Everyone is wondering what it’s going to be like on their trainer’s truck. I’m sorry to tell you that nothing you read anywhere is going to give you an indication of the experience or relationship you might have with the individual that is to be your trainer.
You may hear other’s stories, and wonder if they may, in someway, forewarn you of the experience you are about to have, but there is no way to know for sure.
The best advice I can give to a worrying student, such as yourself, is to take a deep breath, relax, and find peace with knowing it is what it will be. There is no sense in wasting your energy worrying about problems that don’t yet exist, or might never exist.
What we can talk about though, is the general process you will go through. Along with addressing common problems you may have, and how to avoid, or deal with them when they do occur.
Meeting Your Trainer
When you first meet your trainer, it will probably be awkward.
Be cordial, and respectful. You will be living in their home with them for some time. After some small talk, the trainer should set some ground rules for you.
If they do not, just politely ask if they have any rules they’d like you to abide by while you are with them. I will list some general ground rules that you should follow, regardless if your trainer explicitly states them, or not.
Establishing Respect
General Ground Rules:
- Wake yourself up on time, and be ready to go every morning.
- You need to communicate your needs, your trainer isn’t a mind reader.
- You need to respect the trainer’s truck, and their belongings.
- Don’t talk about hot button topics, i.e. religion or politics.
- Maintain good personal hygiene (no one likes a stinky trucker, especially if you have to be in a walk-in-closet sized space with them).
- Work hard, and remember you are there to learn.
If you want to make any specific requests for your time on the truck, now would be the time to do so.
For example, you might ask if you can shower every night if it is possible. It will not always be possible, but when your trainer is aware you want to shower as many nights as possible they can steer you toward a truck stop for the night instead of a rest area, or spending the night at a shipper or receiver.
If you don’t communicate what you want, you cannot be the least bit upset at the way things turn out.
It is also important to be understanding that life on the road is not predictable, and doesn’t always favor a defined schedule.
What You Will Learn
While you are with your trainer there should be some general job duties that you learn to perform. The trainer should show you and/or give you guided instruction in performing these duties.
You are on the truck to learn about your job duties, and gain experience. So, take advantage of having a coach while you can.
I wanted to list some common things you should learn during training so you have an idea of what you can look forward to gaining a good understanding of.
- Dropping and Hooking
- Backing Maneuvers
- Paperwork
- Securing Loads
- Inspection
- Weighing Your Truck
- Chaining
- Weight Distribution (moving 5th wheel and tandem axle)
- ELD System
- Route Mapping (Atlas)
Your trainer is there to help you learn, and keep the environment constructive. That doesn’t mean they have to be happy-go-lucky, or not get frustrated occasionally, but they should not be disrespectful or condemning.
Honestly, if you act with respect, it is hard not to get that in return. It is important to try and avoid hot button topics just for obvious reasons. Don’t start your training experience creating rifts with the person you have to live alongside for who knows how long!
Just keep it professional, but things happen.
Knowing Your Boundaries
Now, let’s talk about if things don’t work out. Regardless of how your trainer acts, you can only be responsible for your own actions. So do your best to stay cool, calm, and respectful.
Agree to disagree.
If you feel it’s time to move on, and then do the best to part amicably. As a trainee, you have rights. You can get off the truck whenever, and where ever!
You do not have to subject yourself to unfair treatment.
With that in mind, be reasonable. Your trainer is your roommate for the most part, and they are not obligated to be your friend. On the other hand, they do not have a right to verbally, or physically abuse you.
Sexual or vulgar comments are never acceptable! You are still in a work place environment, and there are laws that protect you. If this ever occurs, there are a range of actions you can take.
It is important to be familiar with your company’s policies before you ever step foot on your trainer’s truck. You are in charge of your own safety.
Unrealistic Expectations
I would also like to say, training is by no means a perfect system. It is far from perfect. I guarantee your trainer has no degree in education, but they should be doing the best they can to show you what they know.
Training is also not a fully comprehensive course of trucking.
There is so much you will learn on your own, and from fellow drivers. So much knowledge comes from pure experience, and you can’t expect to have it all down when you finally go out on your own.
With this in mind, do the best you can to learn as much as you can from your trainer, and have confidence in your own abilities. Always take things slowly and carefully, and you will run into less trouble.
Final Tips
With all that being said, do your time, and stay calm. Living in a walk-in closet with someone, other than your soul mate, is an art. It’s not always comfortable, so don’t expect it to be peaches and cupcakes. Trucking isn’t a walk in the park, and you should keep a level head.
It is not forever, and the stress of truck driving makes living with another person that much harder.
I believe in you! I know you’ll get through this just fine. Remember to breathe, and keep moving forward. It’ll get better!
So let’s just sum up some tips to keep in mind:
- Be timely, and autonomous.
- Be respectful, and positive.
- Speak up for yourself, and maintain good communication.
- Manage the stress and anxiety as best you can.
- Be flexible, and understanding.
Feel free to comment below if you have any questions, or concerns that I may not have addressed here.
You could also head over to my other article, What To Bring On Your Trainer’s Truck, if you’d like a little more insight and preparation help for getting on a truck with your trainer.
Best of luck!
Shelby
