Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Crowder College
Today was an awesome day. The day started with everyone having a lot of anxiety about how they were going to do and wondering whether they would be on a bus home before the end of the day. We left the hotel at 7:00 AM and taken to the college to a class room. We had a couple of quick classes. One was on shifting a 13 speed transmission and the other on logging. Of the fourteen people in class none had driven a 13 speed and most had very little knowledge of logging. Some had none. Most were getting pretty stressed by now. After the classes we had lunch at the college cafeteria paid for by CWTL and then to the driving range. We get three meals a day here on CWTL. This is some driving range. It is an old military base with roads everywhere that no one uses except the school. Lined up was a bunch of KenWorth T2000’s, old (2002-2004) CFI trucks. We had three instructors here. We had had two back at the class room. They went with each of us once around the course showing us how to up shift, down shift, and do gear recoveries then they let us go on our own. We switched off on three trucks driving till 5:00. We always have at least two in the truck in case we need to back excreta. By the end of the day the confidence level has risen tremendous and everyone believed that they would make it. Everyone was happy, working hard and having a good time.
Tomorrow we are scheduled to go out driving on a verbalization drive. What that means is that we talk the whole time we are driving about what is around us, what we see, potential hazards, road signs, excreta. It teaches us to get it into our mind instead of just seeing and forgetting it.
Thursday we are picked up at the hotel in the trucks at 3:30 AM to go driving down town on a night drive and then to breakfast at the college and then more driving.
Friday – Fun Day - We hit the skid pad. They have a large slick concrete pad that they flood with water. We practice skidding out and recovering from the skid. We are all excited about getting to do this.
Saturday driving test: Enough said for now.
Sunday: We do an obstacle course and finish by noon. We have the rest of the day off.
Monday: We go back to Con-Way for our finial orientation and to get with our trainers. We do 7500 miles with the trainer and we drive them all. The trainer does no driving but is their just to train us. After that we come back to get our own truck, KenWorth T600.
This is a great company. We have been treated really great here and the training that they give a new driver is second to none. I am excited about this opportunity to be here. Even if I were not to make it I would highly recommend to any student to come here. This week of training is something that will stay with me forever regardless of whom I might drive for but if I can make it I will be with CWTL.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
First day of orientation at CWTL
Monday, April 28, 2008
First day of orientation at CWTL
Today was okay but very busy. The bus picked us up at 6:15 to take us to headquarters. We did paper work and then went for drug test and physicals. I had a problem with my physical. My blood sugar was too high so I didn’t pass. I get to take it again. I didn’t know that there was going to be a problem or I could have eaten better. I had eaten all the wrong stuff just before the test. I am cutting out all bread, starches, and sugars to get it down. I was just barely over so it should be okay but it does mean that I am going to have to watch what I eat. I have gone on a diet and lost 15 lbs but gained 5 of it back. I have to lose weight and get more exercise.
We move to Booneslick Lodge that is close to Crowder. Tomorrow we start training there for a week before going with a trainer. I am sure that it is going to be full days.
First day of orientation at CWTL
Today was okay but very busy. The bus picked us up at 6:15 to take us to headquarters. We did paper work and then went for drug test and physicals. I had a problem with my physical. My blood sugar was too high so I didn’t pass. I get to take it again. I didn’t know that there was going to be a problem or I could have eaten better. I had eaten all the wrong stuff just before the test. I am cutting out all bread, starches, and sugars to get it down. I was just barely over so it should be okay but it does mean that I am going to have to watch what I eat. I have gone on a diet and lost 15 lbs but gained 5 of it back. I have to lose weight and get more exercise.
We move to Booneslick Lodge that is close to Crowder. Tomorrow we start training there for a week before going with a trainer. I am sure that it is going to be full days.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Gray Dog to Joplin
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Gray Dog to Joplin
I left Saturday at 7:05 PM from Cookeville, TN for a scheduled 19 ½ hours to Joplin, Missouri. I hadn’t realized how many people that use the buses for travel. Every leg of the trip has been filled to capacitive except the last. Here are a few pointers for making the bus trip: First they are not reliable so give your self plenty of extra time. I have lucked out and not had any major delays but I met several people that have. Their bus has been late for a connection and then they get stuck for hours waiting for the next ride. Don’t plan it too close. Second: They don’t transfer you luggage, you do it so make it easy on yourself and don’t take too much. The overhead compartments are smaller that on a plane. A pillow comes in handy while traveling on a long trip. Third: Bring food and water, it isn’t easy to get what you need and the costs in the bus depots are a rip off. I brought 3 bottles of water and I ran out. Overall it was a rough trip.
