HANG-UPS OF MALE INSTRUCTORS & TRAINERS

[eastern ontario]

Those courses for trainers may likely be part of the CTHRC thing here in Canada, Wildkat. All that National Standards thing. Why shouldnt it be?

[wildkat]

Those courses for trainers may likely be part of the CTHRC thing here in Canada, Wildkat. All that National Standards thing. Why shouldnt it be?

Not that I am aware of EO. When I did I, as when I got my Instructors Licence, there were NO courses. I was asked to be a trainer/"coach" (more often than not I got the "greenest of the green")

Am not sure in Ontario, but here in Alberta, it is up to the school to teach them to drive NOT the trucking companies, but in my experience from working for both, the schools teach them to drive around a parking lot & leave it up to the trainer within the trucking industry to do the rest. It can be extremely frustrating.

I recall one student I got "fresh out of driving school", he didn't know how to shift, he had no idea how to even drive the truck in a straight line! He damned near got us killed once by nearly driving head on into another truck! THAT is when I quit as a trainer! :twisted:

[eastern ontario]

It may not currently be the standard, however with the new "governing" body in the trucking industry here in Canada, it may happen. This "body" is attempting to set a national standard. Dont hold your breath though.

Have a look at their site.

http://www.cthrc.com/en/index.php

[joettanne]

There are little requirements for trainers and schools in Ontario. Note I say 'little' because there are some requirements. I think this is in the process of change.

Most of the time, the schools are only as good as the trainers.

Annie 8)

[ThinkingAboutTrucking]

Waiting and worrying about trainers. Spent two weeks waiting for a female trainer, only to get a lesbian hell bent on flaunting her attraction to another driver that we were hanging out with. My trainer recommended that I ****** once a month, and I'm puzzled as to why she said that. I DO NOT intend to fool around while I'm out on the road. My boyfriend is not too keen on the trucking thing, but I feel like I have no choice in terms of decent jobs. He would be okay with a male trainer, but I guess I have to realize that male, female, I may end up with a bad trainer. It just freaked me out what this trainer was recommending to me. Also, she was out partying, and we were told at the hotel that we weren't supposed to be drinking. Maybe it was just the students that couldn't drink, but when another trainer found out about what I was dealing with, she was adamant that I call the safety hotline and get off the truck (which I did).

[4roses]

ThinkingAboutTrucking ... I'm so sorry for your bad experience with your first trainer .... Even thou the profession needs quality Female trainers .... I've had much better experience with the men I drove with....... We don't need , nor want a trainer like you had. This only gives females drivers a bad name on the road. ... ........... I've driven with a total of 4 men and never had any problems. If anything, they were protective of me and only showed respect. .............. Do what you feel you must - but I'd give a man trainer the chance to train you so you can get on with your life .... as well as ... you'll get a much better training on the workings of the truck and how to handle the not so good males out there.

[Shebear]

Since I posted on this topic in March, I went back to one of the BIG trucking companies in the USA. I tried being a Trainee again. This was in May of 2007.

I was back with the same Company as in January, so I went through orientation again, and that is always GREAT. Good information, good videos, everybody pretty upbeat. The company put me up at a good hotel, also, although I had to pay for my own meals, or get stuff from the market I had no refrigerator to keep it cold in.

THEN, I talked to a few women who had been out with Trainers for 2, 3 and even 4 months. They were passed around from truck to truck by Trainers who dumped them for one excuse or another. One of these "Trainers" was SO DRUNK at a truckstop that after this really nice girl rookie I met went back to the truck after a shower, he didn't even recognize her and refused to let her into the cab. She agreed not to report him, if he worked it out with the company for her to get off the truck at the next terminal with no hassles. So that man is still on the road.

Another great older woman was supposed to go for her final road test after getting back from 4 months of 'diesel therapy'. The company set up a parking lot test for rookies who had never been out on the road, as a new procedure they were trying out. They told her it wasn't her road test, but she could take it with the rest of us rookies from orientation anyway. They didn't place the cones properly for parking, and nobody passed the test, including this woman. They admitted it was a trick course, with corners too tight on purpose. There were also no toilet facilities and all the women were ready to burst. In spite of these conditions, the next morning, the Operations Manager told this woman SHE WAS FIRED. She never got her real road test, and they refused to give her another chance.

