Too Many Unskilled Truck Drivers On Our Roads

[@TheHossicle]

7 years later and these words still ring true.

[@ryansalter747]

what about training people in cars to drive smarter and understand what a truck driver needs for space and stopping distances ect ect? The people driving cars are also a big part of the problem and making the roads unsafe. As well as the under trained truck drivers

[@SmartTrucking]

I'd be all for better training for 4 wheelers! God knows an awful lot of them could use it! Dave

[@Ken-fh8iv]

Gotta disagree w/you on a key point, Dave. It's not just poor training. The mega-carriers also hire bad quality trainees who are entirely unfit to drive TTs.

[@moneyshot7785]

When I got my cdl I didnt even have training. I was thrown out there and I was terrified. I asked for a trainer but I was told it busy season and no one was available. It's a miracle I wasn't involved in any accidents.

[@rodneystewart8958]

Some companies are letting guys with 6 months experience be trainers that's insane

[@Hoonmaro]

Crazy man I’m up in Canada and having a hard time finding a company to start off with because everyone’s wanting experience

[@TheErictoribio]

Schneider will let you train after 5 months

[@6gredlite907]

Crst

[@hankhawks1306]

The mega companies pay so poorly that they don't have any long term drivers to train the newbies.

[@lamontrichie8310]

That’s funny to hear. I’m a rookie, I only have 3 months on the road. But I promise you, I see over turned rigs, and rigs in ditches all the time, and it’s NEVER a mega carrier! Every time I see a rig on its side, or in a ditch, it’s an owner operator! It’s an old rig, with a private name, or no name at all on the side of the rig. These older drivers get complacent and cause horrendous accidents, it’s not just rookies.

[@popcornchicken4848]

I dont think student drivers should be driving at night either.....visibility is way different low visibility+inexperienced driver= recipe for disaster a fatal one at that

[@jeanjrpoirier1514]

I ve been driving truck since I was 18, learned on a 5 and 4 transmission gravel truck, since then I've been on 18 wheelers through the States, been on 793 haul trucks in the mines, and various trucks in the oil field. And now I'm back on 18 wheelers. Im now 56 years old and watching every videos created by this gentleman. The laws have changed a great deal. these are very informative videos full of does and don'ts buy someone who is down to earth and very knowledgeable. Its a very good refresher course for me. I have subscribed to Smart- Trucking for these reasons. you want to learn about the trucking industry and or how to drive a semi this is a very good place to start. And its free. Thank you Smart-Trucking.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Jean! Dave

[@dre7370]

the four wheelers also need to be schooled on how to share the road with the trucks for example they stay next to the trick too long on the hwy

[@georgeof78]

Tell you the truth. When I started driving with a CDL I had little experience with tractor trailers. The only thing I had going for me is driving straight box trucks that we fell under the gross weight that it didn't require a CDL license but had to have a DOT medical card and pulling my own personal trailers. But when I first got into a tractor trailer combination I really wished I had some more experience. I just took my time and I just learned on the way. I didn't care if people had to wait as I would be backing into a stall or building. I would stop and set the brakes get out and check my surroundings. I didn't let pride or ego get in the way and wouldn't be afraid to tell other drivers I didn't have much experience and that seemed to go a long ways with good experienced truckers. They would give me helpful tips on many things. Nowadays I feel confident and I pay it forward with new drivers. It is kind of a barrier though when you talk to a driver and realize they can barely speak English.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I was one of those unskilled drivers, I went through a CDL mill, 20 days schooling, 20 days with my trainer. That was 10+ years ago. What I know now, I learned on my own. Over a million accident and citation free miles.

[@flashproductions5652]

So ever think about the fact that drivers cannot gain experience or become skilled if they don't get the opportunity to drive??

[@SmartTrucking]

Absolutely! These mega carriers have the ability to give new guys the experience. They just need to take the time and train them properly and they're not doing that! Dave

[@gmcjimmy3580]

The second they started making these trucks automatic they opened the door for any moron to climb in a truck.

[@Gearshiftgirl01]

I have been a CDL trainer for 3 years now, and I have 25 years truck driving experience. The trainers need at least 10 years. I totally agree with you Dave!

[@jeffcraft1456]

When I Graduated school In 1984. I went into the army for 10yrs. Got out & come home & went into law enforcement. Hurt my knee & after 4 surgeries & 15 yrs of service got out &went into truck driving. I was raised on a farm and come up around trucks on my father's logging & dairy business. Went to driving school & fell in love with it. Never thought that would happen but it did. Wish I would've started 20 yrs ago. Started out hauling wood chips for 3 yrs until diabetes shut me down for 9 months. Worked Monday - Friday made $1500-2000 a week before taxes running out of Ms to Alabama, Lousiana & Texas. Now I work for gas & oil Co. Mon - Friday. 7-5. Still make $750.00 a week after taxes. The lessons my father taught me about driving a big rig as a kid has proved very valuable. Thanks for your channel.

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey, thanks for watching! Appreciate you writing in. Drive safe! Dave

[@Truckingwithcooper45]

4 years ago I was trained by a trainer at Werner that spent more time in the bunk than with me. Luckily I’ve made it through the last 4 years with no incidents. I’ve basically taught myself how to back and just how to handle these damn things. This is definitely a profession you can never learn to much of but I wished to god I would’ve gotten a guy like you as a trainer.