You spend a lot of time on the bus so you meet the people around you. I met several truck drivers on the trip. Some were going to Fort Smith, Arkansas for USA Trucks. I met some that were headed to Conway in Joplin, and some going on to TMC in Des Moines Iowa. In the short time that I have been involved with trucking I have met some very nice people.
When we got to the bus station in Joplin we were picked up in vans by a local cab company. We were then taken to Quality Inn and given rooms. We share 2 to a room. Conway has shuttles that run regular routes around Joplin that you can take for free. Also if you need to go somewhere that is not on the route you can take the cab company for free. Tomorrow we get picked up by a shuttle at 6:15 and taken to the CFI/Conway offices to do our paper work, do our drug test, and get checked into the hotel were we will be staying during the week orientation. It seems that everyone has different information but all that should be clearer tomorrow. They are about 20 of us here.
We will be doing driving test this week also. Clutch to neutral, …….???? There is more to that but at 60 the memories get short!!!! HEEEELP!!! hold to 1000RPM, clutch and do gear recovery. Yes that’s it.
The Gray Dog to Joplin
I left Saturday at 7:05 PM from Cookeville, TN for a scheduled 19 ½ hours to Joplin, Missouri. I hadn’t realized how many people that use the buses for travel. Every leg of the trip has been filled to capacitive except the last. Here are a few pointers for making the bus trip: First they are not reliable so give your self plenty of extra time. I have lucked out and not had any major delays but I met several people that have. Their bus has been late for a connection and then they get stuck for hours waiting for the next ride. Don’t plan it too close. Second: They don’t transfer you luggage, you do it so make it easy on yourself and don’t take too much. The overhead compartments are smaller that on a plane. A pillow comes in handy while traveling on a long trip. Third: Bring food and water, it isn’t easy to get what you need and the costs in the bus depots are a rip off. I brought 3 bottles of water and I ran out. Overall it was a rough trip.
You spend a lot of time on the bus so you meet the people around you. I met several truck drivers on the trip. Some were going to Fort Smith, Arkansas for USA Trucks. I met some that were headed to Conway in Joplin, and some going on to TMC in Des Moines Iowa. In the short time that I have been involved with trucking I have met some very nice people.
When we got to the bus station in Joplin we were picked up in vans by a local cab company. We were then taken to Quality Inn and given rooms. We share 2 to a room. Conway has shuttles that run regular routes around Joplin that you can take for free. Also if you need to go somewhere that is not on the route you can take the cab company for free. Tomorrow we get picked up by a shuttle at 6:15 and taken to the CFI/Conway offices to do our paper work, do our drug test, and get checked into the hotel were we will be staying during the week orientation. It seems that everyone has different information but all that should be clearer tomorrow. They are about 20 of us here.
We will be doing driving test this week also. Clutch to neutral, …….???? There is more to that but at 60 the memories get short!!!! HEEEELP!!! hold to 1000RPM, clutch and do gear recovery. Yes that’s it.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
My Last Day at Home
Saturday, April 26, 2008
My Last Day at Home
I leave this afternoon for my bus ride. I feel like I am heading to boot camp. Anxious is an understatement of how I feel. I am anxious for many reasons. For one: leaving home and leaving my wife here alone, she isn’t one to resolve problems on her own. Second: I am anxious about how I will do. I wished that I could have had much more driving time.
I got me a new laptop computer that I am taking so I will try to keep my blog up to date. It has WI-FI but I don’t know how much I will be connected. When I get my own truck I am going to get the Verizon Wireless. I am still on a budget and trying to save what I can till I get some income started. I will update at my next connection about the trip.
My Last Day at Home
I leave this afternoon for my bus ride. I feel like I am heading to boot camp. Anxious is an understatement of how I feel. I am anxious for many reasons. For one: leaving home and leaving my wife here alone, she isn’t one to resolve problems on her own. Second: I am anxious about how I will do. I wished that I could have had much more driving time.
