford plant, 8 hours at kingsford, 8 hours in port author. Don't get me started on the Panama city run or the Laredo run. It has been the most challenging thing I have ever done and the most fun thing. I hope the newness doesn't ever wear off. Can't wait to see what is around the next bend !

I understand the feeling. I am starting phase 2 training with Roehl soon. Sitting behind the wheel still makes me smile like a big kid. Each time I get behind the wheel, it occurs to me what a huge responsibility driving one of these big trucks is. School has taught me the basics. It is surreal that after phase 2, I will be alone in one of these trucks. So much to learn!

Learning to drive a semi is a never ending education. Each truck has its own set of weirdness...different squeaks, groans, and moans...different handling...etc. And the rules of the road change on a daily basis...both federal and state to state....So you will never stop learning, but you will get comfortable with your truck, and most importantly , the company you drive for. The trick while you are in school, and with your trainers is to LEARN all you can. Ask questions....observe....and take advice where ever it is offered. My dad told me once that when your mouth is open your ears are closed....

Congrats man!

Now that you're getting ready to go solo, just remember to stay calm and relaxed. Don't get in a hurry. That's what gets people in a lot of trouble. There's going to be times you're holding people up. Whether it's on the road climbing hills or trying to get backed in somewhere you're going to have people waiting on you. Ignore them, relax, and focus on getting the job done safely. Every single one of us has made countless people wait on them and we've done our share of waiting as well. And guess what? The world keeps turning and the sun keeps rising.

Most mistakes rookies make are backing into things and most of the time it's because they're in a hurry to get out of the way or they don't want to look foolish having to do pull-ups or getting out to look. There's nothing foolish about being safe. Running into something - that's foolish.

So have fun out there and take all the time you need to get the job done safely.