[@1978Prime]

In Australia. the government changed the law, so that you need experience driving smaller trucks before getting a licence to drive bigger trucks.The licence categories are Light Rigid, Medium rigid and heavy rigid to start with. You need to hold a heavy rigid licence for about 2 years before you can apply to a heavy combination licence and then theres a category above that called multi combination for driving roads trains. Theres also a category called restricted and unrestricted based on synchro and non synchro gear box. Over here, truck driving is very hard to get into without experience, even for a rigid truck.

[@SmartTrucking]

Sounds like we could take a few lessons from Australia! Dave

[@johnhoran536]

I have been driving a tractor-trailer for 38 years I've never been over the road for those 38 years I have been in construction transportation in Boston Mass and your stories horrify me

[@GRSEMETROMALL]

I’m not reckless but I should certainly be more skilled. Skid school? Never heard of such a thing. I feel it would be useful. I went down the steep grade today, 21°F, road is wet (damp), just not sure, didn’t want to hit any black ice at any kind of speed; I went down that great at 20 miles an hour on that back road. I kept my hazards on for50 miles. There’s no place to pull over. Speed limit was 65 miles an hour, the most that it was 45 miles an hour and if I wasn’t sure, I just went slower. I wasn’t going to roll that bitch. I had already seen on the interstate before I got off on this back road highway five trucks on their side from icy road conditions. I don’t know when that happened. The roads didn’t appear icy, I just noted the possibility that they could be or still could be. You can see the ice on the trees and on the grass. I think it was an ice storm the night before.

[@rondye9398]

A young man, with a wife and infant daughter, was killed on his first trip out with his new CDL. The carrier, which just got a new allotment of 20 new tractors, put this young man in a 105,500 lb. combination of flats with a high load of random pine lumber. The two lane road he traveled in the Central Oregon mountains and canyons is treacherous for the most experienced driver. He had NO chance. This was a carrier with about 100 trucks. In one year they had 5 serious accidents and 2 fatalities.

[@SmartTrucking]

Wow, those guys should be shut down and charged with murder! Dave

[@meanolbiker]

Dave your right...I'm a former Colorado state certified CDL Examiner...When I was testing, I would talk to the driver on his road test...To see if he had the right outlook on trucking...Some Examiners delighted in failing someone for meaningless, stupid mistakes..I always looked for a guy who knew how to do a good pre and post trip inspection...A guy who knew, and was aware of his trucks condition, was aware of the rules of the road, thought about, not only his safety, but the safety of others around him as well...Could he control the vehicle with confidence...I didnt give a shit if he wasnt the greatest at shifting...Thats gonna come with time...I was also involved with the design, and development of the G.E. I-Sim 3D Full Motion Driving Simulator before G.E. bought the patent...I was on the original crew that got that machine up and running, and worked the bugs out, BEFORE McDonnell Douglas got their machine online...And we did it!! We also perfected the system by getting a contract with Halliburton World Wide to test, evaluate, and educate all of their CDL carrying employees, on how to identify, and properly react to critical situations behind the wheel...Everything from city traffic, to the worst possible road conditions, and even what to do if you lost your brakes coming down Vail Pass....It was a fantastic experience and I'm VERY PROUD to have been fortunate enough to be a part of that information and technology...If it helps even one person to correctly. and safely, overcome an emergency situation, by knowing how to respond confidently, with a positive result, then I did my part in making this industry a little better, and safer...

[@wealthyintime1]

Automated trucks will come in next 5 years. They will be ok until there is an accident. Who or what the insurance company go after? The driver sitting in the back of cab, the manufacture of the truck, the mechanic who works on the truck, or the carrier? You never know when a sensor is going to fail.

[@7.0SLO]

rookie driver for Pam Transport here...2 weeks of cdl school, followed by 2 weeks with a trainer, and they sent me out solo OTR. been at it 3 months, and now they're asking me to be a trainer. no way in HELL i'm doing that, i feel like i'm just now somewhat qualified to be on the road by myself, and that was with some very hard lessons learned. i've always been good at everything i've done in life, and i'm a very fast learner... but i'm honestly very lucky to have no incidents or accidents in this time period. 2 weeks of trucking school and 2 weeks with a trainer was not enough.

[@SmartTrucking]

A wise and proper decision on your part! Shows you have better judgement skills than your managers at PAM!

[@a.n.7089]

I went to college got a degree, couldn’t find a job, so... I went to a small trucking academy taught by 20+ year veterans. I got a flatbed job, (small carrier; less than 10 trucks) trained for 6 months with a 30 year, retired, ex gas hauler, from Exxon. (He worked at the flatbed company because he was bored at home) FYI. Left there after a couple of years, pulled dry van for the USPS for 3 years. Left there, and found my niche, pulling tankers (haz mat). 2006 to 2008 = $40k 2009 to 2011 = $58k 2011 to 2018 = $70k+ I’ve never been an OTR driver, slept in my bed every night! 2019 to O/O = $?????? There’s money in Logistics ! Find the market for your niche! Everything mentioned in this video reminds me of everything those ol skool drivers told me in the beginning.

[@zzzz-ok7733]

Back in the day we had 6 months training before hitting the road! Class room & in-closed big massive lot! Practicing turning, backing, ect, an it was all free but the training was long effective!

