Training Frustrations

Maybe someone out there could explain to new students that there trainers truly deserve their respect. I have to say that over the past year I have had an overly large amount of students with a huge lack of respect for the job, what I have to teach them and the truck. I work hard to teach my students all the knowledge that they will need to properly preform the job once they leave. I have had far too many students in all my time of training tell me what a wonderful job I did and some have stayed with the company I work for, while others have progressed and taken what they learned and moved on. So why is it that students refuse to respect what I have to teach. Maybe its a problem with authority, for some it seems like they do not like being judged by their peers and others it's like they showed up expecting a free ride while others do all the work. I will be honest, anyone can hold a steering wheel and go down the highway.  It takes a true blooded truck driver to do what we all do day in and day out. It's our job to makes sure that the American public has the supply to keep things rolling we are the supply line for America. It is a big job and if you can not respect the man or women trying to teach you how to do it then maybe this is not for you because it is a huge responsibility whether you want to admit it or not so when you see students out there or if you are one your self take a minute and remind yourself and other students that this is a big job and some respect for those that take the time to teach would be a good thing. As always be safe out there and safe travels. Be extra careful in the next couple of weeks because lots of families will be traveling for the holidays so Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Winter is Here

Winter is definitely here, folks.  The general population has fallen into winter driving panic mode and forgotten how to drive. Okay, I am only joking but I know it certainly seems like that some days out there on the roads when the weather turns nasty. So its time for extra care and vigilance as we move our freight, especially with Christmas right around the corner. We want to see everyone make it home so I am going to give you all some sound advice an old friend once gave me. When the weather turns nasty, Slow Truck It. In other words slow it down, take your time.  There is no load worth dying over or killing others over when trying to get it where it's going. It is extremely dangerous out there when the weather turns nasty and as drivers it is our responsibility to keep our equipment and cargo safe along with ourselves and the motoring public. Its early still in the winter season and I personally have already seen far to many wrecks due to the weather.  Many because drivers had to be some where and did not want to stop for the weather. Those loads still didn't  make it where they were headed and hopefully the drivers were okay. So let's be honest, if they had slowed down or possibly even pulled off and tried to wait it out a little bit or even for a plow to go by they may have avoided there wrecks. So as we go forward this winter think about what your doing and drive at your comfort level and do not over estimate your own ability in the snow. Cocky over confident drivers tend to be the first ones you will find out there in the ditch so drive safe and for the road conditions. As always folks be safe out there and let keep those rigs out of the ditch and right side up.
What is your winter driving advice?

Holiday Encouragement

Well folks, I apologize for my absence.  It the last big push for the year. So with the holidays coming, time is always very limited as many of you are well aware I am sure. Tensions are high on all fronts. The weather is turning, the money is lacking and your home life is probably a little shakey to say the least, if your like most families this time of the year. It is very important to keep you cool and have a little patience.  We have all been there or maybe we are right there with you on the front lines. It is an up hill battle this time of year but it is one that you can and will win in the end. Just don't forget to show your families that you care.  They have been hanging in there with you all year long and it has probably been a rough one.   I have come across a lot of drivers that have not had the best year and it shows, but they are putting their best foot forward.  I say good for them and may they be a shining example for others this holiday season. So remember we're all in this together.  With out the folks at home we probably would not be doing this and would be ripping our hair out more than we already are. To all those spouses out there that read this keep, keep those fires at home burning because we sure cannot wait to get back. I want to personally thank all the drivers and families because I know that no one ever really says it.  Thank you from myself and my whole family. I know I can't bring everything my family needs to the stores out there. I do know that another driver just like me is though and I'm doing the same for his family. It's what we do because it is who we are, we're truck drivers: under appreciated, under payed, and over worked. So thank you to all of you and a Merry Christmas and if you do not do Christmas then Happy Holidays. As all ways be safe out there.