It was mid August the last time I posted here. A lot has happened since that post where I was bragging about my first truck assignment, a white Freightliner that I was running regional with.
I am no longer working for Millis or even driving a truck. I have two stories to tell. One is for all the driver wannabe’s and the other is specifically about training and driving for Millis.
First, to update you on my short driving carrier. I kept a fair journal, from my search for a company, for where to train and then my training experiences up to my first truck assignment
So, after my last post about driving the southeast region for Millis I made the change to long haul. I was getting a lot of short trips and sitting between dispatches. My miles were short and pay checks were un-acceptable. One Monday after TAH it was 2:00 PM and I still didn’t have a load. I decided right there that I was done with the SE Regional gig and called Millis and told them that I wanted to go long haul. They were very accommodating and told me to take the Freightliner to Cartersville, turn it in and pick out a KW T2000.
The next thing you know I had a glass load and was headed north. For the next two and one half months I was driving long haul and having the experiences that I had expected. By the time I quit I had driven nearly every state in the East and done it at the most beautiful time of the year. I experienced most of what I have read about here, from meeting a-hole drivers to salt of the earth drivers. I stayed at truck stops that were so disgusting that you wanted to throw away your shoes because you actually touched the ground there, to some that you truly looked forward to getting to visit again. I stayed at rest stops that made me feel like I was RVing on vacation and had times where I drove all night stopping at every exit never finding a place to park. I had customers that treated me worst than an illegal immigrant with lice, and those who respected me as a professional driver. I even had the random, fine tooth comb, inspection by the NY DOT. I got to take a five stop load that sent me up and down the New Jersey TP and had me backing into places that some would have trouble putting a Honda Civic in. I picked up paper loads in Wisconsin, delivered in Rochester NY and then picked up paper in Niagara Falls and took it to Wisconsin.
It was in New Jersey when all that changed. I think I did well becoming and being a truck driver. I delivered every load that Millis gave me, safely and on time. I never complained or balked at taking any load. My belief that Millis was a good family oriented company turned out to be wrong. I was treated very poorly by them from the top down except by other drivers. The only time I asked anything from them was when I had a family crisis while in NJ. My mother had a heart attack and the same day I found out that my debit card was compromised and my checking account had been looted. I needed to get home to Georgia from New Jersey as soon as possible. Dispatch promised to get me home right away. I was given four more loads to get home that took me from NJ to WI to AL. They took six days to get me home including stranding me in the Richfield WI terminal for two days with no load. I found out from other drivers there that several loads left that yard going straight to GA while I was sitting there. During that six days I talked to 4 dispatchers and anyone in the home office who would talk to me. Each time they acted like they didn't know I had made a request to get home and didn't offer any apology or sympathy for my distress. I finally got a load from near Green Bay to Cherokee AL where after delivering there on the fifth day I contacted dispatch again and was asked again, ‘why do you want to go to Georgia?’. So I spent another night there and finally, after six days, got something going to GA. I dropped it in the yard in Cartersville and I turned the truck in. I'm done with Millis.
So that’s my story. Now, my advice for aspiring truck drivers; You will feel pride in becoming a driver and safely and professionally operating the rig and delivering the load on time. However, rarely will your company, the customer or anyone along the way care or appreciate you for it.
You will see some of the best of Gods creation.
If you let a company take your money to train you, you will never hold the cards. Get your training independently and then decide who you will drive for. Don’t expect to make much of a living as a new driver. Expect to make between $500 to $700 per week while you are out but that is just when you are driving. A lot of the time, to the company, you are a tool sitting on a shelf. When you go home for a couple of days your pay is nothing.
You will get to know yourself really well. Character can be described as how you behave when no one is looking. I enjoyed this test but believe me, there are lots of traps out there.
This has been long so that is all for now.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
I'm assigned truck number 8515. A white Freightliner Columbia.
I decided to drive the Southeast region for Millis. They had openings and offered one to me. Because of my location it is perfect for me and Millis. The reasons for going regional are I will be home most weekends but can drive most any weekend I want. Also, if I want to go long from time to time, I can let them know and they will send me out.
I have only driven this truck about 80 miles. I tested in Cartersville and then was shown my new (300,000+ mile) truck. It has some minor exterior bumps and bruises but is clean and seems to have been cared for. It sure drives different from the KW T600 that I've been in. The Mercedes engine is very different. The ride is much smoother and quieter. Visibility is much better with a bigger windshield and shorter hood.