[@harley13purenrg]

What you're talking about here is the primary reason I will never train. I've started driving for a living at 25. I started as a towing operator. I started my otr career at 35 after only a month of Trucking school. With a trainer that taught me nothing. My training came from knowing what I was doing as a towing operator. I'm 46 now, and happy that i've never been in a situation that has been catastrophic. The very worse situation I found myself in was near jack kniffing an empty trailer on an entrance ramp after a snowfall that covered the roadways in less than half an hour. I was lucky.

[@bd1zzle]

Getting fired from Werner was the best thing that has happened to me in trucking. Made me find this small 16 truck company that paid me 10 cents more home weekly and have worked with me during family problems. Owner is actively in the office and got me an inverter when I asked and got a new fridge when mine went out. Been here almost a year now and don’t see a reason to leave yet

[@SmartTrucking]

Stay with those guys! Dave

[@ironfalcon100]

Down here in Australia, it's not just the demand for rookie truck drivers (especially semi / dump truck and dog, B-double) that are in a fever pitch, the trend to equipping the latest Class 8 equivalent trucks with automatic transmissions. Don't get me wrong, they're adapting to the next generation of drivers who have never been able to adapt to driving a synchromesh manual transmission, let alone a road ranger. The truck training here is both theory and practical in-vehicle, competency based. Pass the on-road test without any fail items and voila, you have your heavy vehicle driver license (CDL equivalent).

[@stephenn434]

Agree 100% that the team training approach defies logic.

[@sully3010]

Swift had me driving up and down the Appalachian mountains in the middle of the night while my trainer was asleep in the back. This was in week 2. I lived.

[@boneheadsr6277]

You can only get experience from hands-on, and hello from NJ!!

[@burtonh1]

I blame the government for not setting the bar higher for truck driving schools (TDS). TDS need to teach winter driving, advanced backing (some of the docks out there are crazy difficult to get into). emergency maneuvers.

[@pheleant]

The first two companies that I worked for, were a true blessing. My bosses were guys that had started in trucks themselves. So they knew the things to train me in, and the CARED about how I was doing. They had the experience of being in a truck, and knew the pitfalls, and the secrets to driving in the mountains of western Colorado.

[@nathanowens9339]

That's the best thing about Maverick they don't push you they give plenty of time on delivery and the number one thing I like about them is if you're tired you just let them know and stop and take a break

[@SunnyIlha]

Too, too many in Semis, who got a Class A license, who are really, truly, involved working in the incorrect profession. Completely wreckless driving.

[@alsask2010]

Driving a 80,ooo lb vehicle is a trade. Like any trade it should require an apprenticeship. A carpenter or electrician spends 4 years and schooling at a trade school to earn their license. Until drivers are regarded and held to a standard as a tradesman then the problems continue.

[@JDUBZisYAHWEH]

Like most other industries, increase the threshold of required training and carriers will end up doing their best to push it off to the trucking schools; increased truck time at these schools will increase cost of the schooling. As it is trucking school costs $10000~, forcing more training will push it even higher and where I live: except for Schneiders, NO ONE pays you back for the training. Ideally it would be on the perspective employer to train, not on the individual to pay their own way through school. THAT is the problem in industries where there are shortages of manpower- companies expect the individual to pay for training rather than pay the individual and train them!

[@SmartTrucking]

Crazy, isn"t it? Dave

[@Wile.e_kyote]

Depends on your school and starter company. 160 hours, 5 week class to get license. Joined a starter company with 4 weeks training, non team driving. Better than most companies. Would like to see more finishing schools like averitt has.

[@jamesstepp9982]

Part of what's missing is the day to day frame of mind. A lot of drivers can make the right moves to pass their test,but give 'em a month and they think they have the job wired and start getting lax on safety and the RIGHT way to drive a truck. That also goes to screwing up the public image of Truck driving. No pride in their profession.

[@ad356]

i worked for werner for 3 months i several times i was put into extremely dangerous situations as you said. the run the truck for a week with the trainer in the front then you are basically on your own. they have a bullshit curfew of midnight, once you have a set number of hours in its off to team driving. the first dangerous situation i was put into was being told i WAS to drive all night long because the trainer wanted to drive during the day. i dont have a problem with driving at night, but overnight that's a different story. so i was expected to sleep during the day and drive all night long. i did it one night and i felt myself starting to doze off, i rolled the windows down and let the 20 degree temps keep me awake. students should NOT be expected to cope with sleeping in a moving truck during the day. the trainer pokes his head out of the curtain WHY do i have the windows open he says. i said i am staying alive, im not doing this ever again and if you dont like it you can drop me off at a terminal today. he actually tried to get me kicked off the truck, but the FM said i stay and i drive the day shift. OK so that was issue #1. the 2nd dangerous thing that happened, i was into an area of black ice. the DOT shut the highway down and i found i had to suddenly come to a stop. the road conditions had deteriorated very quickly and i new it was a little slick but did not realize it was a solid sheet of ice. i brought the truck safety to a stop..... i had enough sense to maintain proper following distance AND reasonable speed. thank god that despite my lack of experience i had enough sense to be driving in safely. it was a very scary situation. to add insult to injury the DOT required that we chain up. i woke my trainer up, who was sleeping in the back while of this happened. i told him about the situation and he wouldn't believe its slipper, and said he DID not know how to chain up. he actually had me going around and asking other drivers if they knew how to chain up. my trainer if driving conditions were such that chains were required he would not drive. OK i guess that makes sense but you STILL have to drive to a SAFE HAVEN. what an idiot. i completed their 275 hour "program" took the road test they were ready to give me my own truck,but i felt rather un-prepared for solo driving, trained by an idiot, and ran me as team. it was not in his interested to really train me but to collect as many miles as possible. i went home for a leave of absence and decided i wasnt coming back. i felt no where near ready to drive solo in major cities. i saw a bunch of other problems with this mega carrier nonsense. i took whatever experience i gained from this mess and got a local class A job driving for a AG company hauling water or fertilizer. i will be driving mostly on back country roads, no major cities, very little night driving. i think i will be much safer in light traffic on back roads.

