Independent Contractor | Flatbed Driver | Owner-operator | Dry Van Driver
ATS Lease Driver Orientation [Video]
Lindsey started with ATS as a temp employee in June 2014 and was hired on in September 2014. While she started in the mailroom and human resources, in 2015 she moved into the administrative service assistant of driver recruiting role – the position she still holds today. She does a lot of reporting and tracking for the recruiting department and for the company as a whole. She has a hand in everything from sign-on bonus payouts and driver referrals to driver orientation. One of her favorite parts of working in this ever-changing industry is getting the chance to catch up with drivers when they come through town. As a self-proclaimed nerd, she also likes reporting and working in Excel spreadsheets.
If you're considering a lease driving position with Anderson Trucking Service and wondering what the orientation process entails, this overview is for you. Lindsey, the orientation supervisor, outlines the orientation process designed to get you road-ready as efficiently as possible.
Arriving in St. Cloud
You'll work closely with your recruiter to arrange your travel to St. Cloud. Upon checking into your hotel, you'll receive a packet containing paperwork that you'll need to complete before the orientation activities start.
Monday
The week starts early on Monday when the ATS shuttle picks you up from your hotel and takes you to our East yard location. Here, you’ll undergo a drug test and a physical examination. Completing these beforehand ensures you can get behind the wheel of your truck and hit the road faster.
Monday also includes a road test, and while some drivers complete this, others will engage in simulator training and watch educational videos. As a lease driver, you’ll choose your truck on this day, giving us the rest of the week to prepare your vehicle for departure.
Tuesday
Tuesday is heavily classroom-focused. You'll go over our company policies, learn about Hours of Service, and discuss value-driven driving. One of the highlights of Tuesday is meeting an ATS executive, which provides a valuable introduction to the leadership and operational philosophy of the company. The day concludes with more simulator training and educational content.
Wednesday
Wednesday's schedule starts with van and flatbed securement training. This is also the day you'll meet your driver managers at the corporate office, establishing a personal connection with the team you'll be working closely with. Van drivers will receive their trucks in the afternoon, allowing them to settle in before their first dispatch.
Thursday
Flatbed drivers return on Thursday to continue their hands-on securement training. This practical training is important for ensuring all drivers are fully prepared for the tasks ahead.
Flatbed drivers, like their van-driving counterparts, will have their trucks ready by Thursday afternoon and can move their belongings in preparation for the first dispatch on Friday.
Check out the Diesel Diaries podcast for an inside look at the trucking industry, featuring truck driver guests, compelling stories, and the latest trends on the road.