My first backing with it makes me think it has a better radius for steering. The cab is roomier than the T600.There are only two negatives so far. The big one is that it only has one fuel tank. Also, the sleeper is small. I never liked the sleeper in the T600 so it is no worse to me.
It seemed like a long road to get here but now that it's done, looking back, it hasn't been that long. I know I'm a green rookie still so the plan going forward is to take it slow and use more caution than is probably required. I will get my first load early Monday.
I decided to drive the Southeast region for Millis. They had openings and offered one to me. Because of my location it is perfect for me and Millis. The reasons for going regional are I will be home most weekends but can drive most any weekend I want. Also, if I want to go long from time to time, I can let them know and they will send me out.
I have only driven this truck about 80 miles. I tested in Cartersville and then was shown my new (300,000+ mile) truck. It has some minor exterior bumps and bruises but is clean and seems to have been cared for. It sure drives different from the KW T600 that I've been in. The Mercedes engine is very different. The ride is much smoother and quieter. Visibility is much better with a bigger windshield and shorter hood.
My first backing with it makes me think it has a better radius for steering. The cab is roomier than the T600.There are only two negatives so far. The big one is that it only has one fuel tank. Also, the sleeper is small. I never liked the sleeper in the T600 so it is no worse to me.
It seemed like a long road to get here but now that it's done, looking back, it hasn't been that long. I know I'm a green rookie still so the plan going forward is to take it slow and use more caution than is probably required. I will get my first load early Monday.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
You can call me driver, driver.
I took the cdl yesterday, Saturday, at 3:00 PM in Albany GA. On Friday, at 1:00 PM we were in Albany and got dispatched to pick up a load of beer and run it to Winder GA. In Winder we were told to take an empty to Columbia SC and get a load of fiber to Cartersville GA for the carpet mills. Then to get back to Albany we had to get a glass load in East Point GA. Now I like to think that Millis wants me to complete my training but I question why they would push us to the limits of fatigue in a 24 hour period only to get me to my testing site 5 minutes late and exhausted.
When I began the pre-trip it was 114 degrees on the pad. I completed the pre trip inspection after about 25 minutes. I passed it but in my mind I wasn’t sure if I had or not. I wasn’t even sure of what I was saying after about 5 minutes. If you are reading this to learn from my experience then learn this; rehearse this a hundred times so even if you can’t think, it will still come out right.
The skills test didn’t take long and even though I had the windows down I was able to blast cold air into my face. All I was required to do was a straight back, a blind side offset and a driver side parallel park. I used one extra pull up on the parallel park and got out once but just to be sure.
The road test was also easy. We drove for about 25 minutes around the airport area of Albany. I was asked to safely change lanes a few times and to recall a sign that we had passed. As we approached a rail road crossing I was told to perform a hazmat crossing. This put me off a little. I stopped, put the flashers on and lowered the windows to look both ways. The problem was, there was a street parallel to the tracks on the other side and if I had stopped there but my trailer would'nt clear of the tracks. I didn't stop on the tracks but wen on across and made my turn. I was told that to fail I had to be unsafe, break a law or pull over a curb. I passed so all is good.
I have one more test to go. I hope to be able to schedule a driving test with a Millis training director by next Monday and if I pass receive my own truck. Now I need to concentrate on logs, bills, qualcom and the business side of driving for Millis.
I took the cdl yesterday, Saturday, at 3:00 PM in Albany GA. On Friday, at 1:00 PM we were in Albany and got dispatched to pick up a load of beer and run it to Winder GA. In Winder we were told to take an empty to Columbia SC and get a load of fiber to Cartersville GA for the carpet mills. Then to get back to Albany we had to get a glass load in East Point GA. Now I like to think that Millis wants me to complete my training but I question why they would push us to the limits of fatigue in a 24 hour period only to get me to my testing site 5 minutes late and exhausted.
When I began the pre-trip it was 114 degrees on the pad. I completed the pre trip inspection after about 25 minutes. I passed it but in my mind I wasn’t sure if I had or not. I wasn’t even sure of what I was saying after about 5 minutes. If you are reading this to learn from my experience then learn this; rehearse this a hundred times so even if you can’t think, it will still come out right.