[@ad356]

most of my loads are going to be within 100 miles of the loading area. $16 per hour, paid for all of my time. $16 per hour is just my entry level wage, its seasonal work so i will have to find something for the winter or collect unemployment. i would rather continue to drive. if i continue on next year im sure they would offer me more $$$. they are also giving me $1 per hour additionally as a retention bonus if i still till sept (i likely will)

[@SmartTrucking]

Wise choices you made Andrew! Drive safe, that's what it's all about. Dave

[@JamesMilanese123]

I am from NY and I run flatbed. This is the only state that requires a metal coil endorsement.

[@SmartTrucking]

Didn't know about that! Is it a good idea or just a money grab? Dave

[@JamesMilanese123]

Smart-Trucking.com it's not really a money grab. $5 to take the test and it's open book. But it makes you use the references in the book to find the answers. They don't make you take an actual class for it though. I have been driving 4-5 years and I always over secure.

[@SanDzFit]

This video is the God's honest truth. I went through trucking school with CR England, another one of those major companies trying to make truck drivers in a 2 week course. The 1st week was spent entirely in the classroom learning about logs, pre-trips, and air brakes among other things. The 2nd week we went hands on with the truck, learning turns, shifting, backing, etc. When I got out of the school I got on the truck with a trainer who was a 6 year guy and he was pretty good. I learned a lot from him, the 1st being that the school is almost worthless. Backing between cones in an empty lot is completely different from backing between 2 trucks at a busy truck stop with a line of truckers throwing their hands up in frustration. Ha. Anyhow, when I got off his truck I had to ride with a teammate for a couple months. My teammate ended up only working with me for a about 3 weeks before jumping ship to another company who'd sweet talked him, leaving me solo while England searched for a replacement. I ended up finishing the last of my time with the company solo. Eventually they put me in a brand new automatic truck which was a Godsend because I was still having trouble with shifting. Long story short, I ended up hanging up my gloves after about 6 months because I knew in my heart that I was ill-equipped which I blame mostly on the school. I'm considering going back at it but hardly any company offers a refresher course and the ones who do only offer a couple days, which I fear may not be enough. Anyway, that's my story and I agree with what you're talking about here because I am exhibit A.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for the honesty! If you do go back to it you'll succeed. Dave

[@Kbrncito]

Try Schneider if you need a refresher course if you ask for it, at least a 3 weeks refresh is better than 3 or 4 days.

[@mossbergshockwave9629]

One person is injured or killed in a truck accident every 16 minutes. The United States Department of Transportation estimates that over 500,000 truck accidents occur every year. More than 75% of truck driving accidents are due to the driver of the passenger vehicle.

[@SmartTrucking]

Sobering stuff, isn't it? Dave

[@charlesdyer2376]

New drivers hit the first truck stop they come to buy a cowboy hat ,boots,and a 5ft tall shifter an away they go.

[@Gcal1956]

i have cowboy boots and a 5 ft shiftier.... been trucking since 2003 and my dad was a trucker. so i dont think i am new. now to your comment: go fk yourself LOL

[@charlesdyer2376]

Well Mr. cow boy I trucked for 28yrs. over 1 million miles without a ticket smart ass.and you my friend can go and do the same fys.

[@canadiantimberwolf1]

Cowboy Boots and 5 foot Shifter certainly does not make you a trucker. Your dad would have told you, that you need the pen holder from your belt and hang down key chains as well.. LMAO. All Joking aside Gcal1956, 2003 to 2017, is 14 years. Your on your way, but just. 10 years is where they consider you with enough experience to become a Trucker. A Professional Trucker. I am sure your father showed you the ropes. Here's is the catch, the Law will spank your hand more because after this amount of time, they will say " You Should Have Known Better ". I'm 40 years under my Butt, and I now Love the Ride. Do the same.. Safe Drives..

[@canadiantimberwolf1]

Actually they say at 100,000 per year at 10 years places you at the million mile marker. Your 28 years your about 3,000,000 miles. Nice Job if you are what you say you are, Ticket and Accident Free. Need drivers like yourself, and that is what this is all about. Your Skill at this level is what would keep you alive in the unfortunate event of meeting up with an unqualified driver. it is NOT THEIR FAULT, it is organisations and companies that place them there. Your in the Experienced level, keep a level Head and Voice your concerns over this and not what constitutes a trucker. You level of Skill of is what is needed..

[@tangowhiskey2068]

Charles Dyer ,wrong the new drivers buy a lot lizard,meth,depends!

[@kevinskogmo4509]

New Drivers getting p paid by the mile,put in a place where he is in a rush,is dangerous.They just don't give a damn.I drive concrete mixer,I get paid by the hour so I don't need to be in a rush,if you get in a rush it gets dangerous,I still have to be concerned about time,but good planing is huge.

