I wanted to ask those who are trainers and/or drivers what should be happening in that training time. What is learned in the span out with a trainer? More accurately, what are the most important things to know that you know that you know before the trainer decides you're "ready" whether it be to team with them or go solo.

 

There are a lot of things a student should know by the time training is done.

1. The most varied driving experience possible. Day, night, hills, mountains, rain, snow, etc. Obviously the student may not encounter all of this during training but if they do they should have the oppurtunity to experience it first hand.

2. Driving and parking in truckstops and rest areas. There are several different type of parking situations and the student should have time to practice manuevering in them.

3. As much time backing into docks, drop lots, etc as possible. IMHO the student should be doing 100% of the backing.

4. Load securement and weight distrubution.

5. Company policies, how to get advances, hire lumpers, get layover/detention/breakdown pay. Submitting freight bills to get paid for load.

6. Trip planning and map reading.

 

Thanks. Would you guys agree that it would take anybody more than 2 runs to learn everything? Hubby's trainer wants to go team, says he thinks he's ready..

 

Myself, there's no way I could even consider the idea of going to sleep with someone under the wheel with less than a few years of experience let alone a few runs...

 

My DH is a trainer and he will NOT run teams with his student except MAYBE the last week and then only when bringing the student back to Tulsa. I really dont think he really sleeps then....

tootie