I got me a new laptop computer that I am taking so I will try to keep my blog up to date. It has WI-FI but I don’t know how much I will be connected. When I get my own truck I am going to get the Verizon Wireless. I am still on a budget and trying to save what I can till I get some income started. I will update at my next connection about the trip.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Last Day of Engineering
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Last Day of Engineering
I am finishing up a design for the company that I have been with for the last 18 months and I am ready for it to be my last. It is a large complicated part that I do not want to do. It needs to have a lot more time to do it right than the company wants to spend on it. I hate to do a crappy job but that is what they are getting. It sure makes me glad to be getting out of here.
Saturday I will be on a bus on my way to Joplin, Missouri. It is a 17 hour ride. I am sure that is going to suck. I have only taken one bus ride and it was short and not very enjoyable. Every time the bus stopped it would empty of passengers for a smoke break. Then when they got back on the bus the smell was horrible. I am sure that it will be an experience that I won’t soon forget.
Monday is orientation and then with a trainer. This is something that I have dreaded. You always hope that you get a good trainer but living in a truck with a stranger is not something that I care to do.
One of the reasons that I chose CWTL (ConWay Truck Loads) was that they have a short trainer time. The other reasons, besides being one of the best companies out there to work for, are that they travel all 48 states and I can take my wife Stormy and dog Sweet Pea. No, I did not name him and the name doesn’t fit. Stormy, her grandfather called her that as a child and it stuck. He started with Windy but probable decided that that was an understatement. Saylor and Stormy, I am sure that you can see the issues here but then again my favorite time for sailing was when we had weather advisories. We want to see the country. I plan on being out as long as we can between home times.
Last Day of Engineering
I am finishing up a design for the company that I have been with for the last 18 months and I am ready for it to be my last. It is a large complicated part that I do not want to do. It needs to have a lot more time to do it right than the company wants to spend on it. I hate to do a crappy job but that is what they are getting. It sure makes me glad to be getting out of here.
Saturday I will be on a bus on my way to Joplin, Missouri. It is a 17 hour ride. I am sure that is going to suck. I have only taken one bus ride and it was short and not very enjoyable. Every time the bus stopped it would empty of passengers for a smoke break. Then when they got back on the bus the smell was horrible. I am sure that it will be an experience that I won’t soon forget.
Monday is orientation and then with a trainer. This is something that I have dreaded. You always hope that you get a good trainer but living in a truck with a stranger is not something that I care to do.
One of the reasons that I chose CWTL (ConWay Truck Loads) was that they have a short trainer time. The other reasons, besides being one of the best companies out there to work for, are that they travel all 48 states and I can take my wife Stormy and dog Sweet Pea. No, I did not name him and the name doesn’t fit. Stormy, her grandfather called her that as a child and it stuck. He started with Windy but probable decided that that was an understatement. Saylor and Stormy, I am sure that you can see the issues here but then again my favorite time for sailing was when we had weather advisories. We want to see the country. I plan on being out as long as we can between home times.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I am Going to CFI/Conway
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I am Going to CFI/Conway
I have been accepted by CFI/Conway and will be in Joplin, Missouri on Sunday to start Monday’s orientation. I am proud to have been accepted by them. It has been my goal to work for them since I had started this process.
I am Going to CFI/Conway
I have been accepted by CFI/Conway and will be in Joplin, Missouri on Sunday to start Monday’s orientation. I am proud to have been accepted by them. It has been my goal to work for them since I had started this process.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I am Finished with School
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I am Finished with School
I got my certificates today from the school. I am looking forward to starting with a company and get that training behind me. I am still unsure with whom I will be going with but I plan on deciding by Thursday. I am still hoping to go with CFI/ConWay but I am not going to wait pass Thursday for them to get it together and let me know. If they say yes by then that is where I will go.
I am Finished with School
I got my certificates today from the school. I am looking forward to starting with a company and get that training behind me. I am still unsure with whom I will be going with but I plan on deciding by Thursday. I am still hoping to go with CFI/ConWay but I am not going to wait pass Thursday for them to get it together and let me know. If they say yes by then that is where I will go.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Got My CDL Today
Monday, April 21, 2008
Got My CDL Today
I got my CDL today. I have one day left of school. I am glad to be finished. I also got my double/triples and tank endorsement. I am getting my Hazmat as well as soon as the background check is done. I have finished the knowledge test for it. I only missed one question.