The skills test didn’t take long and even though I had the windows down I was able to blast cold air into my face. All I was required to do was a straight back, a blind side offset and a driver side parallel park. I used one extra pull up on the parallel park and got out once but just to be sure.
The road test was also easy. We drove for about 25 minutes around the airport area of Albany. I was asked to safely change lanes a few times and to recall a sign that we had passed. As we approached a rail road crossing I was told to perform a hazmat crossing. This put me off a little. I stopped, put the flashers on and lowered the windows to look both ways. The problem was, there was a street parallel to the tracks on the other side and if I had stopped there but my trailer would'nt clear of the tracks. I didn't stop on the tracks but wen on across and made my turn. I was told that to fail I had to be unsafe, break a law or pull over a curb. I passed so all is good.
I have one more test to go. I hope to be able to schedule a driving test with a Millis training director by next Monday and if I pass receive my own truck. Now I need to concentrate on logs, bills, qualcom and the business side of driving for Millis.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Two weeks to go if all goes well. I’m sure that I will never stop learning but I think I am becoming a fairly good driver. I will take the CDL on Wednesday the 8th in Albany GA. Training with a regional driver is giving me the opportunity to do lots of backing, moving tandems, setting up bulkheads, securing loads, scaling and dealing with customers. I think that it may be more valuable to have more of these experiences with an experienced driver trainer on board than doing long drives.
I really need to have my own truck. I know that my trainer is an excellent driver but he really makes it a lot harder on himself than it needs to be. His truck is a mess. I wash the windshield and mirrors but he thinks I’m wasting my time because they are just going to get dirty again. He doesn’t even put water in his cooler. He seems to only eat at McDonalds or a fried chicken place. Rather than eating inside the restaurant he usually sits in the truck with the windows open. I guess it comes down to the fact that he is usually home every weekend and gets to stop by home during the week sometimes. I’m going to be over the road so I need some of the comforts of home. I also need control of the radio, windows and air conditioner. This all serves as incentive for me to perform well enough to get my own truck at the end of five weeks rather than having to spend more time in this truck.
Millis requires a minimum of five weeks with the driver trainer. If he deems you ready, you take a driving test with a Millis training director and they decide at that time if you are ready. My driver trainer says I will be ready unless something goes wrong like failing the CDL and not being able to reschedule quickly or if I do something stupid like having an accident or getting a ticket.
The next time I post I should have my Class A license and an appointment to test for and hopefully get my own truck. Wish me luck!
I really need to have my own truck. I know that my trainer is an excellent driver but he really makes it a lot harder on himself than it needs to be. His truck is a mess. I wash the windshield and mirrors but he thinks I’m wasting my time because they are just going to get dirty again. He doesn’t even put water in his cooler. He seems to only eat at McDonalds or a fried chicken place. Rather than eating inside the restaurant he usually sits in the truck with the windows open. I guess it comes down to the fact that he is usually home every weekend and gets to stop by home during the week sometimes. I’m going to be over the road so I need some of the comforts of home. I also need control of the radio, windows and air conditioner. This all serves as incentive for me to perform well enough to get my own truck at the end of five weeks rather than having to spend more time in this truck.
Millis requires a minimum of five weeks with the driver trainer. If he deems you ready, you take a driving test with a Millis training director and they decide at that time if you are ready. My driver trainer says I will be ready unless something goes wrong like failing the CDL and not being able to reschedule quickly or if I do something stupid like having an accident or getting a ticket.
The next time I post I should have my Class A license and an appointment to test for and hopefully get my own truck. Wish me luck!
Friday, July 27, 2007
I’m finished with the first two weeks with my Millis driving trainer. He’s a good driver and is serious about safety. I like that. He is a Marine and so is no nonsense. I like that to. We are getting along fine on a professional level but are very different culturally otherwise. By the time five or six weeks have gone by we will be very tired of each other but I’m sure that’s normal.
We are driving a KW T600 so it’s a little crowded in there. We have been all over Georgia and have been to North and South Carolina, Alabama and through Indiana and Illinois on the way to and from Wisconsin. Our freight is mostly glass, beer, tissue paper and Wal-Mart stuff.
