High-Seas to Highways

[devildice]

Day 23 of OTR Training 08/03/07
We had a 3pm appointment to load at the customer in Hyrum, UT but after speaking to them, they allowed us to go ahead and load early. It was a good thing too, as they started loading at 9:30am and did not get done until 12:30 in the afternoon!!! They NEVER loaded a flatbed before and on top of that, it was the forklift driver’s 2nd time operating the forklift.

I kept the left door closed and drove straight through to Missoula. Our Consignee receives 24/7 so we fueled up and went straight to them. This was the first, and I am sure not the last, time that a customer was less than pleasant to deal with. The guy was just down right rude!! I kept a smile on my face and just kept thinking to myself “if you don’t like your job, then quit”

After unloading we headed straight to the terminal which was only about 10 miles or so away and shut it down for the night.

[devildice]

Day 24 (and last day...I was Terminated today) of OTR Training 08/04/07
My trainer and I have gotten along pretty well for the most part. We had a couple of disagreements over the weeks and even had a minor “blow-up”. But I guess that should be expected when you put to grown men, and strangers at that, in a small box together 24/7.

While at the yard, he had me put up and take down a side kit. What a pain in the rear end it is!!! After that he showed me a couple of other things that he has not had the chance to do up to this point.

While I was carrying out his instructions on the side kit, he had gone inside the office. Well when he returned, and I was done, he said to take a break as he wanted to talk to me and it was not very good. He went on about this and that and told me he was sorry to inform me that I would not be going back out with him as I was just terminated. Terminated???? Why???? After letting me suffer for a few minutes, he starts laughing and says “yeah, you have been fired as a trainee and hired as a driver”…….I was shocked to say the least and asked he to explain as I am just in the 4th of 6 weeks of the training process.

He said that I was a fast learning and that I have done an excellent job thus far. He went on to explain to me why he felt this way. What happened was that he had called into Davis about releasing me a couple of days ago and while I was working on the side kit, he went inside to speak with the Operations Manager about it and got his blessing to release me early. I did have a slight indication that I might get released early but had no idea that it would be now.

Although come Monday I still have to take a securement test and driving test, the Operations Manager went ahead and assigned me a truck and trailer. I spent the rest of today moving the few belongings I had on my trainer’s truck into MY sweet looking 2005 KW T-800 flat-top.

[terrylamar]

Congratulations, you had me freaking out there for a minute or two. I read all you post out on the road and was happy you were doing so well. I just cannot post out on the road for some reason off my T-Mobil Dash. Looking forward to seeing you out on the road. That is what I was getting at the other day when you said you would be in Texas.

[greg3564]

Congrats!!!! :rock:

I too was was flippin out when read the termination part! Whew! Keep up the great posts.

[devildice]

Congratulations, you had me freaking out there for a minute or two. I read all you post out on the road and was happy you were doing so well. I just cannot post out on the road for some reason off my T-Mobil Dash. Looking forward to seeing you out on the road. That is what I was getting at the other day when you said you would be in Texas.

Thanks!!!! Believe me, I was a little freaked out when he first told me too I have seen many TMC trucks at the places we go so there is a good chance our paths will cross. When they do, dinner's on me!

[terrylamar]

Congratulations, you had me freaking out there for a minute or two. I read all you post out on the road and was happy you were doing so well. I just cannot post out on the road for some reason off my T-Mobil Dash. Looking forward to seeing you out on the road. That is what I was getting at the other day when you said you would be in Texas.

Thanks!!!! Believe me, I was a little freaked out when he first told me too I have seen many TMC trucks at the places we go so there is a good chance our paths will cross. When they do, dinner's on me!

I'll take you up on that. We need to get the CAD sticker thing going. Why don't you post your truck number when you get the chance.

[devildice]

I'll take you up on that. We need to get the CAD sticker thing going. Why don't you post your truck number when you get the chance.

I agree on the CAD sticker......as far as poting my truck number, I don't wan't to count my chickens before they hatch so I'll post it in my sig-line (like yours) when I pass all my test Monday :wink:

[terrylamar]

I'll take you up on that. We need to get the CAD sticker thing going. Why don't you post your truck number when you get the chance.

I agree on the CAD sticker......as far as poting my truck number, I don't wan't to count my chickens before they hatch so I'll post it in my sig-line (like yours) when I pass all my test Monday :wink:

Actually, that's what I meant.