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly right! Hurrying can be dangerous because drivers can overlook or forget things, like checking blind spots. If drivers are paid by the hour I believe they tend to be more thorough. Also true, good planning IS huge. Good input! Thanks for writing in. Dave

[@pheleant]

Perfectly said Kevin!! I drove in the Colorado mountains and Wyoming mountains most of the time. There are too many things that can go wrong in the mountains, even in the summer.

[@larrypatterson326]

I just recently completed my CDL School and consider myself a very under-trained graduate intimidated would be a better word I plan on using a mega carrier for experience I appreciate everything I hear you say keep up the good work

[@BloodshotEagle]

I'm a rookie, (a little over a year now, making good coin for my experience level) I am very fortunate that I was able to go to a private school with instructors who actually knew their shit. all were veterans of the road. I know I wouldn't have made it this far if I went through a company program. I'd be poor too.

[@canadiantimberwolf1]

Excellent move.

[@clintonmattheis4098]

I use to drive for C.R England and their policy for training at that time was to train 3 trainees at one time.

[@rodneystewart8958]

I think that western express is letting guys with 90 days train it scares me to be on the road with them

[@canadiantimberwolf1]

It is how much they are able to taking in, is what measures the Training of a driver. You can get someone with 4 hours a day for 90 days = 360 Hours of training or 8 hours a day for 90 days = 720 Hours. Considering that some schools train for about 5 hours a day for 6 weeks or ( 5 days a week ) = 180 hours and so many of that In-Class and so many On-Road. But classes can cost 6,000 to 12,000 for the entire course and the Road Test is included. it is scary, that companies are making it worse than it should be..

[@markbush3429]

Western could give a shit

[@JamesMilanese123]

Rodney Stewart swift is definitely the worst.

[@M24dh]

This is true but we really have to put the blame on the people responsible when the CDL became mandatory they stated only the best would Drive accidents at that time where approximately 20% truck after enforcement of the CDL and putting the training in state and government hands accidents are now at 80 and 90% truck they say it's because we have more drivers on the road but it has been around 80 percent truck within a year after the CDL passed so that statement I believe to be untrue

[@pheleant]

@@M24dh great points. Is the school giving the skills test, or do they have to take the test from an independent company, or better yet, a state mandated tester.

[@wealthyintime1]

How about the oilfield drivers in Alberta?. Usually it is only the young people who are willing to do off roading. A normal dirt road is alright, but a on lease road where they just plowed down the trees and drivers driving through mud slipping and sliding everywhere.

[@wealthyintime1]

I think doing long haul with a trainer is not the way to go. The trainer is likely to say the driver is good just to get the student out of his truck. I say train the driver on short haul where they go on a dedicated route like 4 hours one way and return to the starting terminal. I think the student and trainer will be better off in this situation.

[@1957rayboconfederatecitizen]

The highways are seriously dangerous today because of all the unqualified CDL class A drivers working for these mega carriers. I’ve advised all my friends and family to stay far far away from all tractor trailers on the road. Most drivers have less than 3 months driving experience. It’s the company tycoons way of packing dollars into their profit accounts. They are evil, selfish criminals. I wish I was still young enough to drive a tractor trailer. I can recall the days when there were no trucking driving schools, the freight companies trained their drivers the right way. They would start you on the yard first, then once you could back a trailer proficiently they would send the driver out on a city pickup or delivery, once they had proven they could communicate with customers, operate the TT professionally, they would then let the driver take a run out of state or a run that required a layover even if it was just a 250 mile run. The old freight company’s didn’t let a driver go full time until they sensed the driver was safe. Dock workers could learn how to operate, however most dock workers who chose to operate a TT would fail out and remain on the dock. What’s is so obvious to me is that Jimmy Carter screwed up the road safety by deregulating the industry so as to open up the doors for all these dangerous truck load company’s to start up. I was a new driver back in the late 60’s, we had songs written about us, we had movies made about us, we were thought of as the hero’s of the highway. In todays world drivers today are worrisome to the majority of travelers moving up and down the freeway system. I wish I could drive, I would never consider a company with its own school. The best way to learn how to operate a TT is a technical college that offers a truck driving program. It very wise to stay away from a carrier that has a training program. The profit is not in the training outside the government subsidy . The government subsidy for training TT drivers should be stopped immediately for companies. The government has place the fox in the hen house, companies are driven by profit, hire more drivers, get more training subsidies. Since JB Hunt lost their subsidy they are now a pretty good company. It’s not uncommon today to find a 10, 20, even a 30 year driver. JB hunt had the worst reputation back in the 80’s and 90’s, we would make fun of them on the CB, we would avoid being near them on the road. I love driving a TT and I learned the right way. I learned from a company that had a full length mirror hanging on the drivers door that ask, “how will our customers see you today”? The company would take good dock hands off the dock, train them for about 2 or 3 years until they could run the yard safely, then they would sign off on the affidavit that would qualify them to take the class 5 test. Once they have their class five they would let you go deliver a load at a customer, the pickup a load or shipment on the return. It took at least 5 years before a dock hand could get a bid on the road or city. There was no such thing as a truck driver shortage back then and today there is no shortage of drivers. By the way, Jimmy Hoffa did more for the trucking industry that anyone, think buddy, the government the Kennedy’s hated Hoffa because Jimmy Hoffa got us freight men good contracts. He was framed, had it not been for Jimmy Hoffa you will get what you have today.

[@brianjames4169]

You ROCK dude. I’VE been saying this for YEARS. Reason ya LOUD and CLEAR!!!