Now this lady had a disabled husband at home that she was going into truck driving to support. She had spent all kinds of money in that four months. She already had bought herself a fridge and cooking utensils and a TV and CB radio, for installing in her solo rig. SHE COULD DRIVE FINE, and passed the written reports of all her Trainers.

I felt so sad for her.

As for me, I picked out a mature driver, returning to the Company, during orientation. He agreed to train me, and told the Company we would then drive as a team permanently, as we both wanted to earn some good money. Both of us being married, and committed SO I THOUGHT, it seemed like a good idea.

Well, his good intentions were all hot air. When he realized I wasn't going to play along with his two-timing plans, he told me a story about getting transferred to a 'dedicated run' and dropped me as a trainee. So I was thrown back into the pool of rookies again.

A woman driver I contacted through this messageboard recommended another Trainer with the same Company. To make a long story short, I had to leave his truck with the help of a policeman in Chicago, because of sexual harassment and his threatening remarks.

I went on hiatus from this Company again, and I haven't driven a big rig now in almost 5 months. That means to work again, I'll have to pay for a refresher course somewhere, and I don't have the money.

I have spent thousands of dollars already. I'm just really glad I didn't get my CDL through a Company on credit, signing some kind of work contract.

I love driving a truck. I learned more behind the wheel, even in rough circumstances, than I was ever shown in school, which was a complete joke.

Yes, I have an American CDL, but NOT A SINGLE CANADIAN PROVINCE will recognize it. They all demand I go through an entire truck driving course from scratch, not a refresher.

Nonetheless, there are jobs I can get through small companies in Canada, WHERE I PAY MY OWN FUEL AND TAKE A COMMISSION FROM THE RATE CHARGED THE SHIPPER. When you work it out, you might as well apply at MacDonalds.

Now that the North American highways are wide open for MEXICAN TRUCKING COMPANIES, I can see that we students over the past few years have just been used as temporary cannon fodder.

Have you seen the statistics on how many CDL holders are in the U.S. WHO ARE NOT DRIVING? Have you any idea how many drivers have lost their jobs over accidents that were not their fault? Have you any idea how many drivers have been maimed, and are fighting for benefits?

I think my post here will be deleted, because the people who run this website get bucks from the trucking companies to continue this charade.

I just want to say that I met some WONDERFUL ROOKIES. These people, including myself, didn't deserve to be treated this way.

[Ridge Runner]

I think my post here will be deleted, because the people who run this website get bucks from the trucking companies to continue this charade.

YYYYAAAANNNNKKKKKKK!!! Wrong in so many ways. Just read thru some of the topics here and see how much company bashing goes on here. Even tho I think some of it is a bit un-fair, it is allowed even if not first hand.

After reading your post, it seems YOU are the one who has a problem making it in this industry where so many others are doing well.

[joettanne]

Hi Ridge!! 8)

Sometimes there are reasons why 'newbies' have a hard time finding jobs??? Every one wants to start at the 'top'. Companies pay $$$$ for experience. That you can't buy.

Shebear: If you have your licence, why don't you just get a local job, even driving a single axle. Get experience. Then you can go from there.

[MommaKay]

just so you know truck drivers are not considered a skilled trade

Just so you know, any resemblance between Government proclamations and real life are purely coincidental. :wink:

For a "non-skilled trade," driving a truck sure does require a whopping great lot of skills. Can the US Secretary of Labor do a 45 degree alley dock? Double clutch? Turn a corner with a 53' trailer without taking out everyone standing on the corner? Skills, baby. Skills!

[wildkat]

No such think as a DUMB truck driver man! Anyone who tells you that have ZERO clue!

Actually, here in Alberta, they have FINALLY deemed us a SKILLED trade and are starting next year an apprenticeship program, 3 years, I heard it will be, where the new driver will gain a variety of experience with an employer. It's about time! There is so much more to being a PROFESSIONAL driver, than just driving the truck. I can guarantee you I have better time management skills then most CEO's of major corporations, I am probably better organized than the BEST corporate secretary, and I am more versatile than your average juggler. Tal about skills...add 'em up babe, we got millions!