So far the biggest challenges driving have been Atlanta traffic, particularly last Friday on the connector during concert and Braves game traffic, and of course Chicago. I know now why the terrorist haven’t attacked places like Chicago. I don’t think you can tear it up much worse than it already is.
Since I’m with a regional driver he doesn’t go out much. He is used to fairly strident living conditions; fast food at truck stops, no satellite radio and basically no supplies on board. So far we have showered every other day and fueled mostly at Millis terminals.
Things I have been impressed with are the variety of different trucks and freight concentrated at truck stops at night and the skill of some of the drivers I’ve seen on the road. Things that worry me include the negative and down right hostile attitude of some truckers and the lack of skill or carelessness of a lot of drivers. I see why the driving profession is so scrutinized. It seems like hostility has replaced courtesy.
All in all I’m doing well and hope to get into my own truck by the end of five weeks but if it takes longer then I’ll stick it out. I’m told it will be a KW T2000, probably an 05 or 06. Cool.
We are driving a KW T600 so it’s a little crowded in there. We have been all over Georgia and have been to North and South Carolina, Alabama and through Indiana and Illinois on the way to and from Wisconsin. Our freight is mostly glass, beer, tissue paper and Wal-Mart stuff.
So far the biggest challenges driving have been Atlanta traffic, particularly last Friday on the connector during concert and Braves game traffic, and of course Chicago. I know now why the terrorist haven’t attacked places like Chicago. I don’t think you can tear it up much worse than it already is.
Since I’m with a regional driver he doesn’t go out much. He is used to fairly strident living conditions; fast food at truck stops, no satellite radio and basically no supplies on board. So far we have showered every other day and fueled mostly at Millis terminals.
Things I have been impressed with are the variety of different trucks and freight concentrated at truck stops at night and the skill of some of the drivers I’ve seen on the road. Things that worry me include the negative and down right hostile attitude of some truckers and the lack of skill or carelessness of a lot of drivers. I see why the driving profession is so scrutinized. It seems like hostility has replaced courtesy.
All in all I’m doing well and hope to get into my own truck by the end of five weeks but if it takes longer then I’ll stick it out. I’m told it will be a KW T2000, probably an 05 or 06. Cool.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Waiting on a trainer
Well, I’m taking care of some loose ends at home as I wait to hit the road with my trainer. I spoke with him on the phone. He is a southeast regional driver. My options are to have him pick me up near my home and then whenever he has TAH, which is almost every weekend, I’m stuck in his truck. Option two is to drive 120 miles to meet him at the Pilot in Warner Robbins GA and leave my Tundra there. Then, when he has TAH, I can drive 120 miles home and then 120 miles back when he’s ready to go again. I guess option two is best but I don’t like the idea of leaving my Tundra at the Pilot for a week or two.
Meanwhile, Jacques, my room mate from MTI, left on Tuesday and has been to customers in Ohio, up-state New York, Ohio again and will be south of Birmingham tomorrow. My other classmate ‘Homer Simpson’ left Wednesday and is in Wisconsin now.
It’s a little surprising but I actually feel a ‘need’ to be on the road. I have the newbie enthusiasm so I can’t wait. I should be rolling on Saturday or Sunday.
Oh, Sunday was my anniversary. I have been married to my dear wife for twenty four years. We’ve had lots of highs and lows but no regrets. In fact we are truly united as one.
Meanwhile, Jacques, my room mate from MTI, left on Tuesday and has been to customers in Ohio, up-state New York, Ohio again and will be south of Birmingham tomorrow. My other classmate ‘Homer Simpson’ left Wednesday and is in Wisconsin now.
It’s a little surprising but I actually feel a ‘need’ to be on the road. I have the newbie enthusiasm so I can’t wait. I should be rolling on Saturday or Sunday.
Oh, Sunday was my anniversary. I have been married to my dear wife for twenty four years. We’ve had lots of highs and lows but no regrets. In fact we are truly united as one.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
First stage is over
7/5 – 7/10
Well, the night drive was fun and I felt confident with my shifting. Of course it will change with a different truck and with a load but I got it now. Orientation is over as well and I am now a Millis employee, on paper.
My class mates have known their trainers for days now and are already on the road. So far I don’t have one. I didn’t request a non smoker or anything. I did tell Greg that I can put up with a lot but if I get one who is disrespectful or likes to yell then there will be a reckoning. I think maybe they are just taking care to find me a good one. If you are a trainer with Millis, please, come and get me.