[@Angailekey]

I got my Cdl and then a driving job 8 months later. I got 5 days training for my flatbed and was sent out. My carrier did keep me in loads that were familiar from the 5 days and they were available by phone.

[@Chris.3791]

At CR England you can become a trainer at 6 months from graduating their "school." Meaning someone who hasn't driven their first winter themselves could find themselves "teaching" winter driving, over the mountains to boot, when they have never even done it themselves. And they wonder why they have a bad reputation...

[@pheleant]

"Should there be a better standard of minimum training for these new drivers?" . If you ansrwsed "no" this question, do the rest of us a favor, and get out of the business!!

[@danielsalmon3909]

I agree they do have one day CDL training which is crazy and I've even seen some of these trucking school companies they use if they use a manual transmission they only use a 6-speed transmission which is synchronized and then they only give you a single axle truck with a little pup trailer so good luck when you're in a sleeper truck with a 53-foot trailer but I guess I can't say much I didn't even go to a trucking school I learned off of a farmer but I do think he taught a lot better than a lot of them trucking schools and I was in a big Peterbilt pulling a hopper bottom

[@jlawrence0181]

In the US, you cannot sue the employer for death/injury on the job. It is all handles by the workers' compensation system which is different in every state.

[@spidarman8891]

I was five months driving when I got my first trainee. He was a seasoned veteran and ended up training me on driving while I trained him on the job functions. 8 months in they have me 2 fresh drivers. I made it a point to tell my company I didn't approve. We all had our own company trucks. Companies that behave like this are disgusting!

[@deplorablechicano7967]

most mega company's​only require 6 months experience to be a trainer

[@SmartTrucking]

Unbelievable! Dave

[@mperez1922]

I got my CDL training through swift and I have to agree that the training process was minimal. After driving with my trainer for a few weeks I was supposed to get tested by another Swift driver and they only had me Bob tail to a convenience store and told me that my trainer was an excellent trainer so I was good to go to get my own truck.

[@hotsolol]

Just a FYI in the us you have to take a road test to get a license. Even for mega carriers.

[@phillipstahl3957]

I started with cr england, i went to an independent driving school though. I had to learn most things on the road on my own. My trainer took breaks in the fuel island and did driver switches on the shoulder of i80. We ran a dedicated route from Ogden UT to Columbia City IN, i got thrown into the fire basically as a team driver. If i was driving my trainer was asleep. I tried to learn as much as i could and i am lucky that ive pulled a lot of gooseneck trailers with pickups in the past and had a decent feel for backing. My trainer couldnt back for crap. After 3 weeks i got put on a team truck with an "experienced" driver who was the definition of a super trucker. He stayed up riding in the passenger seat for about 4 to 6 hours after his shift to "give me shit for being a rookie". Then when it was his time to drive, he would go for a couple hours and park on the shoulder for several hours because he didnt get enough sleep. I left that idiot and drove for another 6 months through winter. Most my runs were on 80, 84, 94, and 70 from start to finish. They were not fun. My teammate admitted he was not ready to drive bad weather and would not drive at night, but i still had bills to pay and england does not pay you while you sit, even for road closures. I already knew how to throw chains and drive decent in the slick from my ranching upbringing, but it still scared the shit out of me having to drive ice storms and the big downgrades out west with snowpacked roads in such a big vehicle. The worst was the autoshift trans they had in our trucks. They disabled manual mode above 25 mph, so you could not keep momentum to help climb up slick passes while holding high rpm and on the flats you had no throttle to help keep the trailer straight when the winds kicked up on 80 through wy. I would have driven 20 mph but i was scared i would get rear ended and kill someone or cause a pileup. I was making so little money that i put myself through all that with no training besides a shitty winter training video england put out in october for us to watch just so i could make a paycheck to pay my bills. Somehow i made it through winter unscathed I left them and found a small carrier that actually wanted me to drive and pays for my time. They put me in newer nice equipment (kenworth t660), they encourage us to report any problems with our equipment no matter how small, i know my dispatcher/driver manager on a first name basis, he personally rode on my road test, and he has more driving experience than i do by far. they never even question me when i say its too unsafe to drive whether it be weather related, or if im just plain worn out and cant give 100% to paying attention. They contract for one of the large carriers, so we have access to their drop yards and terminals all across the country, so not getting a load somewhere on time isnt a problem. I am single with no kids, so i tenx to stay out for at least a month at a time, but ive never had any issues getting home for 5 days even after only 2 weeks out. I am coming up on 400k safe miles, and although this company doesnt pay top dollar, they pay good. i have a loyalty to them for treating me so well that money just cant buy. Looking back now, i could have started with this company. They would have paid for my training and trained me a hell of a lot better. I would have been put on the road with a veteran driver and ran solo runs with the trainer riding shotgun the whole time for 3 months. I know this is a crazy long comment, but i hope a few of you read this and start looking at small companies to drive for. Do your research and dont just fill out the first application that pops up on Google. And make sure you want to truck before you commit to it. I love driving and i take pride in it, but it isnt for everyone and there is nothing wrong with that. Its a tough job to do properly on your own, but if you can find a good place that can teach you how to drive well and keeps the good drivers around, it makes things way easier and safer for everyone.

