December 2000

Vincents Michels' School Journal

Male, 27 years young

Introduction

I have needed a change.  I plan for this to be a learning experience and I want to add to my knowledge of the transportation industry.  I have already worked in warehouses of various types. (I was even a warehouse lead for a leading manufacturer.)  I have knowledge of one half of the industry and wish to expand it and my skill base.

December 27, 2000

Contacted the recruiter today to confirm everything. Will be starting school at 7am on Jan. 2, 2001. Also went to unemployment today and received the last few things I needed for school. Some coveralls and two sets of gloves. Looking forward to going and will keep everyone updated. If they will let me I will take pictures of the Terminal in Lewiston, ID and of the training area.

January 1, 2001

Well showed up a little after 5pm to check into the Howard Johnson in Lewiston. I had called on Dec. 27th to confirm my reservation and to check about the pet policy. Well I went inside to find out that my wife couldn't stay and it was $35 for the pet. (I was told on the phone $10) I refused to pay the $35 and ended up paying the $10. I then told them my wife was going to have to stay , no way around it, (she has no license) so they let her. Have to say it wasn't starting out as good as I had hoped. We then wandered around Lewiston to find a store so we could get some food.

January 2, 2001        First Day of Class...

For some background I am going to a school through the college here but is outsource from Swift (and have a job offer from Swift for after school). There are six guys in my class. (I think I am the youngest at 27)  Five are from Washington, 1 from Montana, 1 from Oregon and myself from Idaho. We were informed it would be a busy day since we were going to cram two days in one -- due to the holiday . So our timetable was:

7-8:30 Contracts, Health Questionnaire, Pics, MVR and Immigration Paperwork

8:30-10:00 Registration at LCSC (College Class area about two blocks from Swift Main building)

10-11:00 Drug Testing

11-12:00 Physicals

12-1:00 PM Lunch

1-1:30 Review Physical

1:30-2:00 Completion of paperwork, Completions of Apps & Backgrounds

2-3:00 Sexual harassment/Harassment Videos

3-4:30 Orientation

Stayed pretty close to this. It was busy and they had us crammed into a little bitty room. Tomorrow we start our classroom work at the College area. Will get some pictures tomorrow. So far so good.

January 3, 2001

Today we started classes at the college training center. Really relaxed environment. Discussed all the paperwork we were given. We were given FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) two books, 2 Hazmat books, and our workbook. Did a lot of work and discussed Log books in quite a bit of detail and started keeping a logbook. Learned about Hours of Service and how we can "finesse" our log books :P

The link below will show you some pictures of the school and the secretary (she did our orientation and took our pictures, etc. She also happens to be the wife of our instructor)

The school is through the community college here in Lewiston. It is outsourced by Swift. The trainers are state employees but at one time worked for Swift as trainers before the college took the school over.

January 4, 2001

Started out the day at 7am as usual and after updating our logs for duty change, we did a log exercise. We then discussed the logbook exercise and next moved on to chapters in the workbook. We then discussed axle weights and sliding trailer axles and the fifth wheel  to move weight around a little bit. We watched a video on trip planning. At this time a Idaho State Port Inspector came in and talked to us about the four different permits we would need to produce when we stop at an Idaho Inspection Station. We discussed them and he gave us a map of Idaho, which showed the restricted routes and a sheet to figure off-track. After he finished we were shown the Motor Carriers Road Atlas. We went though it one page at a time while our instructor explained the significance of it. He then explained the different markings on the map to help us determine mileage and routing. (Since he told us we might have to figure time for a log exercise tomorrow using the map :P ) There is a picture of my instructor added to my pictures (Rob Richardson)

January 5, 2001

We started out the day with a log exercise. Afterwards we discussed it and moved on to talk about Pretrip inspections. After we had a little break an Idaho State Police Officer came in and talked to us for a little bit. After lunch the director of the training center came in and talked to us about the mechanics of a diesel truck. He had to come in because our trainer Rob is not mechanically inclined at all. We were sent home with another log exercise for homework and were given two very large chapters in our workbook for homework. Another productive day. We will have our final test on Tuesday and we move out the driving range on Wednesday.

