I wanted to be a truck driver. I went to school in Oregon, graduated 3rd in a class of 7. (I never was an A-student).
I was taught how to do things LEGALLY. I was taught that you are out there to make money and to keep that money in your pocket.
Due to personal reasons, I had to move to Arizona in order to become a driver. I went to work for DSW. I was out with a "trainer" for 6-weeks. This guy wasn't any more experienced than I was. At least he didn't act like it: 65mph in 35mph construction zones, constantly "doctoring" his log book, leaving me to find my way in unfamiliar places. Etc.
This guy was supposed to be teaching me how things were done. While I was driving he was in the bunk playing video games!!! And, he is still training!!!
So, what I learned, I learned on my own. Until I came to Tucson, I had never pulled a 53' trailer. Oregon trains with 27 and 48' trailers. That extra 5 feet makes a big difference.
The biggest thing I learned? Don't complain. These companies hate that. I was told that I wasn't going to change anything.
Being forced to sit in 103 degree weather for 18 hrs was "part of the job". I couldn't drive 23 miles to a yard, to get out of the heat!!! It was "Too FAR" the fleet manager said. I have alot more but my space is limited. Please notify me.
Kent
Tucson, Arizona
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