You wish you had it this good :) Watkins & Shepard - Page 5 - Truckers' Trucking Forum

bobabooy · **^ Top** #41 03.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblue19

Ive never worked for WS so I will take you at your word that you believe they are great. But what does a new driver hungry for a job really know what is great?

If you have to depend on a bunch of new drivers to keep the trucks seated, that should tell you something about just how great they really are. I see the newbies at Roel say the same thing about how great they are and then either them or a experienced driver come back with a nightmare story on how they got screwed at the company.

There is no such thing as a great OTR company that has to have a driver mill to keep the trucks filled. Many new drivers think they made the right choice, but most don't even make it a year at a carrier before either they, or the company decide the love fest is over and the DAC report and your career is trashed

My company has hired 2 drivers in 5 years. I replaced a guy who quit to move back east for his wifes new job. How many does a "great outfit" like WS have to replace each day?

Good Luck!

I

and what makes you the authority on what is good and what is bad? if someone is happy driving for a particular company, then so be it. We should all be so lucky to be as experienced as you and to work for the greatest trucking company in the world. more power to you!!!

Tip · **^ Top** #42 03.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckin916

You have to keep in mind that though we may have a 10-day orientation (for CDL holders only), we don't get sentenced to weeks on the road with training pay and an OTR trainer like Swift does. We actually go 10 days and get our own truck and start making money. HUGE difference, and to even compare Swift with W/S is like comparing a broken skate board to a Formula one racecar.

Yeah, I've heard here in the past Watkins is good, and if I were looking to go back, Watkins would be on my short list.

I'm scheduled to go back to SwiftQuit the day after doomsday.

bigblue19 · **^ Top** #43 03.08.2008

Quote:

and what makes you the authority on what is good and what is bad? if someone is happy driving for a particular company, then so be it. We should all be so lucky to be as experienced as you and to work for the greatest trucking company in the world. more power to you!!!

There is no requirement on this site to be a "authority" on anything. But having a opinion is allowed. If you have half your work force beating a path to the door each year, then something is wrong.
Don't know if my company is the greatest company in the world, but it is a lot better then even your above average OTR company and they don't have to advertise all over the country to try to fill their trucks.

danc694u · **^ Top** #44 03.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblue19

Ive never worked for WS so I will take you at your word that you believe they are great. But what does a new driver hungry for a job really know what is great?

I'm not a new driver.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblue19

If you have to depend on a bunch of new drivers to keep the trucks seated, that should tell you something about just how great they really are. I see the newbies at Roel say the same thing about how great they are and then either them or a experienced driver come back with a nightmare story on how they got screwed at the company.

Can you show me/us a "I got screwed post regarding W&S?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblue19

There is no such thing as a great OTR company that has to have a driver mill to keep the trucks filled. Many new drivers think they made the right choice, but most don't even make it a year at a carrier before either they, or the company decide the love fest is over and the DAC report and your career is trashed

Driver mill? Not hardly. How about driver training to insure the drivers they hire, are actually capable of driving the thing to begin with. If it was a driver mill, as you insist. There would be "immediate" openings. And there are not. Call and ask for yourself, "How long before I can train with you guys"

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblue19

My company has hired 2 drivers in 5 years. I replaced a guy who quit to move back east for his wifes new job. How many does a "great outfit" like WS have to replace each day?

Good Luck!

I

I can't speak for the entire company. But we've only replaced 5 drivers at my terminal in the past 11 months. One left for a dedicated "Swift/Wal-Mart" account. Because they wanted to be home every night. 2 left after the wife (of a much experienced team) was fired for having an accident. The other 2, I can't say why they left.

All total, we've replaced 10% of our terminal fleet in the past 11 months. Not even close to the industry standard.

How many trucks does your company have? We have over 880.

How many terminals does your company have? More than one I hope.

Kinghunter · **^ Top** #45 03.08.2008

danc694u,

I wish W/S would expand in FL. They seem like a really good outfit to work for. Those numbers for people quitting are amazing considering how many companies hire students. That is why I am doing my research and choosing very carefully on who I go to. You have very good info and I look forward to seeing more of it. If it is worth it by the time I get my CDL, I may just move to GA to get on with w/s.

Kinghunter

Tip · **^ Top** #46 03.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinghunter

...those numbers for people quitting are amazing considering how many companies hire students.

Companies have discovered they can actually make money off the government by kicking out their vets and hiring students. Know that a 'vet' at some outfits is someone with six-months' experience. Insiders just have to be good actors when they whine to the feds about a phantom driver shortage. Some insiders at some outfits have become such good actors at retelling the lie they could win Oscars.

Tip · **^ Top** #47 03.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by danc694u

....All total, we've replaced 10% of our terminal fleet in the past 11 months....

.....We have over 880 (trucks)....

That sounds like a great company in this day and age.

Kinghunter · **^ Top** #48 03.08.2008

Tip it is remarkable on how long you have to be where you are considered a vet. When I started my first job, i was considered a vet after 6 months but at another you were not one till you were there 3 years.

Kinghunter

Brickman81 · **^ Top** #49 03.09.2008

Does anybody here know if W/S has stopped hiring new drivers? (Yes I know, I will call Monday morning I'm just asking around)

I was planing to go to their 30 day training school in April, but with the country in a big slow down I'm wondering if I have missed my chance for awhile.

danc694u · **^ Top** #50 03.09.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brickman81

Does anybody here know if W/S has stopped hiring new drivers? (Yes I know, I will call Monday morning I'm just asking around)

I was planing to go to their 30 day training school in April, but with the country in a big slow down I'm wondering if I have missed my chance for awhile.

No they haven't. But, there is a bit of a wait for the 30 day classes.

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