January 8, 2001

Today we discussed more on pre-trip. Watched a few videos etc. Discussed extreme weather conditions.

January 9, 2001
Watched multiple videos on fatigue and semi-truck rollovers. Took our logbook test (I got 88%) and also took our final test (I got a 94%). We are done with our book work now and move out of the classroom onto the range. Tomorrow we start doing a real pre-trip.

January 10, 2001
Today was our first day out on the range. Rob walked us through a pre-trip then we grouped in two's to go through it on our own. We went through it a couple times then we started the trucks and let them warm up. We then followed them out on the range and the instructors showed us the way they wanted us to hook trailers. We then got in the trucks in groups of 4 and went through our in-cab inspection twice each. Then we were allowed to start the truck up and go through the 8 step break check. We went to lunch and when we came back we started doing straight-line backing. We backed for the rest of the day. turned in our log sheets and went home.

January 11, 2001
Started the day breaking up into the same pairs and did our pre-trip inspections. Then started the trucks, while waiting for them to warm up we work on our in cab inspections. Once there warm we are allowed to pull them out the range and hook them up to the trailers. We then go though our pre-trip on the trailer and do our brake check. After we finish that we do straight line backing. In between that we get to go over in groups and try backing a dolly. We break for lunch and when we come back the people who haven't backed the dolly do some more.  The last two hours of the day they showed us how to do a measured right hand turn and then a 45 degree alley dock. We all go around the track a few times and get walked through the alley dock once, then it is time to go home.

This is just a note to everyone reading my Journal. I mentioned earlier that this was a Swift school and it is not. They do train for Swift but the are a training center for the local state college. The instructors used to work for Swift and they get some of their equipment from Swift, but you do not have to go through Swift or work for Swift to attend. It is one of the more cost efficient schools I have seen around and I wanted to make sure everyone understood that since Swift seems to have a bad name for some reason. This seems to be a really good school.  We are learning a lot and the instructors are very knowledgeable. You can contact this school through http://www.lcsc-wft.org or Gayle Richarsen at (208)792-2074 for more information. Thanks

January 12, 2001
The day started as usual.  We split into our groups and practiced our pre-trip. We then started the trucks up and practiced our In cab inspection while the trucks warmed up. After the truck was warmed up we pulled them out and connected to the trailers. After pre-tripping our trailer we then practiced our 8 step break check. Once we finished we started straight line backing some more. After about 2 times each (2 in each truck, 4 trucks) the instructors backed us out and we started circling the range, practicing measured right hand turns. We started taking turns practicing 45 deg. alley docks. After we docked we would switch and the person that just docked would wait outside by the dock and everyone would cycle back into a different truck after someone else docked so that we would have a chance to dock with each type of truck (2 Freightliners, 2 Volvo's). We went to lunch and when we came back we went out in the Freightliners to learn how to shift and to go around a few blocks on the road. I wasn't with the first two groups because they split us up by what type of test we are going to have to do (3 from Washington, 2 from Washington, then the ones (myself included) from Idaho, Montana and Oregon) since it is different in different states. The 3 of us left on the range slip seated back and forth between the two Volvo's and practiced measured right hand turns and alley docking. About 2pm the one group came back and we went out. Rob explained about shifting then showed us. We then pulled over and the guy from Oregon took over and we drove around about a 4 block area. We practiced shifting up, then down, then up again and we did 3 left hand turns. Then the guy from Montana got behind the wheel (yep I was last :P ) he did the same route and did very good, Rob caught him floating the gears, though :P  It was then my turn and I went.  I of course was nervous.  Rob is always asking us why we are nervous, after all he is the one who has to ride with us!?  (HAHA)  I only missed two gears I think.  Rob says we don't have too many bad habits that he has to break us of :P  I then stopped and he took over to take us back to the range. We unhooked the trailer and parked the truck. We finished up our logbooks. They let us go earlier since some guys were wanting to go home and the weather was pretty bad. I also forgot to mention yesterday that when I was watching one of the guys back the dolly after I finished taking my pictures, Rob called me over and said I could practice straight-line backing with the International that no one was in. I got in and started it, went to put it in gear and the clutch pedal started making lots of clunking like noise. I stopped and was worried so got out and asked Rob about it. He said not to worry about it, the throwout bearing was going out. So I got back in and went for it, pressed the clutch pedal down and it went CLLLLANK-BANNNG and no more clutch pedal.  OOPPPPSS!!  So I broke my first truck.  :P   It wasn't really my fault but they still give me hard time about it. They got it unhooked from the trailer and took it over to the shop to get it fixed . Other guys in the class were happy because they didn't like that truck anyway.

