Question:
Here it is January 3, 2003. Guess what?? This will be the first day that Joe will meet his new apprentice (as he likes to call us). The anxiety level in me is running high at this point not knowing if we are going to get a load today and get on the road or not. Naturally I am sitting here in wild anticipation waiting for my trainers call and really looking forward to it.
A little about myself. You will all get to know me by cubby. (pretty self-explanatory) "Go Cubs" I am 57 and retired from Goodyear here in Lincoln, NE. Like many others I am not ready to pull up the old rocking chair yet and feel like I am embarking on a new career that not only will keep me going but is instrumental in the nations well being. The nation needs us. At this point all I can think of is safety and will continue to do so. I am one of the graduates from SCC in December that a few of you have wrote about and will be driving for Crete. Do I know anything yet?? I don't think so !!! SCC did a wonderful job of giving us the basics and now it is time to put them into practical use. Only a moron would think they know it all when it comes to trucking and I feel I could take several notebooks with me on this journey of 8 weeks with the knowledge of driving that I am hopefully going to gain from Joe. I have read many of your posts and my wife and I have ate at several truck stops and talked to some of the truckers there. I for one appreciate the vast amount of knowledge that some of you share on here and maybe one day will be able to reflect back on some of the conversations I've had and put them to good use. As for being a "newbie", the way I look at it probably all of you had to start somewhere and this is my chance. I can handle the newbie handle because I know you all had to start from day 1 also in your careers, and look where you are today or maybe aren't. I would like to say good luck and safe driving to you all and especially my classmates of SCC. I will be making posts occasionally and would like to hear from other "newbies" also as to how they are progressing with there trainers and where they have been. Joe if you read this I wish you the best in your next 8 weeks with this "old newbie". This is a challenge and I love challenges being an old Nam vet. Good luck to all and see you down the road. Cubby
Answer:
Seems like you are doing you're best to put the right foot forward with a positive "I have a lot to learn" attitude.
You are 100% correct in that even the best schools will only give you a feel for the basics and that it will take time to develop those basics into something a bit more substantial.
Never be afraid to ask questions. Better something that may sound like a stupid question to you than to try to muddle your way through and go from a slightly perplexing situation to one that could be devastating. Also be prepared to learn every day you are behind the wheel. The best drivers on the road always know they have not done it all or seen in all even after 20 or 30 years of driving.
Keep safety your first and last thought every day and you should do just fine.
Once again Best OF Luck and have some fun.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
She is taking me to the terminal to pu our truck I will be calling dispatch and get a load and will be calling you soon. I have been this way before the only difference is the new HOS we will be adapting to those together. Other than that give me the 8 weeks and I will get you into your own truck.
Some have trouble in one thing some in another what ever we come up against we will get over it together. Relax and try to enjoy the ride. It will be fun , aggravating , frustrating, and hopefully a satisfying experience at the end, when you reach your goal of independent driving . At the end of out 8 weeks together you will not drive as well as I do but you will drive better than you ever have before.
At least that is what my other apprentice drivers have said any way.
I will be calling soon as I know something, from dispatch.
Seek to know God and Jesus who was presented as the sacrifice of full payment for sin.
Do the VI maintain your following distance maintain your lane position observe the speed limit observe the things around you and keep good records
Safe driving to you.
Joe


Answer:
well I am on Joe's laptop.. Met at the terminal at 11 AM and had lunch, then up and away.. We got to I29 and Joe let me take over until Cameron, MO. Did a little backing practice and now are sitting in Hanibal, MO. comtemplating going on to Berry, Ill. We are getting some rain expected to turn into ice with snow mixture. What a first day of training. Its been fun and Joe is very informative. Check you all tomorrow.. Have a safe trip.... Cubby
Answer:
Go Cubby, Good luck, buddy!! You are going to do great!
sincerely, "six ouncer" aka blakcat67
(I used that logon because I have a 67 cougar sitting safely in my garage waiting for his nice new coat of black paint that trucking will help pay for)!
Have fun! We learned from the best!