As of today, September 14, 2007, I am a certified trainer with my very first student driver.
This is an odd sensation...being driven in my own truck! By someone who is taking his FIRST turn behind the wheel of a real truck. Have I lost my mind??? Possibly, the jury is still deliberating!
My student is doing quite well for his first day. He managed to back into a dock that would challenge ANY driver with minimal help from me and get it right. He also drove from Toledo OH to Brookfield, PA without any serious trouble. He shifted up smoothly-ish. He stays in his lane and doesn't wander (much). He's courteous and patient. His downshifting meeds polishing but what do you expect from his first time? He didn't grind TOO badly, didn't freewheel but once, kept control at all times and managed to park at the T/A without taking any mirrors with him.
Tomorrow he will finish the trip to Dayton, NJ. I intend to let him drive as much as possible without compromising safety. Soon he will be cleared to drive after midnight and we will begin driving as a team. Even this early, I think I will be able to sleep behind him. More updates as they come.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The road to Indy
OK. I am on my way to Indianapolis. I am going there because I have taken leave of my senses. I am going to begin training new drivers!
Yes, that's right. Two whole years of experience and I'm teaching new guys to drive. Not from the beginning of course, just polishing them up where needed so they have a good mentor for a few weeks. I hope I'm up for this... I hear a lot of horror stories. I'm not sure how many are embellished (truckers are great storytellers) but I tend to think there is a grain of truth behind each story.
Time will tell.
In related news, I saw my first wrong-way driver today. I76 westbound in western PA, I came upon a four-wheeler rolling east in the westbound shoulder lane. This is new on me. I've heard of course of the person who got on thee wrong way and was struck and killed (usually) head-on but I never saw one BEFORE the end result. Until now.
I was talking to my sweetie soon after when I hear over the radio that the state police were Code 3 after him. Good. Unfortunately, too late. He hit another car before the bears could grab him. How do people get into these situations?
Signing off for now, I will let you know how the training thing goes!
Brian
Yes, that's right. Two whole years of experience and I'm teaching new guys to drive. Not from the beginning of course, just polishing them up where needed so they have a good mentor for a few weeks. I hope I'm up for this... I hear a lot of horror stories. I'm not sure how many are embellished (truckers are great storytellers) but I tend to think there is a grain of truth behind each story.
Time will tell.
In related news, I saw my first wrong-way driver today. I76 westbound in western PA, I came upon a four-wheeler rolling east in the westbound shoulder lane. This is new on me. I've heard of course of the person who got on thee wrong way and was struck and killed (usually) head-on but I never saw one BEFORE the end result. Until now.
I was talking to my sweetie soon after when I hear over the radio that the state police were Code 3 after him. Good. Unfortunately, too late. He hit another car before the bears could grab him. How do people get into these situations?
Signing off for now, I will let you know how the training thing goes!
Brian
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Home at last!
After days of trying to get a load (and deadline) that would get me home, I am finally here.
I have missed (again) my loved one's birthday. This means I have a lot of making up to do. The company has never been this late getting me home before. I know they make every effort to get me home when I ask to be but this time was the worst. Never before have I been home more than 24 hours late. Sigh. But she loves me anyway and I take comfort in that.
The dogs were, of course, thrilled to see me again. One could actually feel their happiness at seeing Daddy again! Even Junior, my pit bull, was leaping for joy. I know he misses being on the truck with me but he's happier at home with Google, my wife's mini poodle and her two cats. He gets a lot more exercise running after the poodle and occasionally the cat, who just ASKS for it by taking off running in front of a dog.
Anyway, I have people to meet and things to do, no rest for the wicked here!
See you after Labor Day!
Jelly Bean
I have missed (again) my loved one's birthday. This means I have a lot of making up to do. The company has never been this late getting me home before. I know they make every effort to get me home when I ask to be but this time was the worst. Never before have I been home more than 24 hours late. Sigh. But she loves me anyway and I take comfort in that.
The dogs were, of course, thrilled to see me again. One could actually feel their happiness at seeing Daddy again! Even Junior, my pit bull, was leaping for joy. I know he misses being on the truck with me but he's happier at home with Google, my wife's mini poodle and her two cats. He gets a lot more exercise running after the poodle and occasionally the cat, who just ASKS for it by taking off running in front of a dog.
Anyway, I have people to meet and things to do, no rest for the wicked here!
See you after Labor Day!
Jelly Bean
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