See, someone likes me! 8)

Hey Jeff,

Good to meet you, I see you posting on Saturday, that is a good sign!
I leave tomorrow at 7 PM with my trainer.

 

ONE........ :lol:

 

Hey Terry..............yeah, I'm still here......for now. Won't get the "official" word til Monday. This waiting is killing me!!!

Good luck with your trainer!

jeff

 

I know it's been a while since I've been on Class A Drivers, but here I am..

Hey Mudflap!

Hey Flatbed Fred!


How is everyone doing? I hope everyone is doing safe more than anything else..

 

well glad to that you are still kicking

 

Hey NCTrucker, bout what parts of NC you in? Do you work for TMC?

 

Thanks Jeff,

I'll be sending mental vibes for a positive result.

 

Boatswain mate here-got the same pin as you Mudflap-welcome home

 

My last week in DM was the most interesting yet. I learned to back 45 degree, 90 degree and driver side parallel. We also did blind side parallel, I already knew how to do that, although the slot was much tighter in DM. We spent the most time on 45 degree, most of the class had already done this is CDL school. The more I learn, the more I realize exactly how much I was ripped off in school. On the last day of backing we had exactly 10 minutes to get it in the slot. That is with getting out and looking every 4'. After 10 minutes you moved on, no matter where you were in your backing. That put a little more pressure on us.

We drove each day. It got progressively harder each day. We started on the highway and lightly trafficked country roads all the way into downtown traffic and tight, oh so tight turns. I though I was alright in my turns, well, I need practice. On two days it was just me and my trainer, so I got a lot of practice. My weakest skill is shifting. I was improving, getting better each time I drove, for some reason on the last half of of the last day I improved by 70 percent according to my trainer. The key is just to slow down. With these engines you don't have to rev them up.

I have to do my last minute packing, pack, eliminate items and pack again. You all know the drill. I am taking my computer and camera so hopefully I'll be able to post from the road, work does come first. I think I will be home for four of the six weeks we will be out.

Gotta go. Everyone keep posting your adventures, especially TMC drivers and trainees. Though, I do read them all. 8)

 

terrylamar said:
Those 6 weeks will fly by in a blink of an eye. Take lots of photos. They help a lot in remembering all the details. You will be surprised at the variety of loads you will be hauling. I just finished a 14 foot high load of styrofoam panels - tight backing into a 3 sided concrete dock - wearing a safety harness, and unrolling 2 lumber tarps and straps. (one of the more challenging loads so far)