Got My CDL Today
I got my CDL today. I have one day left of school. I am glad to be finished. I also got my double/triples and tank endorsement. I am getting my Hazmat as well as soon as the background check is done. I have finished the knowledge test for it. I only missed one question.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Tests are Finished
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Tests are Finished
I have finished all my tests and I am ready to go to the DMV and get my CDL. I am pleased with how I did on them. I did good on the pre-trip and backing tests and marginal on the road test. I am glad to get it done. The road test went well but I am weak on the down shifting and gear recovery. I have driven straight shift vehicles all my adult life but I feel that it is working against me in this case. I do feel confident that with a few days driving that I will do fine. I have a lot of experience pulling trailers and I do a good job watching and maneuvering it.
I have some pre-hires and am waiting on a couple of more that should be completed in the next few days. I will then make a decision on which one that I will take.
I would like to add that I really appreciate Mr. Bentley and all his efforts in seeing that we have the skills that we need to become professional drivers. I would like to have had more time driving and less time spent in the class room. Being on separate campuses for the classroom and the driving I am sure has been a disadvantage for the class. I do feel that Mr. Bentley gets the class room work done very efficiently and with an open and relaxed discussion. His teaching methods are very effective. Thank you Mr. Bentley.
Tests are Finished
I have finished all my tests and I am ready to go to the DMV and get my CDL. I am pleased with how I did on them. I did good on the pre-trip and backing tests and marginal on the road test. I am glad to get it done. The road test went well but I am weak on the down shifting and gear recovery. I have driven straight shift vehicles all my adult life but I feel that it is working against me in this case. I do feel confident that with a few days driving that I will do fine. I have a lot of experience pulling trailers and I do a good job watching and maneuvering it.
I have some pre-hires and am waiting on a couple of more that should be completed in the next few days. I will then make a decision on which one that I will take.
I would like to add that I really appreciate Mr. Bentley and all his efforts in seeing that we have the skills that we need to become professional drivers. I would like to have had more time driving and less time spent in the class room. Being on separate campuses for the classroom and the driving I am sure has been a disadvantage for the class. I do feel that Mr. Bentley gets the class room work done very efficiently and with an open and relaxed discussion. His teaching methods are very effective. Thank you Mr. Bentley.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
CDL Learners Permit
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
CDL Learners Permit
If you get a moving violation with a CDL Learners permit you can still elected to go to driver’s school. The judge in Dekabe County Tennessee did not agree with me but after some discussion he agreed that if I could get something from the DMV stating that it was not considered a CDL then he would allow me to attend driver training and keep the violation off my record. I went to the DMV and they said they could not give me anything stating that, but that it wasn’t considered a CDL. The lady did suggest that I get a report and it clearly stated on it that the license was a non CDL. I went back to the judge and he agreed and let be do the driving class.
CDL Learners Permit
If you get a moving violation with a CDL Learners permit you can still elected to go to driver’s school. The judge in Dekabe County Tennessee did not agree with me but after some discussion he agreed that if I could get something from the DMV stating that it was not considered a CDL then he would allow me to attend driver training and keep the violation off my record. I went to the DMV and they said they could not give me anything stating that, but that it wasn’t considered a CDL. The lady did suggest that I get a report and it clearly stated on it that the license was a non CDL. I went back to the judge and he agreed and let be do the driving class.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Stress!!!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Stress!!!
I go in tonight to drive. I have really got stressed the last few days. Filling out applications and faxing them in. The paper work to get a job in trucking is ridiculous. I did less to get a teaching job. It is like trying to get into the military or security clearance in a government job. I have tried to get everything accurate but you never know when something is not going to jive. I have had to refax in some applications because they haven’t found the first ones faxed. I really hope that I can get with a good company that I can stay with because I don’t care to keep going through this. Right now I am getting doubtful in what I can get. This isn’t the best time to be starting in trucking as a new driver. I expect it only to get worse. Those that are already in trucking should become even more in demand.
Stress!!!