[@ToddMcClure027]

I started out with a major carrier. You’re dead on. They team two guys who have no business being out there. The training is awful. My trainer was only in for a year. He never mentioned a Jake brake. Talk about burning some brakes up. My team driver quit 2 months in. I was glad. I could finally sleep without a guy driving with no experience. 7 years in I’m lucky to be alive and that I’ve hurt no one. Everything I’ve learned is from guys like you and watching and asking veterans.

[@ToddMcClure027]

Pam was my company, btw. A joke. Never met a veteran there with more than 3 years in.. keep overhead low and beginner drivers pouring in.

[@ToddMcClure027]

4 weeks after stepping into a semi the first time I was in DC and Baltimore rush hour traffic with another guy as green as I. Never been about safety.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching and for commenting!

[@gusminotaur2112]

I spent 12 weeks training with a good vetran trainer. Best learning for me was local work

[@mitdragnurb]

That is exactly what Werner did with me. The trainer who was a great guy was the night driver and I would drive during the day non stop Dallas Texas to Bakersfield. The third week my wife met me at the hub in Dallas and told me I was going home. I drove mixers for 2 years and now drive a 2 axle flatbed short haul for the last 3 years. OTR is good I guess but not if you've got a family as the dispatcher constantly lies about what is going on. Stand up for yourself and if they don't want to train you properly it is time to go on down the road.

[@SmartTrucking]

Completely Agree! And good for your wife!

[@markofexcellence5209]

You have taught me so much just from these videos. Thank you for putting all of this information out!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy to help! Dave

[@christopherbowley2084]

I got my CDL through crst and there they only teach you what's on the test. then send you out with a lead driver who is only required to have 6 months experience.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, that's ridiculous! Says something right there about CRST. Dave

[@mikescott53]

My son & daughter in law, both went through school with CRST and now are approaching the end of their 1st-year contract. She had one hell of a time passing the school but she did it. They are always stuck getting trailers fixed that others won't do. My son is teaching her things that he learned from me when he rode along.

[@zavettataylor5971]

Truth

[@alexpowers3697]

They won't be happy until Google trucks takes over and there are no drivers.

[@m.miller2374]

in Nebraska you take an on road skills test, and back up and parallel park test.

[@frankswain9483]

Where in NE?

[@m.miller2374]

The whole state, that's the test for the cdl.

[@mikejmarvin]

Not when I did it

[@jeffrey9204]

I love your videos thank you for some of the awesome advice and some of the funniest crap ever. I started my own company awhile ago and been going great hope everyone out there has a blessed week coming up.

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad to hear the new company's going great! Wish you guys the best. Dave

[@willgibbs2801]

Wiley Sanders is another company. A friend of mine drives for them. Fresh out of school, and has been solo for less than 6 most. and now he's a trainer.

[@SmartTrucking]

Craziness. Dave

[@alexchristensen5985]

Hello, Great knowledge, 5 years ago went through a CDL program at a tech college in MN. It was a 180 hour program, majority behind the wheel/ 3 students in a truck, with 2 hour rotated driving time slots per student. Each instructor had a million “safe” miles. It was a blast, learned a lot (pre-trip, safety, using your “triangle” for observations. Instructor told a story, how he almost killed someone in a corvette. Making a right turn, straddled the left lane prior to the turn, corvette snuck into the right lane- and barely caught it in his right mirror. So he always stressed situational awareness. Learning a ton from you. Getting back into driving a truck for a Private Carrier.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Alex!

[@larryfazen6468]

I drive a gas tanker for a family owned business, 500+ trucks, 900+ drivers! They require three years Truck Driving Experience and then you get a pretty good training with the actual handling of gasoline, first year working a five-day work week a new driver can make $80,000 a year, it is such a specialized business. We always say that we have rules and we have to follow them

[@SmartTrucking]

Sounds like an excellent outfit! Hauling gas is nothing to screw around with , it's got to be done right because the margin for error can be virtually non-existent. I hauled gas for about 10 years all told and the only thing I didn't like about it was that no matter how good my rubber gloves were, by the weekend my hands still smelled like gas! Dave

[@landyacht6177]

In order to obtain a CDL you must pass both a yard skills test and a road test. Passing the written test only allows you to get a TIP which only allows you to drive a semi when there is a person with a CDL riding with you.

[@TheNativeSonOfficial]

I've seen plenty of drivers with "years of experience" doing stupid stuff and ending up in the ditch, usually taking others with them. My company requires two months of training for inexperienced drivers. I would prefer requiring students to apprentice to an experienced professional driver for a year, but I also realize I'm an exception. I have been a trainer for two years, driving for a little over three. I have produced 7 out of 8 successful trainees. I am the best trainer and a top ten driver at a company with 30 trainers out of 550 drivers. So while I will agree that many companies care more about profit than safety, I cannot agree that just having 30 years of experience makes you a good driver.

[@jeffrieharper1946]

I was one of those,thanks for my military training I did okay.

[@pjusino5]

Jeffrie Harper I feel the same way. My training was 10k miles I did in 3weeks didn't learn that well,but my military experiences helped to stay on the safe side.

[@dalen.tenney5210]

i stopped a "training" truck, student driving, trainer (?) with him, asked them what a safe following distance was, neither one knew!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Just sad!

[@23tracy91]

I was out 5 weeks with my trainer at TMC. I drove my whole clock every day. I was able to call my trainer at any time after I finished training, had a book with all the loading information for flatbed, had my safety department that I could call at any time, and was never pressured to run too hard. I recommend TMC to any new driver. I don't drive with them anymore but they are great.

