8 months ago I started as a part timer for the sole purpose of becoming a driver. The job beat the hell out of me, the hours made me lose money considering I couldn't do OT at my other job anymore, and it could have been years before I got a shot at driving.
The past peak I got a chance to do seasonal driving. 12 hour days in below zero, often blizzard-like weather, minimal training (DIAD was not fully covered in class, and I was supposedly going to have a sup with me sometimes, never happened past the first day), 80% of my helpers were brand new throughout the entire season and also physically weak, my route was modified multiple times without warning, every truck I got was the bottom of the barrel with loose mirrors, bad doors, etc., and I could literally go on and on.
However, despite all the bs thrown my way, at no point did I think "this isn't worth it". The job would be an absolute dream without the constant complications and runaround by management but if wasn't for all that the pay wouldn't be so great and I'd be waiting years to get hired. I'm more certain than ever that this is going to be my career and am desperately trying to make sure it happens.
They never asked for the uniform back but mid-January I signed a bid sheet for full time and got a call a couple weeks later, now I'm going to integrad in a week and a half. I'm a little worried about actually passing the probation period though, because I really wasn't the greatest even among the seasonals. What are some things I should be doing to look like I belong there?
If you can, show up early, go through your truck.... organize it if it needs to be(probably will).
Study maps if you're not familiar with where you are going.
You will gain/lose the most time in the back of the truck. This will make or break your day.
Spend a few minutes a couple times a day to keep the bulk area organized. You will save time doing this.
Always know where your next 5 stops are.
What shelf?
Floor?
Rear Door?
Also.. know where those next five stops are. Where the delivery location is, etc.
Remember last names in businesses. CIR should pretty much take care of that for you (hopefully)
If you're a quick learner and can keep the bulk area of the package car organized (best you can) , you stand a shot to pass the probation period on little experience.
Yes, you will have to move fast as you can (on foot) and think as clearly and quickly as you possibly can. Week 1 may suck, but each day you will gain knowledge you didn't have the day before.
Week 2, Hopefully you will be running under this week. If not, keep your head up, you will probably be making steady gains.
IF everything goes smooth....
Week 3 you will have all your days "under" finished.
Week 4 SAFETY! SAFETY! SAFETY!
Overall, be sure to make all of your NDA and NDA-saver commitments.
1500s only matter for commercial stops. Resis with a 1500 are due at 23:59.
If a 1500 (residence) is at the top of your board and you don't want it to be. Hit the Res/Com button to have it go back to its place it should be.
If you feel like you're a good navigator, then that's a good start. But I would highly recommend looking at every single street sign you pass, until you know it without looking. Do this in every town you go to, or in every area of town you're in. Eventually, you will deliver to that street and you will know it.
Next, get the numbers of addresses down. What side is the low end, what side is the high end? Remember houses, where is their address actually located. Garage? Door? Mailbox? Sign in yard?
Bring a flashlight if you will be out at dark.
Number one, is be safe. Don't put yourself of anyone else in harms way, ever.