Hey Lynch, just wanted to say that I'm really enjoying you telling all of us bout' your experiences there in Missoula. I'm really pulling for you, as are many others I see.

Question....Have you heard anything about any upcoming 10 day orientations through out the holidays? I've got an application in and I'm just sitting here biting my nails wondering if their taking any breaks for the holidays, or if the classes will just keep going strong throughout.

Thanks for the good wished ADR, I appreciate the virtual backup I get from everyone here.

Have you already put in your application? if you have keep on them. I called Roxy on a daily basis, poor thing, just to see how things were going. It's not like they've forgot about you, but those poor girls are constantly busy everyday and probably have hundreds of other applicants to deal with. They're really there to help and are just great people willing to help. If you're truthful and don't have any major infractions you should be good, as long as you're good to them. So, IF you've applied just keep contacting them and ask them the questions you need to know. If you haven't applied yet, do so, give it a day or two then call to check on it. I'm pretty sure they're hiring through the holidays, but not 100%

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When life speeds by; Downshift

Yeah, I just put an app in at Missoula last week. I actually spoke to someone there last year and got more information on approved schools in the SF Bay Area, terminals, etc. all in preparation for this career change.
Although I did leave a message for Roxie last week, I'm going to wait until I have my CDL in hand, instead of just my permit before I call back. At that point, I will be ready to go at a moments notice. Oh, btw...spotless record, no infractions or trouble.

Hey, Lynch,

Welcome to Watkins Shepard. I've been with them for 4 of the last 6 years, and went through their school, too. It sounds like you are a good student of the world, so I have no doubt you'll pass the test next week. I'm working my way back home to Missoula at the moment and will try to find you if I get back before you hit the road in you new (to you) Red Racer!

Dave

I think i may consider coming there. Sounds good. keep us informed on how its going.

very nice....
lets go lynch!, almost time to hit the open road!!!! ur nervs should me going by sat i guess? then again later next week when you finish class!!!
hell yeah!!!!
u got my last email id hope?
and dont worry, this ur post. iv got the other one!

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Enjoy life now - It has an expiration date

I passed!!! On the pre-trip I did the firewall forward and the coupling system and missed approx. 6. Backing didn't get deducted any points and on the drive got 8 points. I did a couple stupid things on the drive which denoted the points and they were stupid stuff. I stopped on the side of an on ramp to do my "emergency stop" and left the gear in 8th and tried to start . Again, stupid. I think I may have shifted in an intersection at the last minute as well. Regardless, I passed and I'm so relieved the test is over. Now the real fun and stress begins and I can and can't wait. All shippers and recievers have wide open spaces and no tight turns right???? Well I figure just take my time and g.o.a.l. I got my truck today too which is a '06 Volvo VN with a Cummins ISX engine & a 10 speed. Needs to go into the shop before it's turned over to me as there's a few things not right with it. Nothing major, and no rebuilds, so I'm happy. As long as it can run as hard as I can, I'll be happy. Gotta get used to the air-ride front suspension also.

My last week here was just tying up loose ends with lessons and practicing for the DMV test and getting all of my paperwork signed and dated. Now that I'm done I've got some time to reflect on my experience here at Watkins Shepard. If I could do this all over again, I would. I wouldn't take the seemingly easier and cheaper route by training at a third party, as most train you to get your CDL. The lessons I've learned here will stick with me for my many years of trucking ahead. I KNOW I've learned things and actually experienced things that I wouldn't have otherwise learned anywhere else. The downhill ops and student trip come to mind first. So many good things taught to me that I know I'll use every single day. Both the instructors I had were more than willing to take time out of their day, even if after 5 to help us achieve success. They were informative, always willing to help, hardworking and I can say, I've made friends of them both. I know if I have any questions down the road, I won't hesitate to call any number of people working for the company, as this has been made clear. And knowing that I've got that team behind me, helps ease my transition into the real world. Other than the early mornings and shared dorms, I've truly enjoyed every aspect of my time here. I unbiasedly can say that in my opinion, this may be the best place to recieve truck training. And on top of that, I've now got a good paying job that will give me a sense of satisfaction and pride. I could really go on for hours about how happy I am and was, but I'll end it here. I'll leave it at this. If there's anyone out there, looking to get with a good company that has top-notch training, put Watkins Shepard near or at the top of your list. I promise you won't be disapointed.

I'm also going to leave this thread in my subscribed list and if anyone has any questions for me, you can either leave a post here, or pm me and I'll be happy to answer them as best as I can.

Thanks for tuning in during my month here and thanks for all the good wishes. I hope to meet some of you out on the road during our travels.

Best regards
Matt

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When life speeds by; Downshift

Congratulations, Matt! I'll be looking for you out her in the coming weeks/months. I'm heading back home now, but won't get there until late in the week. You will no doubt be gone by the time I get there. Have a safe ride to wherever.

Thanks Dave. Appreciate the good wishes and hope to see you out there eventually. Keep safe

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When life speeds by; Downshift

Congrats on the new CDL Matt....I put in my app with WS last week, Roxy called me on Friday. I wasn't home due to a family emergency. I've been trying to get in contact with her so far this week, and no luck. Left a vm and keep calling, but no answer to her line. I know she's very busy and I just have to keep trying until I can make contact with her. I hope to be in the training either in December or January. I won't have the money (severance package from prior employer) until the last day of November, so until then I keep studying for my CDL permit. I hope to see all of you out there soon...

On a completely different note, Matt you need to change your "Trucker?" status to something other than "Student" now.....

Warpdrvr aka Steve