Well y'all,

I'm half way thru my 6 weeks of trainee hazing with Swift....my mental-mentor makes me drive while he sleeps it the bunk....listening to dvd's run on and on.issedoff:When he does drive,which is seldom,it's a three hour tour.....remember Gilligan's Island?
I've noticed on his logs that he always starts an hour or 2 (on paper) before he really climbs in the saddle...and he has the nerve to try and get me to fudge my log so I can drive more.....not gonna happen....I'm a trainee not a slave.

I've managed to log over 10k miles in 19 days, including two (2) 34's in that time period.
I've also learned to take care of everything when we stop at a TS whether I feel the need or not,had 2 cases of the runz, gotten fungus feet and major crotch rot without trying.Jeepers,think it has anything to do with the weekly shower I've been allowed to take? :thumbsdown: He may enjoy B.O. but I don't.

And then there's the food or lack of.Jenny Craig has nada on me,I dropped 10 pounds in 2weeks without trying.
I can now shove Pilot hot dogs down my throat at lightning speed,so fast that Linda Lovelace would be impressed.:lol:

I know I'm low man on the totem pole and have to pay my dues,but is this a normal routine for trainees?

Things will get better in 25 days or so.

 

Jay, what is the name of your mentor? I want to make sure I don't end up with him in about 3 weeks!

 

yeah, take your lumps, jump through the hoops, keep it safe and legal, and when you part ways, make sure to report that guy's ass but good.

 

You guys are NUTS!!! There is NO WAY I would put up with that kind of crap. I don't care how bad I needed a job. I would work 3 jobs or find another trucking company before I would put up with that kind of stuff, and that's not just computer talk. I am an adult human being and I won't be treated any less and I wouldn't treat anybody else any less either. For the life of me I'll never understand why people put up with being treated like this. I can see being busy and missing an occasional meal or shower, but everyday? NO FRIGGIN WAY. It pisses me off and I wasn't even the one going through this, not that I would. Sorry for the rant.

 

First of all, the idea of you doing the majority of work is about right. You WILL be doing it all when you get into your own truck. However, when the trainee is driving, the trainer's place in riding shotgun. There is NO TRAINING taking place if the trainer is in the bunk.

As to the hygene... You think you could handle the tire-thumper... Thump him on the head and keep him unaware that you stopped and took a shower???? I mean... If he's in the bunk while you're driving, he deserves it anyhow.

 

I'm just wondering here...and I may be starting a major fight...or not....but do you suppose this "trainer" is the same goofball that was training the rookie a few months ago, who managed to get himself killed up there in Olympia WA....while the trainer was in the bunk?

 

Nah man I don't think that's part of earning your stripes, the thing is your actually working for this a**hole, while he chills or whacks off in the sleeper.
I hope this kid, the one who's been posting the wonders of Swift School the last couple of weeks doesn't get screwed like that, he seems so optimistic, I hope he does good.
I heard similar stories from C.R England, does anybody know about this??

 

Not normal at all. You will be doing the majority of the work as that is the whole point to training. However, not stopping to eat or shower is not cool. Complain to his supervisor about it and be quite forceful with the trainer. Dont worry. The company will not fire you not matter what that dirtbag says for wanting to eat and take a shower on a regular basis. I had that conversation with my trainer at Swift many years ago and once was all it took. you can request another trainer can't you if you just don't see eye to eye with him?

 

Training or lack there of from the bunk. Nice.

 

JBURD.. Start where the problem lies, be firm and address these issues with your trainer before jumping over his head. This keeps his supervisor from throwing the problem back on you.

Also, even if the situation does change (sounds highly unlikely), let the trainer know that you will still be following up with his supervisor on the matter immediately. And lastly, when the time comes to exit his truck, be sure your evaluation of your trainer reflects these issues.

Putting it in black and white can never hurt, especially if other students haven't had the nerve to address this trainer. It may suck for you, but you will be helping future students in the long run.