To sum the three weeks all up, it was a very good experience. The facilities, instructor and training process were top notch. Every driver that I spoke with in private was very happy with their job at Millis. I really feel that it is a company that is big enough to be a player but small enough to be personal. I think any person who has integrity and is willing to work hard can be happy here. I also get the feeling that if you are lack integrity they will sack you in a NY minute. I made a good choice in companies.
So that is the end of the first stage of Millis training in Cartersville Georgia as I experienced it.
Well, the night drive was fun and I felt confident with my shifting. Of course it will change with a different truck and with a load but I got it now. Orientation is over as well and I am now a Millis employee, on paper.
My class mates have known their trainers for days now and are already on the road. So far I don’t have one. I didn’t request a non smoker or anything. I did tell Greg that I can put up with a lot but if I get one who is disrespectful or likes to yell then there will be a reckoning. I think maybe they are just taking care to find me a good one. If you are a trainer with Millis, please, come and get me.
To sum the three weeks all up, it was a very good experience. The facilities, instructor and training process were top notch. Every driver that I spoke with in private was very happy with their job at Millis. I really feel that it is a company that is big enough to be a player but small enough to be personal. I think any person who has integrity and is willing to work hard can be happy here. I also get the feeling that if you are lack integrity they will sack you in a NY minute. I made a good choice in companies.
So that is the end of the first stage of Millis training in Cartersville Georgia as I experienced it.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
7/4
I am at home watching The History Channels “The Revolution”. It is an incredible story that I can’t get enough of. Later we watch a DVD of “The Patriot” with Mel Gibson.
We spent Monday and Tuesday doing more driving. Monday we saw three states going two lane most of the time. We went up through north Georgia to Tennessee and then east to North Carolina then back down to Georgia and west to Cartersville again. Tuesday we went back to Alabama and looped back to Cartersville.My down shifting is much better now. I am finding the shift positions better. I had to get used to the long stroke or throw of the shifter. I am used to shifting a car or pickup with just my wrist and moving the shifter diagonally. Also I have learned to really slow down to give myself a lot more time for down shifting. Seventh is my friend and oh, don’t forget the range selector. I know that to you experienced drivers you don’t think about these things that much. Well, I am finding out that the more I drive the less I have to think about them to.
Greg has come up with a plan to allow us to enjoy the 4th and get some valuable experience. In stead of returning to Cartersville tonight and driving all day Thursday we are returning to class around 1600 on Thursday and driving through the night. So now I can relax and enjoy the 4th. Next update will probably be Friday. Happy 4th.
I am at home watching The History Channels “The Revolution”. It is an incredible story that I can’t get enough of. Later we watch a DVD of “The Patriot” with Mel Gibson.
We spent Monday and Tuesday doing more driving. Monday we saw three states going two lane most of the time. We went up through north Georgia to Tennessee and then east to North Carolina then back down to Georgia and west to Cartersville again. Tuesday we went back to Alabama and looped back to Cartersville.My down shifting is much better now. I am finding the shift positions better. I had to get used to the long stroke or throw of the shifter. I am used to shifting a car or pickup with just my wrist and moving the shifter diagonally. Also I have learned to really slow down to give myself a lot more time for down shifting. Seventh is my friend and oh, don’t forget the range selector. I know that to you experienced drivers you don’t think about these things that much. Well, I am finding out that the more I drive the less I have to think about them to.
Greg has come up with a plan to allow us to enjoy the 4th and get some valuable experience. In stead of returning to Cartersville tonight and driving all day Thursday we are returning to class around 1600 on Thursday and driving through the night. So now I can relax and enjoy the 4th. Next update will probably be Friday. Happy 4th.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
6/25 – 6/29
Another week finished. I’ll just condense it all down to one post.
The guy that bailed out last Friday came back this Monday and stood around for an hour then bailed again. He won’t be back. Another fellow, an older guy who was a driver some years back had car problems and will reschedule. They will let him return because he was already a good driver. Then a young fellow, after two days of backing, just got worse. He just couldn’t do it. I’ll say right here, this is a short three week course. If you can’t catch on quickly you will be holding back the class and the pressure gets turned up making it harder to learn. I’m sorry for him because he really wanted it bad and would have been a good employee. Everyone says, some are natural and born for truck driving, some can learn and some just won’t ever be able to do it. The class is down to three now.