January 15, 2001
Started out the day the same way, first we practiced pre-trip. Then let our truck warm up as we practiced the in cab inspection. After the truck is warmed up we moved it out and hooked it to the trailer and pre-tripped the trailer. We then practiced straight backing for a little bit, then they backed us out of our lanes and had us practice alley docking. After lunch we practiced docking some more then about 1:30 pm went out on the road. The instructor drove us over to Clarkston, WA. We then took turns making various left hand and one very tight right hand turn. Once I crossed the yellow on a left hand turn and one of the guys with me drove up on the curb on the tight right hand turn. We then stopped and talked about various corners and shifting. Then the instructor drove us back to the range and we unhooked the trailers . Did our post-trip then went home.

January 16, 2001
When we got here today we were told we were going to have a pre-trip inspection test. We did a quick walk around on four of the trucks then started them up so they could warm up then went back inside the classroom. Bradley talked to us about what was going to happen. Four of us were going to do our pre-trip test while the other four practiced right hand measured turns and alley docking. I was with the first group that went out and did pre-trips and got a 95 (forgot stupid stuff :P didn't check my oil etc..) We went to break then and after that the other four went to do their pre-trip test while we went and practiced alley docking. We went to lunch and after lunch we went out on our road test. We figured we were going out and around the same area. Our instructor (we had Bradley today since our normal instructor was sick.) took us out to the same area we were at yesterday. At some point he decided to push us today since we didn't stay in that area :P . After making a couple turns he took us out to one of the main roads (argh traffic, our first encounter with any real traffic)

At this point I will just talk about the route I took since it was different from the other two guys. We went down across an old metal bridge (you have to hug the center line or will knock the mirrors off) right after the bridge you have to make a right turn or end up downtown (no truck zone). Everyone else turned again right after turning but instead he had me go straight. I was fine going 30 but he told me I had to go faster since it was marked 45 so up the speed went :P After going for a little bit we had to make a right turn onto a another bridge (newer concrete one) going up a type of onramp. You have to cross the left line and hug the curb to get onto the bridge. After we got on bridge I had to get in left lane. We then traveled up a little hill to a stoplight (which I got in trouble for getting to close the the car in front since I couldn't see her tires, they want you to stop so you can see all the rear of the vehicle in front of you , there tires and the pavement) Made a right there then traveled down a hill past a school zone (with a crossing guard but luckily no kids *phew* :P ) Then through another intersection onto another bridge. On the other side of bridge is a stop sign then made a right turn. Now we are into a 55 mph zone so up in speed I have to go *uhoh* . First time going 55 was interesting. I kept wanting to hug the yellow line (getting passed on a two lane road for the first time is kinda freaky too :P ) Up a hill we go then back down the other side, towards the bottom we have to make a right so had to shift down going down a little hill which is interesting. Then we were almost back to range so we drove back to the range , took a potty break and practiced alley docking until almost 4:00 PM , unhooked did our post trip updated our logs and went home. Tomorrow should be interesting :P

January 17, 2001
Today we had a class on how to put chains and then we were showed how to hook up doubles. After we got the trailers hooked up we each got to drive them around the range and do a figure eight to see how they tracked. Then we practiced Alley docking for a little bit. After lunch we went out and drove around a little area for a bit to practice shifting, left and right turns. After that back to the range to unhook, post trip update our logs and off home we went.

