Trucker Warren, From The Begining

This is in response to an Email I received from Rick Armstrong of Southern Califonia. Rich has been writing me for some time now and I always enjoy his letters. He has asked me some questions in his last letter that I thought I would share with you.

1) Did you feel the instructors were good at CRE?

I felt that the instructors were excellent with the exception of a couple. the exceptions were due to them yelling and not giving you a chance to try the maneuvers without instruction after they had already walked you thru it. I had 1 instructor that I really liked and gave us freedom to try things on our own once we were taught. This was very effective because you got a chance to see where and why you needed improvement. All in all I would give the CRE team of instructors and trainers an 9 out of 10.



2) Did you end up using the technique for backing that Trucker Tom mentioned, that is holding the bottom of the wheel and then turning it the way you want the trailer to go or did the instructors require a different method?

I did try Toms advice and it worked good but is only applicable to straight line backing for me. The instructors did have their own method and I was able to use those methods successfully as well.



3) How many people started in your class and how many passed? Were there any women in the class?

We started with about 35 and ended up with 21. They were dropped or left on their own for various reasons. there were 2 women in the class and 1 passed and the other is going thru some extended training. there are still 2 guys that are going thru extended training and 1 of them most likely won't finish.



4) What are the key things you would recommend to someone just starting truck driver training to help ensure their success?

Best advice I could give would be to have your affairs in order at home. The less you have to worry about the better. Try to remind yourself why you are in the program if things get a little rough for any reason, IE roommates, instructors, fellow classmates, and difficulty with the program. If you feel discouraged, just remember that most of the people before you made it and you can to. And finaly, really apply yourself to the homework and study. take any opportunity to do extracurricular activity.

Thanks Rick for the questions.

warrentrucker@yahoo.com

Category: General

Today I had to go to the DMV and finish up my paper work. They gave me an interim license and I am ready to go. I spent most of the day today driving people around in the company van. Finally my name was called to be processed out and assigned to a driver trainer. I am meeting him tomorrow (7:00am) at the Mira Loma yard in Ca. So much for sleeping in for 1 day. We have a load going to Maryland first thing. I would imagine we will get to know each other pretty well during this trip.
There is allot I want to write about but I have limited time right now so it will have to wait. I have really enjoyed myself during the last few weeks and am looking forward to the next phase. I likely won't be able to make any posts for a few days but we will see how things go.

Category: General