I go in tonight to drive. I have really got stressed the last few days. Filling out applications and faxing them in. The paper work to get a job in trucking is ridiculous. I did less to get a teaching job. It is like trying to get into the military or security clearance in a government job. I have tried to get everything accurate but you never know when something is not going to jive. I have had to refax in some applications because they haven’t found the first ones faxed. I really hope that I can get with a good company that I can stay with because I don’t care to keep going through this. Right now I am getting doubtful in what I can get. This isn’t the best time to be starting in trucking as a new driver. I expect it only to get worse. Those that are already in trucking should become even more in demand.
Friday, April 11, 2008
7 More Days
Google Earth of the Yard at TTC@ Nashville
Friday, April 11, 2008
7 More Days
We had a couple of more recruiters today and made a field trip to Western Expresses operation center. It was quite impressive. It gave a good insight into the size and complexity of the trucking industry.
I am scheduled to go in late Monday to get a night drive. Rain is predicted so I may get my first night drive and bad weather drive in at the same time. I can get the backing maneuvers on the lane offset and the parallel with no pull ups most of the time.I am confident that I can pass my backing test and the pre-trip test. So now I just need to get the road test so that I can pass that. I am anxious to get finished with school and get with a company. That has been stressful trying to get a job.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
9 More Days
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
9 More Days
The countdown has begun. My driving skills are continuing to increase. I have got the parallel parking going pretty good. I can get it sometimes without any pull-ups and never need more that one. If I can get more time to practice it tomorrow I should have it aced. I have received some tips that make this possible. A good video detailing these moves would be of much help. I still have work on the pre-trip but I have made much improvement on it also. Monday I am scheduled for a night drive. Rain is predicted.
I got calls today from Create and CFI/Con-Way recruiters. I did an application on the phone with Christine at CFI and Ann from Create requested more information for previous employment. She said that they would accept a printout from Social Security and a notarized statement from someone that can verify that I was self employed during 2003-2004. I am going to call the Social Security office tomorrow to get the printout. I go in late Monday for the night drive so I will try to get this taken care of by then. This is the kind of information that I want to gather for my web site to help others on what to do.
9 More Days
The countdown has begun. My driving skills are continuing to increase. I have got the parallel parking going pretty good. I can get it sometimes without any pull-ups and never need more that one. If I can get more time to practice it tomorrow I should have it aced. I have received some tips that make this possible. A good video detailing these moves would be of much help. I still have work on the pre-trip but I have made much improvement on it also. Monday I am scheduled for a night drive. Rain is predicted.
I got calls today from Create and CFI/Con-Way recruiters. I did an application on the phone with Christine at CFI and Ann from Create requested more information for previous employment. She said that they would accept a printout from Social Security and a notarized statement from someone that can verify that I was self employed during 2003-2004. I am going to call the Social Security office tomorrow to get the printout. I go in late Monday for the night drive so I will try to get this taken care of by then. This is the kind of information that I want to gather for my web site to help others on what to do.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
10 School Days Left
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
10 School Days Left
I couldn’t get onto my blog yesterday so I am posting for both days today. We have only 10 days or 2 weeks in school left.
We did more backing today and also did some road driving. I did better on the road driving. My down shifts were pretty good as well as my lane control. The road had a lot of side streets and I didn’t remember to check down each street as I approached and pasted them. I still have a lot to do for these next 10 days. I am going to try to make each day count.
I talked to Christine today at CFI/Con-Way. Tomorrow I am going to give her all the information that she needs to get me pre-approved. I hope that all goes well. I really hope to go with them.
I am very much considering developing a web site for those that wish to get into trucking. The site will provide them with all the information and services in one place that will prepare them for the process required to get into trucking. I hope to be able to help potential drivers avoid problems in the application process by having everything in place before they even apply to a school.
I will be working on a plan for the site and looking for people with the expertise that I need to advise and contribute to it. I am open to any suggestions.
10 School Days Left
I couldn’t get onto my blog yesterday so I am posting for both days today. We have only 10 days or 2 weeks in school left.
We did more backing today and also did some road driving. I did better on the road driving. My down shifts were pretty good as well as my lane control. The road had a lot of side streets and I didn’t remember to check down each street as I approached and pasted them. I still have a lot to do for these next 10 days. I am going to try to make each day count.
I talked to Christine today at CFI/Con-Way. Tomorrow I am going to give her all the information that she needs to get me pre-approved. I hope that all goes well. I really hope to go with them.