[@vernpalechek9314]

It's not always a lack of training, there seems to be a lack of common sense among the newer recruits. They're often untrainable.

[@Max20FA]

My trainer claimed that he was in the bunk because it’s was a simulation of me driving by myself… which was the ultimate goal for me. That was 4 years ago… thank god.

[@aarontaylor954]

The U.S Government won't regulate training requirements because they need the tax money

[@matthewthomas7648]

I was really blessed to have a fella mr david decker at pam transport to train me. He had 37 years of experience and had a wealth of valuable knowledge on how to handle the truck

[@jessebrazee7278]

I'm in the process of getting my class A. I'm in a 6 month course. 10 weeks in classroom, and 12 weeks on the road, learning to drive, inspections, and all that. I 10000% agree with everything you said

[@jasonlisonbee]

I currently drive exclusively on ATS. It's just an almost simulator. I refuse to drive at night, because it's just too dark in too many places. I always try to find a rest stop and make my virtual driver rest as soon as the in game time hits 8pm. I can do this because longer routes always give enough time and there is no waiting at end points. All of it is picking up a trailer then dropping it off, then leaving it for another job.

[@robertgray9802]

Dave you are so correct and myself being a rookie driver I've noticed they really pushed my miles each month and whenever I stop just too fuel I get a phone call from my dispatcher asking me why am I stopping. when I asked take a personal leave of absence for some personal issues the first thing they asked me was when you coming back they didn't bother to one seek knowledge that I was leaving because I had family problems but rather when can you get back in your truck because you're right you are a money maker to them

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

I love you videos, and the great information you share with us!!!!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@haynes1776]

When I started with Werner in November of 2004 after graduating from Roadmaster, I had a difficult time adjusting to life on the road. It wasn't easy at first. my first mentor was a jerk, yelling and cursing at me when I was trying as hard as I can. My next two mentor I was able to learn more. I took it upon myself to stay on and get as much training under my belt until I felt ready to go on my own. The second company I drove for, LCT, I did very well. I do believe that proper training of new drivers is crucial to their sucess and survival.

[@jimcrouch2476]

I am a new Driver....The company Did 4 weeks in school training. and 14 days with a trainer. i was lucky however that i was raised into the trucking industry. I Know what to look for and know how they react in slick conditions. Rain Wind Snow and ice. but i see a lot of guys just driving on (Autopilot) and it worries me a lot do not use a cb. or they only turn it on when they see a clog in traffic i do hope one day they make it harder to get a CDL it was too easy to get

[@lauramorrow3358]

Been driving for 20 yr i still get out an look.....goal

[@chriatinephillips9461]

The man that taught me didn't allow me to actually haul a load for two years I road with him and only drove empty

[@paulburtonii7901]

low rates high fuel prices. sounds like no profit unless u team or train in your truck. super solo for a dedicated account to make a lil more money.

[@25mfd]

A lot of this turns on self insured companies vs non self insured companies. The GIANT places like schneider and jb hunt are self insured. The amount of revenue even a new driver can generate for the company exceeds any potential monetary liability due to that new drivers inexperience. Big places have a huge advantage.

[@theone2be33]

I never went to no training school. I just bought a truck and taught myself how to drive it and fix it. I've been at it for 30 years. Keep on trucking

[@SmartTrucking]

Old School, always the best school! Dave

[@MrStan1221]

supposed Dot is changing the stiffing the requirements for driving schools and imagine hours will increase to.

[@truck9094]

Agree , lots of unskilled truck drivers on a road , it must changed

[@solck7286]

Even temp agencies. I have driven for temp agencies and they never do road test. They just send the driver to the company. The companies trust the agency and don't do road test once you show up either. I've been driving for over 12 yrs. I watched people go to swift school for one week and pass the dmv test. They were let out after that. I had 3 months of driving with a trainer. It was local I had to do all the driving and all the backing. I had to take a test after that driving with a trainer for a week without assistance. My training was in san francisco. And you could only pull a 28ft couldn't pull a 48 and up or doubles until after a year of driving plus training in that trailer.

[@MrRagingrapid]

Over here in Australia, you need to do about 15 hours to get your licence. But no company will hire you unless you have 2 years experience, have a medical, have a criminal record check, a licence check, compulsory drug and alcohol check and have no accidents in the past few years.

[@MrHossola]

I see it every time I'm in our yards , it makes me want to puke the crap that some drivers think is ok to pull off running down the road.....smh...keep fighting the good fight Dave.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! We will!

[@lauramorrow3358]

It start with school an mega carriers dont compensate trainers fairly. Students have atrocious attitude towards trucking an what its all about your right thank you

[@chloekuenzel5316]

When I was with Swift they have their students train for 3-4 weeks and you could have a trainer with a mininum of 6 months experience. So glad I don't work for them anymore. I when starting out in the trucking instrusdry there should be at least 1 year over the road with snow and chaining up experience before having to test out

[@I.P.Phreely]

Sounds like negligence on the part of the mega carriers to place an unskilled, inexperienced driver in a truck without an adequate amount of hours of training. Federal regulations need to change for the safety of the public. Accidents don’t happen on paper.

[@SmartTrucking]

I believe it is negligence to the point of criminal negligence and that those carriers should be facing jail time in some instances for their practices. Dave

[@I.P.Phreely]

Smart-Trucking.com : Dave, what is your opinion with regards to lowering the age requirement to 18 to prevent a driver national shortage?