[devildice]

Congrats!!!! :rock:

I too was was flippin out when read the termination part! Whew! Keep up the great posts.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[danske]

Day 24 (and last day...I was Terminated today) of OTR Training 08/04/07
My trainer and I have gotten along pretty well for the most part. We had a couple of disagreements over the weeks and even had a minor “blow-up”. But I guess that should be expected when you put to grown men, and strangers at that, in a small box together 24/7.

While at the yard, he had me put up and take down a side kit. What a pain in the rear end it is!!! After that he showed me a couple of other things that he has not had the chance to do up to this point.

While I was carrying out his instructions on the side kit, he had gone inside the office. Well when he returned, and I was done, he said to take a break as he wanted to talk to me and it was not very good. He went on about this and that and told me he was sorry to inform me that I would not be going back out with him as I was just terminated. Terminated???? Why???? After letting me suffer for a few minutes, he starts laughing and says “yeah, you have been fired as a trainee and hired as a driver”…….I was shocked to say the least and asked he to explain as I am just in the 4th of 6 weeks of the training process.

He said that I was a fast learning and that I have done an excellent job thus far. He went on to explain to me why he felt this way. What happened was that he had called into Davis about releasing me a couple of days ago and while I was working on the side kit, he went inside to speak with the Operations Manager about it and got his blessing to release me early. I did have a slight indication that I might get released early but had no idea that it would be now.

Although come Monday I still have to take a securement test and driving test, the Operations Manager went ahead and assigned me a truck and trailer. I spent the rest of today moving the few belongings I had on my trainer’s truck into MY sweet looking 2005 KW T-800 flat-top.

Congratulations!! You had me going there for moment!! But, I should have remembered talking to Pat(Davis Recruiter) how your trainer called her up telling her that you had lefted the truck. Apparently, he is know for his practical jokes.

Is your trainer's truck and the one you truck similiarly powered? Can you confirm that it is a Cat C13 430hp engine?

BOL on your testing tomorrow. Are you ready to give up that "great" training salary and work for every mile?!?

[devildice]

Congratulations!! You had me going there for moment!! But, I should have remembered talking to Pat(Davis Recruiter) how your trainer called her up telling her that you had lefted the truck. Apparently, he is know for his practical jokes.

Is your trainer's truck and the one you truck similiarly powered? Can you confirm that it is a Cat C13 430hp engine?

BOL on your testing tomorrow. Are you ready to give up that "great" training salary and work for every mile?!?

Thanks!!

Yes my trainer is a bit of a practical joker. I was driving the day he called Pat and asked her if she had heard from me. He told her that I had went inside a TS at night and never returned and he could not wait as we had a load to deliver

You know....I hate to sound stupid but I am not sure if it is a Cat C13 430hp :?: But I'll find out for you. I was the last trainee my trainer will take on, he has decided to quit training and so Davis issued him a new truck (single bunk) and I mean NEW. It's a 2007 KW T-800 Condo with a Cummins and only has 89,000 miles on it. His "old" truck only had 194,000 miles on it.

[devildice]

In “Limbo” 08/05/07
Yesterday my “former” trainer and I went to Walmart to get a few things (I got a microwave, TV, DVD player and couple of odds and ends) and when we got back, there was a note on my truck saying that Pat had set me up with a room for the next couple of nights at the local Days Inn. I was a little tired and decided not to go so I called the hotel to inform them that Davis Transport booked me a room for Saturday and Sunday and that I would not be checking in until Sunday afternoon. The guy says, “no problem Sir, but you are booked all the way through to Tuesday”….. Wow….how nice is that? Davis really does take care of their drivers.
Anyways, I got to sleep in today and must say it was a refreshing change to sleep in a larger bunk and not having to hop up and down. I spent the latter part of the morning and early afternoon meticulously cleaning the interior of my “new-old” truck. Don’t get me wrong, the truck is clean (outside needs a good wash), but it was not “Devildice” clean. Some of you may think I am nuts because it’s a company truck, but that’s just the way I am about stuff that is in my care.

My trainer and I are going to BBQ a couple of steaks here at the yard here in a few minutes as a celebration so to speak before he heads out to Idaho. Afterwards I will bobtail down to the hotel and spend the rest of the evening there.

[Goin Fer It]

:moose: arty: :rock: :rock: :rock: arty: arty: arty: arty:

Congratulations! This is awesome news! Be sure to check the mats in your truck!

