1. Trip Planning
- Learning the Eisenhower Interstate System
- Map Reading
- Understanding the use of GPS and negative impact on route planning, pick-up and delivery
2. Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
- Understanding the ELD software
- Understanding the rules behind the ELD and learning when there are errors
- Learning how to complete paper logs; why and when you need them
- Learning paper trip reports; why and when you need them
- Editing errors
- Proper use of yard moves and personal conveyance
- Working with DOT enforcement offices to provide them with allowed ELD content
3. Analysis backing and road skills
- Provided range training for backing, parking, etc.
- Provide road training for shifting and lane management as needed; prior to behind the wheel training
- Load securement training
4. Behind the wheel training
- Trainer will expand on trip planning to ensure on-time delivery without violating hours of service (HOS)
- Analyze, advise and guide trainee to a higher level of safe driving skills
- Teach safe maneuvering on highway, heavy traffic, delivery sites, truck stops and rest areas
- Teach descending and ascending steep and/or long grades safely
- How to exit and enter highway to prevent accidents and rollovers
- Teach sign reading to develop safe, planned maneuvering
- Enforce constant mirror scanning
- Advise on how to handle breakdowns, flat tires or any other issues affecting the tractor-trailer
- Teach fuel buying program, proper fueling and etiquette at fuel station pumps
- Where to eat, sleep and shower, incorporating this into daily trip planning to improved time management and make the most of legal driving time
- Planned parking, avoiding fines
- Handling paperwork and Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Weighing axles, sliding tandems and learning bridge laws per state
- Build up stamina to drive up to 11 hours daily
- Learn to work with broker loads
5. Mentoring
- Mentoring with your trainer as long as you need it
- Open access to dispatchers, mechanics and management for support