January 18, 2001
We did our pre-trip like everyday then did a couple of straight line backs twice each. Then we pulled out and alley docked twice. Then the big moment came and we got to drive some more. Instead of normally where the instructor drives to the area we practice at in Clarkston, WA. I got to drive right from the get go. Went up a hill, down a hill and around town. Went really well, starting to get more relaxed driving and not so stressed with traffic :P Instructor also started us naming stuff that is going on , like any signs that are really important (school zone, speed limit, DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION, Railroad signs) and also that we are checking our mirrors and checking cross streets for traffic. To get us looking out around us and to make sure they know we are also. Was a good day, didn't run anything over :P

January 19, 2001
Just went out practiced driving. Got to drive once in the morning. Practiced right hand emergency curb stop. Just practice, practice practice.

January 22, 2001
Came back after the weekend. Practiced some more driving. Only made small minor mistakes (forgot to change range selector) Getting ready for test on Wednesday.

January 23, 2001
More practice driving. Got to drive twice today for about an hour each. Last day of practice. I take my test tomorrow. A little nervous but instructor says we will pass just fine if we drive like we do now.

January 24, 2001
Went and took my test today. I only missed one point on my Pre-Trip (forgot to mention temp gauge). Missed 4 points on my skill test (3 points on my right hand turn and 1 point on my alley dock, had to do a pull-up. Did very good on my road test. Missed one point for taking a corner too wide and one for taking a corner too tight. I also missed a point doing my roadside emergency stop against the curb. Our instructor taught us to pull out sharply and back in to the curb to bring the trailer over and line it up on the curb. I did this without putting flashers on (didn't know I had to) so I missed a point there. Total of 3 points off. The tester said he rarely made comments on tests and he put on mine that I was a very good driver (I actually saw it :P ) Went to Motor vehicle department at 3pm and got my Class A CDL. At 3:30 went and took my last test for Swift. Tomorrow I have orientation for Swift and if all goes well, I will be out with my trainer this weekend. Now the learning begins. :P  I won't be able to update this everyday so I will keep a written log and update it when I get home. It may be weeks before I get home again :P

January 25, 2001
Went to orientation for Swift today. Lots of info on Benefits and etc. We were issued our Fuel card. Talked about payroll and communication. We also had a long talk about keeping records. The Training manager (who was talking to us) has designed an accounting sheet. He has designed it specifically for drivers and it has all the things Accountants need at the end of the year for taxes. It's a great way to keep track of what you have done and what you have coming to you. He has used the system against three different companies in court and won because he had a paper record. I will be using it once I go solo. I won't post any pictures since it is copyrighted and he has been approached by many companies wanting to distribute it and he turns them down. Since he is doing this to help drivers, not to get rich. I forgot to ask if people outside of Swift could purchase his system (it's cheap $10 for 6 months, $20 for a year) If anyone is interested you can contact Quinten G. Parsons at Lewiston, ID Swift Terminal (800)388-4669. Again I don't know if someone outside of Swift can get this but you can try , it's a great system. If you are a driver for Swift I recommend you talk to him about it if you are having problems finding a good system for keeping track of your accounts or wish to start (since this is the only way to keep ahead :P ) I go home tomorrow and hope my trainer will contact me soon.