I am very much considering developing a web site for those that wish to get into trucking. The site will provide them with all the information and services in one place that will prepare them for the process required to get into trucking. I hope to be able to help potential drivers avoid problems in the application process by having everything in place before they even apply to a school.
I will be working on a plan for the site and looking for people with the expertise that I need to advise and contribute to it. I am open to any suggestions.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The Week in Review
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The Week in Review
We have just over 2 weeks left in school and we still have a lot that we need to learn. I personally need a lot more time in the trucks driving. Thursday and Friday was hard rain so we did class room work. We worked on pre-trip which we all seemed to have a lot more to learn. I am mechanical enough that understanding what I need to look for in a pre-trip isn’t an issue but to memorize all of the correct terms is. We did drive the first part of the week doing backing maneuvers and some driving on the streets.
Although I feel that I made improvement in my skills this week I am nowhere near where I need to be. I am very anxious to learn this. I tend to start slow on learning new things but finish strong. I hope that my strong finish is timed with the completion of school. My mind has to find the way to translate what I am being taught to the method that I need to learn so I get a delayed response in learning.
I have what is called ‘phonic dyslexia’ meaning that I have to rearrange things that I hear in an order that I understand. Dyslexia is not seeing it backwards but more of having it disorganized. Though it can be an issue of knowing which direction to write S. I have to concentrate when someone is speaking to me. This is somewhat difficult because I have to figure out what is being said at the same time someone is speaking. I can comprehend much better by reading. The problem also shows up in my writing and speaking. I have a hard time of getting a sentence in the order that you understand. My strong points have been in graphics, mechanical, and visuals. These strengths have over compensated me for my weaker areas. It has also helped me in the areas of what is required for teaching and providing teaching materials. My learning disability has also been an asset in many ways. I am typically thinking outside of the box and it makes me creative in finding solutions. So on to where this is leading:
This school and I’m sure other schools could benefit from have an interactive program online where prospective students could get a lot of the class room study done while they are still at home before they even go to school. At TTC@Nashville we are required to get CDL learners permit before they will enroll us in class. I think that is a good way to go because it does save some time in the classroom that can be used in a better ways. But there is not enough information provided in advance to what is going to be required. I am sure that most people that are truly interested in learning to drive a truck would be glad to be ahead of the game when they get to class. I am sure that this will happen and probable is already available somewhere. What I have seen online has been poorly done and incomplete. It needs to done as a complete knowledge course including videos of pre-trips, and the controls inside the truck. Before I got to school I had never seen the inside of a big rig. When I took the knowledge test for my learned permit I had study and learned the right answers for the test but I didn’t really have any idea what glad hands look like. With the technology available today some good methods of study could be provided. Wii and Xbox game have great interaction with the player.
A good site should provide complete information on the requirements that will be needed to get a truck driving job. For example: A lot of companies require 10 years of verifiable work history. That is not always easy to provide. If you have been self employed, or worked for companies that you have worked for are no longer in business, or from my own experience some companies just don’t cooperate in providing that information. Time is needed to gather the required information. It would be a good idea to have a company that can go through these information verifications before hand and have it acceptable to the trucking companies so that it doesn’t need to done by each and ever company. I provide less information to get my teaching licenses than I am required to provide to drive a truck.
In summery we need a site that will provide all the information and services that get you to the point of being ready to enter school and get a job. This would be a great resource for recruiters and companies to get pre-qualified drivers.
The Week in Review
We have just over 2 weeks left in school and we still have a lot that we need to learn. I personally need a lot more time in the trucks driving. Thursday and Friday was hard rain so we did class room work. We worked on pre-trip which we all seemed to have a lot more to learn. I am mechanical enough that understanding what I need to look for in a pre-trip isn’t an issue but to memorize all of the correct terms is. We did drive the first part of the week doing backing maneuvers and some driving on the streets.
Although I feel that I made improvement in my skills this week I am nowhere near where I need to be. I am very anxious to learn this. I tend to start slow on learning new things but finish strong. I hope that my strong finish is timed with the completion of school. My mind has to find the way to translate what I am being taught to the method that I need to learn so I get a delayed response in learning.
