Deb I am so happy for you! Doubts be Damned!!! You got this!! Happy Holidays!
Status change - I was hired by H.O.Wolding today!
I had some doubts more than a few times - having read numerous posts on this site about how everyone has moments of discouragement has helped me tremendously! Now the REAL learning curve begins!
Congrats on the new hire . . . now you will quickly find out what your backbone is made of . . . remember one thing, YOU have to solve the problems - can't look to anyone else . . . that doesn't mean you can't ask for help or won't receive any because you can and you will . . . however, your mindset has to be, "As bad as this looks, (and it can get pretty overwhelming sometimes) I can figure this out and I will." Don't be too intimidated by the people around you - stares from other drivers or comments (I don't have a CB but I've heard they can be very poisonous). Take your time - you have as much right to the real estate as any other driver out there and don't feel you have to "get out of the way." I mean, be reasonable but don't cut yourself short. Every single day you will be doing more and doing it better than you imagined. Be sure to look back often and appreciate how much skill you have acquired as you move along. Some situations will be REAL intimidating but they have been handled by others and you will be able to handle them as well. One thing that will be unexpected and can get you down if you let it is the level of rudeness and lack of interest or compassion on the part of shipping & receiving employees. Don't let it throw you and DON"T let it make you the same way. Always have a smile in your voice and on your face for everyone you encounter - even if you receive none in return. Get a phone number or two of people you went through training with or that maybe have a bit more experience than you and talk to them daily. It helps you to learn the ropes, solve problems and - most importantly - vent your frustrations because they will be doing similar things . . . and HAVE FUN . . . this can be a fun job (sometimes) and enjoy yourself when you nail that dock parking with one pull up or when you negotiate that impossible right turn in traffic . . . oh, and don't let the 4 wheelers make you nervous so that you get flustered in traffic . . . they can wait (even if they act like their life will end because you delayed them for 45 seconds - it won't) . . . and don't HIT ANYTHING!! Use those mirrors religiously - remember, the farther back your trailer tandems are the more the trailer cheats in a turn. This can bite you on the butt so be ready and always be thinking of where your trailer is in relation to obstacles and other vehicles - NEVER relax on that one or you might hit a parked car in Washington, D.C. (What? I did THAT??) or a light pole at your local Walmart (ask Ken C. about that one) . . . good luck and keep asking questions . . .
Jopa
A set of axles spaced close together, legally defined as more than 40 and less than 96 inches apart by the USDOT. Drivers tend to refer to the tandem axles on their trailer as just "tandems". You might hear a driver say, "I'm 400 pounds overweight on my tandems", referring to his trailer tandems, not his tractor tandems. Tractor tandems are generally just referred to as "drives" which is short for "drive axles".
A set of axles spaced close together, legally defined as more than 40 and less than 96 inches apart by the USDOT. Drivers tend to refer to the tandem axles on their trailer as just "tandems". You might hear a driver say, "I'm 400 pounds overweight on my tandems", referring to his trailer tandems, not his tractor tandems. Tractor tandems are generally just referred to as "drives" which is short for "drive axles".
Way to go Deb!
Hey, for a guy with a swollen uvula, Jopa just gave you some really great advice. That is worth framing and hanging on your refrigerator door - great stuff!
Way to go Deb! I have to say this is not easy, but the things worth doing usually aren't! Can't wait to hear how things go with HOW!
Thanks to you all! I agree, Old School, that Jopa has dispensed some sage wisdom. Guess he beat you to the punch this time!
Thanks to you all! I agree, Old School, that Jopa has dispensed some sage wisdom. Guess he beat you to the punch this time!
Hey, mark that one down . . . I'm usually just BEHIND Old School . . . he must have been napping!
Jopa
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Status change - I was hired by H.O.Wolding today!
I had some doubts more than a few times - having read numerous posts on this site about how everyone has moments of discouragement has helped me tremendously! Now the REAL learning curve begins!