I was able to get the backing down on the first day. We only did straight backs, ally dock and parallel parking that whole day because of the guy who couldn’t get it. We did the off sets and blind side parallel the next day but to me it’s all the same. Just get used to the reaction time to steering, set it up to get straight and keep your foot off of the clutch.
We did a lot of riding around Georgia again, now with a trailer. We drove lots of narrow twisty highways and some good grades, (going to Alabama to get a tater) which required the jake brake. We also drove in some good rain. I’m still not shifting well. I didn’t think that would be my problem but it is. Greg says I’m thinking about it to much and I’ve learned he knows what he is talking about. Still, he says we are the easiest class he has had in a while and that includes me so I’m sure I’ll be OK.
I go back Monday but we have the 4th off so the week is shortened by one day. Unless I do something stupid, graduation is Friday. Then the following Monday I sign on with Millis and start orientation. I’m not sure why but that takes three days. I asked to be picked up by a trainer on the following Sunday, the 15th. It will be another seven days after that before I get a paid. It's been a long dry spell.
Talking to the drivers that I have met there in Cartersville and from what Greg says there are three options for me. One is to drive dedicated on the Budweiser account. The other two are to drive OTR or regional which is basically the south east. Drivers tell me that the miles are about the same for OTR and regional but OTR has longer runs so you have to hustle a little more with regional. I’m most interested in regional because it’s easier to get home time.
Another week finished. I’ll just condense it all down to one post.
The guy that bailed out last Friday came back this Monday and stood around for an hour then bailed again. He won’t be back. Another fellow, an older guy who was a driver some years back had car problems and will reschedule. They will let him return because he was already a good driver. Then a young fellow, after two days of backing, just got worse. He just couldn’t do it. I’ll say right here, this is a short three week course. If you can’t catch on quickly you will be holding back the class and the pressure gets turned up making it harder to learn. I’m sorry for him because he really wanted it bad and would have been a good employee. Everyone says, some are natural and born for truck driving, some can learn and some just won’t ever be able to do it. The class is down to three now.
I was able to get the backing down on the first day. We only did straight backs, ally dock and parallel parking that whole day because of the guy who couldn’t get it. We did the off sets and blind side parallel the next day but to me it’s all the same. Just get used to the reaction time to steering, set it up to get straight and keep your foot off of the clutch.
We did a lot of riding around Georgia again, now with a trailer. We drove lots of narrow twisty highways and some good grades, (going to Alabama to get a tater) which required the jake brake. We also drove in some good rain. I’m still not shifting well. I didn’t think that would be my problem but it is. Greg says I’m thinking about it to much and I’ve learned he knows what he is talking about. Still, he says we are the easiest class he has had in a while and that includes me so I’m sure I’ll be OK.
I go back Monday but we have the 4th off so the week is shortened by one day. Unless I do something stupid, graduation is Friday. Then the following Monday I sign on with Millis and start orientation. I’m not sure why but that takes three days. I asked to be picked up by a trainer on the following Sunday, the 15th. It will be another seven days after that before I get a paid. It's been a long dry spell.
Talking to the drivers that I have met there in Cartersville and from what Greg says there are three options for me. One is to drive dedicated on the Budweiser account. The other two are to drive OTR or regional which is basically the south east. Drivers tell me that the miles are about the same for OTR and regional but OTR has longer runs so you have to hustle a little more with regional. I’m most interested in regional because it’s easier to get home time.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
6/20, 6/21, 6/22
6/20, 6/21, 6/22
I’m home for the weekend so I can catch up for the week.
6/20
We spent the first half the day on Wednesday driving around the 500. We just went around slowly shifting up and down through the low range. I had no problem shifting up but grind them some shifting down, gotta watch those rpm. We spent the afternoon driving around in the country on two lanes. I made a mess of it. I haven’t learned the pattern yet using the range selector and some times forgot what gear I was in. Learning to get the pattern down and to get the feel for the engine and clutch, all while encountering traffic and rolling curving terrain was a lot of sensory input to take in. I understand how I learn though and while I only got 30 minutes in the driver’s seat, I will continue to assimilate the information for hours. The old Freightliner is a bit rough and the springs that center the shifter are shot so finding 2/7 and 3/8 is giving me some trouble. I was surprised how tense I was after 30 minutes driving.