You were forewarned about the side kits. And if you have any questions or problems in the event you do not have to put one up for five months or so you know who you can call!

I will have to give you my husbands truck number too!

Enjoy your BBQ!

Did you get a hat or T-Shirt yet?

Goin Fer It's Wife

[devildice]

:moose: arty: :rock: :rock: :rock: arty: arty: arty: arty:

Congratulations! This is awesome news! Be sure to check the mats in your truck!

You were forewarned about the side kits. And if you have any questions or problems in the event you do not have to put one up for five months or so you know who you can call!

I will have to give you my husbands truck number too!

Enjoy your BBQ!

Did you get a hat or T-Shirt yet?

Goin Fer It's Wife

Thanks Trust me, after what you posted on the cleanliness of the truck, I took some digital pics and notes of it before I started cleaning the way I like it. I noted every little stain, tear, marks, etc on the interior.

They gave me a hat at orientation and it's already ruined.... :?

PM me with GFI's truck number. I will post mine in my profile sig-line once it's "official" which should be by the end of the day tomorrow.

[dewercs2]

you suck.... no really you do suck.... jk. :twisted:

I'm in Portland right now We did a drop in Toledo, Oregon.... I have finally gotten a broadband card to get online, so i'll be checking CAD. We were through Missoula Last sat and I had already had my eye on a truck and was sure I was going to get it. I assumed that I would be in before anyone else. I sure hope that you did not get the truck I wanted. It seemed to be in cleaner/better shape. I think it was 547 or 545.My trainer says he hopes to have me in Missoula Mon or Tue to get my final.

Congratulations Devildice.!

[devildice]

you suck.... no really you do suck.... jk. :twisted:

every dog gets a bone once in a while.

I'm in Portland right now We did a drop in Toledo, Oregon....

how did you like going down U.S. 20....Pretty wild wasn't it?

I have finally gotten a broadband card to get online, so i'll be checking CAD.

cool...who are you using? I have verizon and to date the only place I was not able to get a signal was in the Idaho/Montain mountain ranges (I was in the jump seat at the time rolling down the road).

We were through Missoula Last sat and I had already had my eye on a truck and was sure I was going to get it. I sure hope that you did not get the truck I wanted. It seemed to be in cleaner/better shape. I think it was 547 or 545.

No worries, my truck number is in the 300's

I assumed that I would be in before anyone else.

too bad so sad :P I beat you!!!!!!

My trainer says he hopes to have me in Missoula Mon or Tue to get my final.

Monday or Tuesday as in tomorrow or the day after....or the following week? I will be here until at least Tuesday (8/7/07) I imagine.

Congratulations Devildice.!

Thanks, I appreciate it!! I hope to run into you here in Missoula before I roll out.

[dewercs2]

this week... mon or tues. Depends on when we get loaded. I'll see ya in Missoula. How did you like having your screen name on the dry erase board in the training room? Diane aske me write names on the board and she said your name. She was like do you know this guy? Who was your trainer?

[devildice]

this week... mon or tues. Depends on when we get loaded. I'll see ya in Missoula.

cool.....I'll be here

How did you like having your screen name on the dry erase board in the training room? Diane aske me write names on the board and she said your name. She was like do you know this guy?

So you're the one that put it up there? I was wonder how it got up there and who knew that it was me.....

Who was your trainer?

George "D".....he has been with Davis for almost 15 years. I was his last trainee as he has decided to stop training.

[K.POP]

Congrats on the passing the training. I think your just like me as far as cleaning vehic's. I spend a good 2hrs on my car when I wash and cleans it. I have a tool box/shelf dedicated to my cars cleaning.

This is so awsome...funny how I was reading your school experince and now your almost offically "110% Trucker." Well, if you ever come threw dallas area I dinner is on me. Maybe you can tell me more about your ecperinces in person that would be awsome.

[devildice]

Congrats on the passing the training. I think your just like me as far as cleaning vehic's. I spend a good 2hrs on my car when I wash and cleans it. I have a tool box/shelf dedicated to my cars cleaning.

This is so awsome...funny how I was reading your school experince and now your almost offically "110% Trucker." Well, if you ever come threw dallas area I dinner is on me. Maybe you can tell me more about your ecperinces in person that would be awsome.

Thanks :P ......I will definitely take you up on the dinner offer if and when I roll through Dallas.