I have what is called ‘phonic dyslexia’ meaning that I have to rearrange things that I hear in an order that I understand. Dyslexia is not seeing it backwards but more of having it disorganized. Though it can be an issue of knowing which direction to write S. I have to concentrate when someone is speaking to me. This is somewhat difficult because I have to figure out what is being said at the same time someone is speaking. I can comprehend much better by reading. The problem also shows up in my writing and speaking. I have a hard time of getting a sentence in the order that you understand. My strong points have been in graphics, mechanical, and visuals. These strengths have over compensated me for my weaker areas. It has also helped me in the areas of what is required for teaching and providing teaching materials. My learning disability has also been an asset in many ways. I am typically thinking outside of the box and it makes me creative in finding solutions. So on to where this is leading:
This school and I’m sure other schools could benefit from have an interactive program online where prospective students could get a lot of the class room study done while they are still at home before they even go to school. At TTC@Nashville we are required to get CDL learners permit before they will enroll us in class. I think that is a good way to go because it does save some time in the classroom that can be used in a better ways. But there is not enough information provided in advance to what is going to be required. I am sure that most people that are truly interested in learning to drive a truck would be glad to be ahead of the game when they get to class. I am sure that this will happen and probable is already available somewhere. What I have seen online has been poorly done and incomplete. It needs to done as a complete knowledge course including videos of pre-trips, and the controls inside the truck. Before I got to school I had never seen the inside of a big rig. When I took the knowledge test for my learned permit I had study and learned the right answers for the test but I didn’t really have any idea what glad hands look like. With the technology available today some good methods of study could be provided. Wii and Xbox game have great interaction with the player.
A good site should provide complete information on the requirements that will be needed to get a truck driving job. For example: A lot of companies require 10 years of verifiable work history. That is not always easy to provide. If you have been self employed, or worked for companies that you have worked for are no longer in business, or from my own experience some companies just don’t cooperate in providing that information. Time is needed to gather the required information. It would be a good idea to have a company that can go through these information verifications before hand and have it acceptable to the trucking companies so that it doesn’t need to done by each and ever company. I provide less information to get my teaching licenses than I am required to provide to drive a truck.
In summery we need a site that will provide all the information and services that get you to the point of being ready to enter school and get a job. This would be a great resource for recruiters and companies to get pre-qualified drivers.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
City Streets
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
City Streets
Today I drove the truck and trailer on the road in city traffic. The route was narrow, curvy, and had poles right next to the street. I wouldn’t have cared for that street even in a four wheel. I did okay but timing traffic lights, intersections, rail road tracks and all the other stuff that you need to consider is certainly much more involved that in your family vehicle. I still need work on downshifting and gear recovery. My backing shills are improving. I have been disappointed in them. I have backed a lot of trailers on cars and trucks and can do it quite well but I have struggled to get this to work the way that I want it to. We now have just under 3 weeks of school.
City Streets
Today I drove the truck and trailer on the road in city traffic. The route was narrow, curvy, and had poles right next to the street. I wouldn’t have cared for that street even in a four wheel. I did okay but timing traffic lights, intersections, rail road tracks and all the other stuff that you need to consider is certainly much more involved that in your family vehicle. I still need work on downshifting and gear recovery. My backing shills are improving. I have been disappointed in them. I have backed a lot of trailers on cars and trucks and can do it quite well but I have struggled to get this to work the way that I want it to. We now have just under 3 weeks of school.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April Fools Day
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Fools Day
We got a little driving in yesterday after lunch and a full day today running 4 trucks. With 9 students that gave us 2 students to each truck. I personally need as much time in the trucks as possible. We also did our schedule for our night driving. We are doing 3 students a night and we each get two hours. We are also ready to start the driving in city traffic tomorrow.
We have 3 more weeks of school. We will be doing out test for our CDL during that time. I will be glad to get finished with school. I want to be as good as I can be so I hope to get the maximum time in the trucks.
April Fools Day
We got a little driving in yesterday after lunch and a full day today running 4 trucks. With 9 students that gave us 2 students to each truck. I personally need as much time in the trucks as possible. We also did our schedule for our night driving. We are doing 3 students a night and we each get two hours. We are also ready to start the driving in city traffic tomorrow.
We have 3 more weeks of school. We will be doing out test for our CDL during that time. I will be glad to get finished with school. I want to be as good as I can be so I hope to get the maximum time in the trucks.
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