6/21
We spent 7 hour in the class room going over chapter quizzes and watching tapes. It seamed like it was partly for gaining knowledge and partly to see who can stay awake through 7 hours of monotony. Finally we went out and did some coupling and un-coupling. That’s easy, just take care and check everything. BTW, did I say how bad te hotel sucks? Nice lobby but trashy grounds, trashy people around and a pool that looks like an e coli incubation lab.
6/22
Well we spent the whole day bobtailing around the beautiful rolling twisting two lane back roads of Georgia. I know the shift patterns now and can even skip shift but I still having trouble finding 2/7 and 3/8 with that worn out shifter. There sure is a lot going on when you are in coming to a small town with cars lining the sides of the road, signs every where, people crossing streets. I’m still grinding and grinning but it’s getting better. This is gonna get real interesting when there is a trailer back there. Gotta watch those rpm and shifting in the turns . Everyone in the class is doing well but one guy showed up this morning and then disappeared before we left. He said he had an emergency and will be back Monday.
A side bar; when I went up to the lobby of the hotel to get a bowl of stale cereal at 0600 the lady said that I just missed a big black bear walking through the parking lot. I guess he though the place sucks too because he didn’t stick around. I wish I could have seen that though.This week was a blast. Most of the class room stuff is over so we will be in a truck from now on. That’s what I need the most, time in the truck. Greg, our trainer is a lot of fun but that doesn’t mean he is a goof off. He is constantly advising and correcting without adding a lot of pressure. So far, so good.
I’m home for the weekend so I can catch up for the week.
6/20
We spent the first half the day on Wednesday driving around the 500. We just went around slowly shifting up and down through the low range. I had no problem shifting up but grind them some shifting down, gotta watch those rpm. We spent the afternoon driving around in the country on two lanes. I made a mess of it. I haven’t learned the pattern yet using the range selector and some times forgot what gear I was in. Learning to get the pattern down and to get the feel for the engine and clutch, all while encountering traffic and rolling curving terrain was a lot of sensory input to take in. I understand how I learn though and while I only got 30 minutes in the driver’s seat, I will continue to assimilate the information for hours. The old Freightliner is a bit rough and the springs that center the shifter are shot so finding 2/7 and 3/8 is giving me some trouble. I was surprised how tense I was after 30 minutes driving.
6/21
We spent 7 hour in the class room going over chapter quizzes and watching tapes. It seamed like it was partly for gaining knowledge and partly to see who can stay awake through 7 hours of monotony. Finally we went out and did some coupling and un-coupling. That’s easy, just take care and check everything. BTW, did I say how bad te hotel sucks? Nice lobby but trashy grounds, trashy people around and a pool that looks like an e coli incubation lab.
6/22
Well we spent the whole day bobtailing around the beautiful rolling twisting two lane back roads of Georgia. I know the shift patterns now and can even skip shift but I still having trouble finding 2/7 and 3/8 with that worn out shifter. There sure is a lot going on when you are in coming to a small town with cars lining the sides of the road, signs every where, people crossing streets. I’m still grinding and grinning but it’s getting better. This is gonna get real interesting when there is a trailer back there. Gotta watch those rpm and shifting in the turns . Everyone in the class is doing well but one guy showed up this morning and then disappeared before we left. He said he had an emergency and will be back Monday.
A side bar; when I went up to the lobby of the hotel to get a bowl of stale cereal at 0600 the lady said that I just missed a big black bear walking through the parking lot. I guess he though the place sucks too because he didn’t stick around. I wish I could have seen that though.This week was a blast. Most of the class room stuff is over so we will be in a truck from now on. That’s what I need the most, time in the truck. Greg, our trainer is a lot of fun but that doesn’t mean he is a goof off. He is constantly advising and correcting without adding a lot of pressure. So far, so good.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Back in the class room again
Back in the class room again. I feel like sleeping here tonight because the hotel room is so sorry. We got right to it and spent most of the day doing map reading, trip planning and log book exercises. It’s really a lot more difficult than I expected, especially with the crazy hours of service rules. Then we watched films about engines and transmissions. Tomorrow we get to start driving. We got a good rain so Maybe the Millis 500 won’t be so dusty.