[4roses]

MommaKay

For a "non-skilled trade," driving a truck sure does require a whopping great lot of skills. Can the US Secretary of Labor do a 45 degree alley dock? Double clutch? Turn a corner with a 53' trailer without taking out everyone standing on the corner? Skills, baby. Skills!

wildkat

No such think as a DUMB truck driver man! Anyone who tells you that have ZERO clue!

I agree 100% ...

[wildkat]

I just re-read mommakay's post... I MUST be dumb...I never learned how to double clutch...third pedal on the floor...I was taught...DON't you EVER touch that thing except to start & to back up! Though, I did learn to FAKE it pretty good when I was working for a driving school TEACHING students how to do it! ROFLMAO

[wildkat]

Yes, I have an American CDL, but NOT A SINGLE CANADIAN PROVINCE will recognize it. They all demand I go through an entire truck driving course from scratch, not a refresher.

Does anybody know why this is?

First I have ever heard of it, I do know, however, that our Class 1(A) licencing requirements are somewhat different from American one's.

Also, to my knowledge, at least in Alberta where I live...there is no such thing as a REFRESHER course.

[GTR SILVER]

I think my post here will be deleted, because the people who run this website get bucks from the trucking companies to continue this charade.

YYYYAAAANNNNKKKKKKK!!! Wrong in so many ways. Just read thru some of the topics here and see how much company bashing goes on here. Even tho I think some of it is a bit un-fair, it is allowed even if not first hand.

After reading your post, it seems YOU are the one who has a problem making it in this industry where so many others are doing well.

here here !!!! 8) 8)

she bear how long have you been at this???? i think if you dont' want to do it then leave it......let it go!!!!
i know you like to "post" your thoughts....hey nothing wrong with that...but when other women have gone through school and such......and made it......your telling us it's everyone not you????
my bro-inlaw wanted to be a police officer..........he went........he did..........and guess what........he's now a police officer.
another person i know wanted the same..........but during training it was one excuse after another..........i miss my wife.....the instuctors are rude.........the dog ate my homework..........etc...
know what???!!! he found out he really did'nt want it.........
food for thought........ :idea: :idea: :idea: BOL to ya :wink: 8) 8)

[wildkat]

I think my post here will be deleted, because the people who run this website get bucks from the trucking companies to continue this charade.

YYYYAAAANNNNKKKKKKK!!! Wrong in so many ways. Just read thru some of the topics here and see how much company bashing goes on here. Even tho I think some of it is a bit un-fair, it is allowed even if not first hand.

After reading your post, it seems YOU are the one who has a problem making it in this industry where so many others are doing well.

here here !!!! 8) 8)

she bear how long have you been at this???? i think if you dont' want to do it then leave it......let it go!!!!
i know you like to "post" your thoughts....hey nothing wrong with that...but when other women have gone through school and such......and made it......your telling us it's everyone not you????
my bro-inlaw wanted to be a police officer..........he went........he did..........and guess what........he's now a police officer.
another person i know wanted the same..........but during training it was one excuse after another..........i miss my wife.....the instuctors are rude.........the dog ate my homework..........etc...
know what???!!! he found out he really did'nt want it.........
food for thought........ :idea: :idea: :idea: BOL to ya :wink: 8) 8)

Hear, hear Silver...me thinks some whine & complain too much....want some CHEESE with that whine? LOL

One must, especially in this industry be PERSISTANT!! It's a tough industry, especially for a woman.... I know, I been in it 28 years now. And, some days I'm truly not sure if I'm BRAGGING or COMPLAINING!!!

BTW Silver WHERE did you get your avatar? I LOVE it!

[GTR SILVER]

'"BTW Silver WHERE did you get your avatar? I LOVE it!"

thanks.......wildkat......my wife found it (i think she did a search for "big cats") i added the rest with photo shop.............

so you've been at this 28 yrs......that's great !!!!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
BOL 2 you and yours.!!!! :wink: :wink:
GTR

[Roadaholic]

... SO A PERSON WHO IS AN EXPERT AT HIS OR HER WORK..

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! You're scaring me, and I'm fearless! Expert; Slicing and dicing words of Itailian origin, we dissect and find; EX... a hasbeen, and, Spurt... and drip under pressure. Please don't use that word in a sentence!