School's Over, CDL A In Hand - Oh Oh, What Have I DONE????

I remember to this day my first heavy haul load.... the training consisted of this is how you disconnect the neck and this is how you put it back together and here is where you pick up the haul truck and drop it off.... Oh and I got my license on a Thursday and this was on a Monday. I was on my own from the get go.

In other words, you learn stuff every day so you will NEVER have enough training. Imagine my surprise the first time I had to load and unload a dozer on my own.... There were no sticks to pull to turn the thing and the pedal on the floor was a brake and not a throttle. That is what is cool about my job, I get to drive EVERYTHING even if it is just to load or unload. The first time I tried to move a paver I had to call my boss to figure out how the heck to move the darn thing.

When I was installing telephone systems and got a new guy to train, I would tell them..... "Never let the customer know you don't know what you are doing and here is the phone list to call for help!"

Thanks Pat for the encouraging words, I expect to learn new things daily.....just hoping I have learned enough to get started!

The time with your trainer will not be easy. But it goes fast and is a very short time in comparison. I had an excellent trainer but was so ready to get rid of him after three weeks. But it's funny how quick you wish he was back with you on your first trip lol.

Just think of it all as a big test to see what your made of and you will be fine. There are several jobs out there that take special people to be able to handle them. Trucking is one o those jobs.

Woody

Thanks Woody, and you nailed it with the part about your trainer.....thus far school has been the trainer & safety net, time for the next step.

Brian,

Its very normal to be nervous and confused I know I was for sure. Just remember the trainer has probably seen many other guys like that and you'll be just fine. Just remember to take things at your speed when on the highway and backing. When you start trying to rush or hurry to get out of someones way that's when accidents happen.

Thanks Travis for the support