What You Need to Know Before Attending Driver Orientation Week

The time has finally arrived. You’ve secured your position at Oakley Transport and are finally part of the best family. Now it's time for your week long orientation to prep you before getting behind the wheel. Starting a new job or leaving a prior commitment to start afresh can be daunting, so we want to help shake the nerves by giving you a run-down of what you can expect when you first step through the door to orientation.

The Broad Scope
Orientation always commences on a Monday and will last from three to four days, depending on your driving division. All events are held at our company headquarters in Lake Wales, FL. If you have joined our family as a Dry Van/Reefer driver, you can expect your on-boarding process to last until either Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. However, Tank drivers should plan for orientation to conclude either Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.

Despite your position, here are a few action items everyone can expect:

1. Filling out your recruiting & new hire paperwork
2. Reviewing company benefits
3. Completing pre-trip inspections
4. Undergoing road testing to determine skill assessment
5. Learning best carrier practices/procedures for permits, fueling, tank wash, and turning as well as an introduction to the Omnitracs system, 
6. Understanding driver compensation, reimbursements, maintenance department operations, customer requirements and hazmat
7. Training for tank/pump based on evaluations done in orientation

Travel Isn’t Cheap. We Have Your Back.
If you aren’t a Florida resident, we know getting to orientation can cause a financial strain. We’re here to assist. Not only do we offer a $300 incentive for all drivers attending orientation, but, in addition, we also pay $150 per orientation day after you have accepted your first dispatch for payment. Furthermore, we provide travel compensation/reimbursement and handle scheduling and arrangements - so make sure you keep your receipts. Below is a list of covered items.

1. Air travel
2. Rental car
3. Hotel accommodation
4. Shuttle to and from the hotel
5. Breakfast and lunch
6. Reimbursement for passport or hazmat and MEC Self-Certification
   
   

Don’t Forget the Necessities
Please double check that these essential items are part of your packing list and make it with you to orientation.

1. ​Voided check for direct deposit
2. W2’s or tax info to verify companies you’ve worked for in the past that have gone out of business
3. Social security card
4. Driver’s license
5. Passport
6. TWIC card and certified copy of your birth certificate (only needed to obtain your TWIC)
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Packing Your Suitcase
We are pretty relaxed when it comes to your attire. However, we do have a couple codes that we please ask you to follow.

1. Only closed toed shoes are allowed for training
2. Do not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts to orientation
3. Make sure to pack enough clothes for two weeks

While the information above covers the framework of orientation week activities and information you need to know prior, we understand you may still have some questions. We’re happy to answer any of them. Click the button below to learn more and find contact information for our team members.

More Info About Orientation