Embarking on a career in trucking requires quality training and a reputable company to kickstart your journey. Ffe Transport offers a comprehensive CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training program designed to equip aspiring drivers with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. This program combines classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and on-the-road experience, setting you up for a rewarding career in the transportation industry with ffe transport.
Comprehensive CDL Training Itinerary at FFE Transport
FFE Transport’s CDL training program is an intensive, approximately 18-day course that begins the day after your arrival, typically starting on a Tuesday if you arrive on Monday. The initial phase focuses on classroom learning to prepare you for the crucial CDL permit exams. This first week is dedicated to mastering the theoretical knowledge required to pass these written tests, a fundamental step in obtaining your CDL.
Following the classroom week, the program transitions to practical application. For the remaining days, students spend significant time on the training pad, honing essential driving skills. This hands-on training extends to local streets, providing real-world driving experience and preparing students for the official CDL driving test. Upon successful completion of the CDL test and obtaining your license, you’ll officially become an FFE employee within the Over-The-Road (OTR) division. The journey continues with a four-day company orientation, followed by the exciting phase of on-the-road training with a dedicated trainer.
Trucking Truth Logo
In-Depth Look at FFE Transport’s Training Modules
Academy Training Duration
The academy phase of the ffe transport CDL training program is structured to last around 18 days. This duration is carefully designed to provide a balance between comprehensive learning and efficient time management, allowing you to quickly transition into your trucking career.
Hands-On Backing Range Practice
FFE Transport emphasizes practical skills, dedicating a minimum of 9 to 10 days to backing range practice. This crucial component of the training ensures students gain proficiency in essential maneuvers, including backing and other driving skills necessary for the CDL exams and real-world trucking scenarios. The training is tailored to individual needs, focusing on areas where trainees need the most improvement to ensure competency.
Classroom Instruction Hours
Classroom training at ffe transport spans a full week, totaling a minimum of 40 hours of instruction. This intensive classroom component covers all necessary theoretical aspects, ensuring students are well-prepared for the CDL permit tests and have a strong foundation of trucking knowledge.
Student to Truck Ratio on the Backing Range
FFE Transport maintains a training environment that encourages both individual practice and observational learning. On the backing range, up to four students may share a single training truck, accompanied by one instructor. These trucks are purpose-built for training, equipped with multiple passenger seats to facilitate observation. ffe transport believes that observing fellow students is a valuable part of the learning process, alongside direct hands-on experience. The student-to-truck ratio is often less than 4:1, ensuring sufficient individual attention and practice time.
On-The-Road Training with FFE Transport: Real-World Experience
The practical training extends beyond the training pad and classroom with a comprehensive on-the-road training program. This phase is crucial for solidifying your skills in real-world driving conditions and adapting to the life of a professional truck driver with ffe transport.
Duration and Structure of On-The-Road Training
FFE Transport’s on-the-road training period lasts approximately 6 weeks. This is paid training, allowing you to earn while you learn and gain valuable experience. Following this period, trainees undergo a series of post-training evaluations, including road tests, knowledge tests, DOT drug screens, and physical assessments to ensure they meet all necessary standards. After successfully completing these evaluations, drivers receive 5 to 6 days of home time before being assigned their own truck and transitioning to solo driving. FFE Transport provides transportation for your journey home, handling arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
Team vs. Solo Operation During Training
Initially, during on-the-road training, the truck operation is managed as a solo operation under the guidance of your trainer. This allows you to gradually build confidence and competence. Once your trainer is assured of your driving capabilities, the truck dispatch may transition to a team operation approach, simulating real team driving scenarios and further enhancing your practical experience.
Compensation During On-The-Road Training
While undergoing on-the-road training with ffe transport, you will receive a guaranteed weekly pay of $455. Additionally, an optional cash advance of $75 per week is available for drivers who may need extra funds during this training phase. This advance is entirely optional and will need to be repaid, providing flexibility based on individual financial needs during training.
FFE Transport On-The-Road Training Policies: Ensuring a Supportive Environment
FFE Transport has established clear policies for on-the-road training to ensure a positive and productive learning environment for all trainees. These policies address important aspects of the trainer-student relationship and the overall training experience.
One-on-One Trainer-Student Model
During the company-paid on-the-road training phase, ffe transport maintains a one-trainer-to-one-student ratio per truck. This individualized approach ensures focused attention and personalized guidance from the trainer, maximizing the effectiveness of the training and the student’s learning experience.
Policy on Sleeping in the Top Bunk
FFE Transport enforces a strict safety policy prohibiting students from sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is in motion. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of both the trainee and trainer and to comply with safety regulations during operation.
Dispute Resolution Between Trainer and Student
FFE Transport recognizes the importance of a harmonious trainer-student relationship. To address potential personality mismatches or concerns, students are required to check in at least once a week via phone. These check-ins provide an opportunity to discuss any issues, and ffe transport is committed to providing a new trainer if necessary to ensure a conducive learning environment. Furthermore, a 24/7 contact number is provided to students for immediate assistance whenever needed.
Trainer Preferences: Smoking and Non-Smoking
FFE Transport accommodates trainer preferences, allowing students to request a smoking or non-smoking trainer. This option ensures a more comfortable and compatible training environment, catering to individual preferences and needs.
Trainer Qualification Standards at FFE Transport
To become a trainer at ffe transport, drivers must meet minimum qualification standards. These include being employed with FFE for at least 6 months and maintaining a good safety record. Most trainers have at least one year or more of driving experience, ensuring they possess the necessary expertise and experience to effectively guide and mentor new drivers.
Trucking Truth Logo
TruckingTruth’s Positive Assessment of FFE Transport Training Programs
TruckingTruth, a respected resource for trucking information, views ffe transport‘s company-paid training programs very favorably. The 6-week on-the-road training duration is considered ideal, providing sufficient time for comprehensive skill development without unnecessary length. TruckingTruth notes that while the $455 weekly pay during training is slightly above average, the long-term career prospects and quality of training should be the primary focus for aspiring drivers considering ffe transport.
In conclusion, FFE Transport’s CDL training program presents a robust pathway to launching your trucking career. With its structured curriculum, experienced trainers, and comprehensive on-the-road training, FFE Transport provides a strong foundation for a successful and rewarding future in the trucking industry.