January 27, 2001
Still sitting home now waiting for my trainer to call. Just a little nervous :P Oh well will try to get some extra sleep and some computer time in. <smile>

January 30, 2001
Showed up at Swift Terminal at 7:30 am and sat in driver lounge until 11:30. They were going to throw me on a truck to Portland , OR. But my trainer decided to come to Lewiston. So they put me up in the Howard Johnson and fed me lunch. Hopefully will meet my trainer tomorrow.

January 31, 2001
Met my trainer today and we went out for breakfast to talk. Real nice guy. Told me I wouldn't be driving today so I could get accustomed to the truck. We went back to the terminal. At the terminal we saw a truck that had just got towed in where the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel. Poor truck, brand new, 551 miles on it. We finally got our load going from Lewiston, Id to Federal Way, WA (outside Seattle). We went and picked up our load and headed out. He likes to talk :P We drove to Hatten, WA and stopped for a bathroom break. On the way I told him I didn't mind driving at night. So when we stopped he said I could drive (woohoo first day driving at night and into Seattle :P ) The pass was good, driving in Seattle was fun, hehe. We went to Tukwila, WA to the Swift yard there to get fuel, then on to Federal Way to drop our trailer. Then went to bed around midnight.

February 1, 2001
We got up at 5 am and found a trailer that needed to go to Sumner, WA (where our next load was at). He drove over to Sumner, Wa (costco dist. center) and we dropped the trailer we had and found our preloaded trailer. Did our pre-trip and headed out to Bozeman, MT. We stopped at Ellensburg, Wa and stopped for a bathroom break and to eat breakfast. After a short breakfast we were off to Coeur D'Alene (CDA) where we stopped at his house for about 3 hours to take a shower and do a load of laundry. Then it was my turn to drive. Started out from CDA and drove over two passes (Fourth of July and Lookout) and on to Rocker, MT (6 hours) and stopped for fuel. He then took over driving and we drove on to Bozeman, MT. We arrived about 11:30 PM. Our delivery time wasn't until 5am their time so we went to bed.

February 2, 2001
The receiver woke us up at 4:30 am our time to unload. Told us what dock to back into. My trainer goes ok back it in (oh fun) Had a little bit of trouble but I didn't understand which one I was backing into and there was really bad ice inside the dock area so was hard to pull forward. After I got it backed in we went inside and stood around while they unloaded it. After we were done it was still too early to get another load so we went back to sleep. We awoke around 10 am and we still didn't have a load. So he sent a message to our driver manager and we decided to go inside Costco (since I have a card) and do some shopping. We bought a couple things and then ate lunch at the Costco Deli. Went back out to the truck and we had a preplan. So off we went to Butte, MT to pick up a load. We arrived in Butte a few hours later and he had me back it into the dock again (he says I need the practice :P ). We then dropped that trailer and picked up another one that was already pre-loaded. I forgot to mention we are driving a heavy haul tractor (3 axle) and heavy haul trailer (4 axle). So we hook up drop our axles and go around front to scale. We scale at around 103,000 pounds. So we are loaded to the gills :P I then get to drive :P So off we went, I drove through to Rocker, MT where our Fuel stop was. We got fuel then ate dinner. He asked if was ok if I continued to drive since he was getting short on hours. I said no problem. So off we went to Missoula, MT. Weather started getting bad. Drove over Homestead Pass, trainer said if we had been an hour later we probably would have had to put chains on. Was fun experience (woohoo). Went to Frenchtown, MT and drop our load. We then went back to the truckstop to stop for the night in Missoula.

February 3, 2001
Got up and still didn't have a load. So he sent a message to them to find out if we were going to get a load. About 8:30 we got a load where we DH to Spokane, WA and pick up a trailer going to Seattle, WA. Don't have to be there until 2/5 so we drive to Smelterville, ID to drop me off (since I live in Pinehurst, ID) to spend the night at home.  (which I am now and is why I am updating my journal). I have to be at his house by 3 pm the next day. He only lives about 40 minutes from my house so all good. Going to take my vehicle and leave it at his house so if we do get back to his house and have time off I can get home. All is going good :P