[sidewinderf16]

...."Thanks! I love your avatar. I am retired Air National Guard. The unit I was with flew F-16s until they got BRAC'd. (181st FW Terre Haute, IN)...."


I was with the 77th Fighter Sq. @ Shaw AFB, SC. I did weapons on the F-16.

Sidewinder

[Biscuit Lips]

Originally Posted by JayMan

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Yeah, I hope my first experience is better. When did you join USA? Who are you with now?

I did the same thing you did as far as going to C1 and then I started with USA way back in 2000. Was a car hauler until thing started deteriorating last year. Now I am currently working as a Transportation Manager for a agent of United Van Lines. Don't really think I will ever go back to OTR trucking again but I am sure many have said that before.

[JayMan]

Well, after a long bus ride...I made it to Van Buren Arkansas Sunday afternoon. The first day of orientation with USA Truck is mostly filling out paper work, pee test, and the obstacle course. I passed the obstacle course without any real issues and got a good score.

The obstacle course wasnt that hard. Most of the examiners will help you a little. It basically consist of two turns around a barrel. (both sides of truck) Driving over 5 dots and making sure trailer tandems roll over those dots. Putting both bumpers on a line. Stopping trailer tandems on a series of cones to simulate a scale. And a simulated alley dock backing exercise. (You get to practice the alley dock in another location before you take the real test)

The staff with USA are real friendly and helpful. So, nothing but good stuff here so far.

[Jumbo]

Hopefully it stays that way, Good luck.

[Biscuit Lips]

Originally Posted by JayMan

Well, after a long bus ride...I made it to Van Buren Arkansas Sunday afternoon. The first day of orientation with USA Truck is mostly filling out paper work, pee test, and the obstacle course. I passed the obstacle course without any real issues and got a good score.

The obstacle course wasnt that hard. Most of the examiners will help you a little. It basically consist of two turns around a barrel. (both sides of truck) Driving over 5 dots and making sure trailer tandems roll over those dots. Putting both bumpers on a line. Stopping trailer tandems on a series of cones to simulate a scale. And a simulated alley dock backing exercise. (You get to practice the alley dock in another location before you take the real test)

The staff with USA are real friendly and helpful. So, nothing but good stuff here so far.

Sounds like everything is going well for you so far. Hopefully they will keep you rolling if you get a truck. Not sure how long you are planning on staying out on the road, but it was a tremendous challenge to fight for a load to get home. Sure hope your experience is much more pleasant than mine was.

[JayMan]

Just finished USA Truck's orientation here in Van Buren Arkansas. They said my trainer 'should' be here sometime Saturday. As of this morning (Friday) he was in Ohio.

So far the company has treated me very well.

[Biscuit Lips]

Well, sounds like your on your way. Sure hope you get a trainer that showers and doesn't crap in a five gallon bucket. You think I'm joking, I am not!

[Jackrabbit379]

Originally Posted by JayMan

Just finished USA Truck's orientation here in Van Buren Arkansas. They said my trainer 'should' be here sometime Saturday. As of this morning (Friday) he was in Ohio.

So far the company has treated me very well.

That's good to hear. I hope it works out well. I would imagine that USA Truck stays busy. I see a lot of their trucks.

Van Buren and Ft Smith is nice. My family lives there.

[DocHogiday]

JayMan, any updates?

[Biscuit Lips]

Yeah, it would be great to hear how things are working out for this guy. Good luck and be safe where ever you are!:thumbsup: