Question:
Okay time for a quick run down of week 1 with Millis' Training Program
Day 1 :
Normal BS intro
Motor Vehicle Laws
Hours of Service
Day 2:
Driver's Daily Log Program
Trip Planning
Control Systems
Shifting
Range Map & Rules
Day 3:
Control Systems Demo
Range Instruction (shifting)- all day on the range aka The Millis 500
Day 4:
Visual Search aka PTI
Drop & Hook
Backing
Day 5:
All day on the range going over Pre trip, straight backing
Drop & Hook, and running around with a trailer (the 1st time for the new guys)
I don't claim to be a writer, just a guy going back through training to get my CDL, so bear with me.
There is only 1 instructor for 6 students (well, now 5) so plenty of 1 on 1 time if needed and the instructor (Bill Thomas) is a 27 yr OTR vet. Of course you'd have be used to drivers to know that means he's a warped demented old fart with a wicked sense of humor, but he knows his trucks.
If first impressions count for anything, so far this is the best run company I've seen, I worked for 5 others before, this doesn't even compare. The other drivers all seem happy, the shop foreman is a great guy who cares about the trucks and the drivers. Even the damn mechanics are easy going, they DO accept bribes too
We started with 6 but lost 1 by his OWN doing, he packed up and left on his own. Family problems, in his case he may return within 6 months and not lose his tuition or employment possibilities.
So far the training had actually been fun for the most part, we have a cast of characters in this class that has us rolling ...........
Had to throw in a line about the training trucks, MODIFIED '96 & '97 Freight shakers, they have 3 doors on them, some damn good work doing that The bunks were removed and actual seats installed in the rear. MUCH better set up than an old school bus seat in a cabover
I'll check back in next weekend with a fresh run down. We have weekends off and I think everyone had a place to go this weekend.
Oh yeah, next Friday is the 1st actual road trip around town. I think I'll double up on my BP meds.
Answer:
To sum up week 2 .....
2 days of maneuvers
parallel parking ...... blind side and sight side
straight line backing
serpentine backing
alley dock
brake control - stopping at a line
right turn - must be within 2 ft of a cone
Wed - tested out on the maneuvers ( we all passed)
Thurs - road experience - basically a couple hours of city and 2 lane driving
Friday - defensive driving classroom
Answer:
Week 3 consisted of 1 day of local driving and an over night trip to Wisconsin.
Thurs was actually our road test, everyone passed much to the surprise of some. Mainly, we had one very questionable driver.
Friday was a quick log book review and we were out the door, we took out urine test earlier that day.
3 days of orientation next week, then out with our trainers for 5-8 weeks.
Answer:
Last Installment .....
5-8 weeks with a trainer
Luckily I got one that's real laid back and smokes
So far, ummmmm let's just say that my trainer is BORED The old driving skills are coming back and it's just a matter of getting used to truck for me.
Catch ya later, if you see Millis truck #317 give me a yell on 19 or 33
Answer:
if you could just convince them to take pets i'd be convinced
may be they have a child policy, "no he is just a very hairy child"it's genetic..lol
BTW young man what the --- are you doing smoking????i've learned enough of your hx to know you ought not to be doing that.
if you are unfortnuate enough that i do recognize your truck it won't be pleasant!!!

Answer:
I went to this school long ago, one of the worst experiences of my life but I made it. After I got my license, I quit. Never heard from em again. My trainer was ok but slept most of the time. left me in the truck at a truck stop while he did home time for 3 days. That sucked. Any questions post back.