Monday, June 18, 2007
It Starts
I’m in Cartersville for the first day training. The hotel they put us in is a dump. I’m in the lobby now because it’s nice but the rooms and the grounds are crap. There is no access point for the internet so I will do this in MS Word and post it later.
First, to add to the pre-class excitement, my oldest daughter informed me just before father’s day that I’m going to be a grandfather for the first time. Wow, my world is changing fast.
We met our instructor, Greg, and he seems to be a good guy. He had to use the first half of the day making sure that we had all of our papers in order, and collecting the balance of the $500 and laying out the weeks plan. We had seven students, one more student than he expected but one guy only had a class B permit so he went home. The instruction finally began covering industry overview, hours of service and log books. We ended the day with the assignment to go through the manual and complete all of the week one quizzes by Thursday.
One thing I can’t understand is that we don’t get to keep the manuals. Why is that?
First, to add to the pre-class excitement, my oldest daughter informed me just before father’s day that I’m going to be a grandfather for the first time. Wow, my world is changing fast.
We met our instructor, Greg, and he seems to be a good guy. He had to use the first half of the day making sure that we had all of our papers in order, and collecting the balance of the $500 and laying out the weeks plan. We had seven students, one more student than he expected but one guy only had a class B permit so he went home. The instruction finally began covering industry overview, hours of service and log books. We ended the day with the assignment to go through the manual and complete all of the week one quizzes by Thursday.
One thing I can’t understand is that we don’t get to keep the manuals. Why is that?
Monday, June 11, 2007
VBob Starts Training
Well, I start training on the 18th. After the sorting of companies process, I will start training at the Millis Training Institute in Cartersville GA on June 18. I went last Wed. and took the test for the GA. CDL permit. I passed but didn't do as well as I wanted to. Why can't they just test you to see if you read and learned the information rather than playing games with the questions? (At least they don't try to through in Latin words like the board of realtors does with their tests).
I sold off my last listing and have had time on my hands to get ready. Been making lists, checking lists etc. I decided to go to the gym and play a lot of golf to buff up a bit. Monday the 7th I noticed a little stiffness in my lower back. Well, one week later all I could do is lay on my back. This has never happened to me before. I went to a chiropractor this morning for the first time in my life. I never believed in chiropractors but this guy started twisting my legs, back and neck and it sounded like Rocky Balboa breaking ribs. All of a sudden, no pain. I go back in two days for more of that.Also in two days I go for my DOT physical. I have been monitoring my blood pressure for days. I am surprised that it has been a little on the high side but still better that 140/90 but not much. After having my bones cracked it is even better than the last few days. I hope that nerves don't screw me up on the day of the physical.
I know this is a boring journal, talking about 'getting ready to get ready' but next Monday I'll be in Cartersville and then I will really be 'getting ready'.
I sold off my last listing and have had time on my hands to get ready. Been making lists, checking lists etc. I decided to go to the gym and play a lot of golf to buff up a bit. Monday the 7th I noticed a little stiffness in my lower back. Well, one week later all I could do is lay on my back. This has never happened to me before. I went to a chiropractor this morning for the first time in my life. I never believed in chiropractors but this guy started twisting my legs, back and neck and it sounded like Rocky Balboa breaking ribs. All of a sudden, no pain. I go back in two days for more of that.Also in two days I go for my DOT physical. I have been monitoring my blood pressure for days. I am surprised that it has been a little on the high side but still better that 140/90 but not much. After having my bones cracked it is even better than the last few days. I hope that nerves don't screw me up on the day of the physical.
I know this is a boring journal, talking about 'getting ready to get ready' but next Monday I'll be in Cartersville and then I will really be 'getting ready'.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Did you ever have to finally decide?
I have decided to apply at Millis Transfer. I was close to deciding on CFI and while I'm not happy about the new training costs it is the blend of TAH (time at home) and vacation, pay, size of the company and culture that make it right for me. Millis had approved me 2 years ago so I'm sure they will again. I have a 25 year work record and no blemishes of any kind on my MVR, legal or otherwise. I will apply tomorrow morning by fax and hope to get a spot in the Cartersville GA class starting June 18.
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