Werner Enterprises, Inc. - Omaha, Ne.

Discussion in 'Report A BAD Trucking Company Here' started by lj, Jun 17, 2005.

  1. MCR6468

    MCR6468 Medium Load Member

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    Sep 1, 2008
    Atlanta Ga
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    It's like the time i called covenant and asked for a bubblebath for the truck being that it --really-- needed one, and the scales folks look at all the trucks when they
    roll through, i paid for it out of my own pocket and did not get reimbursed,and i don't really make enough to do this as a habit, but sometimes it just have to be done...
     
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  3. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

    6,645
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    Sep 19, 2007
    Inland Empire, California
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    We never get a second chance to make a first impression.

    And the way I see it, other's first impression of me
    is often the Big truck I'm drivin'.
    No matter how nice I look in and/or out of that Big truck, it is, at best, a second impression.
    And may, or may not, be the lasting impression I'd prefer to leave.

    I don't know 'bout y'all, but I can be fresh outta the shower, ---
    ALL spiffed up and lookin' ever so fine -----
    But if I have to climb into a grungy Big truck,
    I feel dirty, too.
    Same when exiting said dirty Big truck.

    Now, call me "weird" --- believe me, y'all won't be the first, or the last, to do so -----
    But when I have no choice at the time, and the Big truck remains grungy, ....
    I at LEAST clean ALL the glass, including lights,
    and the TOP of the hood
    as far as I can see.
    THAT way, I fool myself into thinkin' the Big truck
    is clean(er) than meets the eye.

    HeY!
    Works for ME.
    :biggrin_25525:

    AND, ........ as an added bonus, ........
    a CLEAN Big truck, being slipperier, offers less wind resistance,
    which results in better fuel mileage -----
    Causing me to wonder if those companies who don't wash their Big trucks
    often, might realize that they might save money in fuel costs, ----
    or just MAYbe a driver could idle for comfort instead of blowin'
    profits up the stack(s) tryin' to push a dirty Big truck
    through clean air?

    Just another thought I think I thunk. :yes2557:
     
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  4. jmmate

    jmmate Light Load Member

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    Dec 20, 2008
    flint,mi
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    that is a great story, i would of done the same thing. also, because i have severe adhd, i cant just sit around and do nothing. i would figure out how to get it fixed on my own if i had to. i would have to get on the road and get going. i dont think you should think of it as someone elses truck, like you i think of it as my own truck. it is your tool to do your job effectively. i am not saying pay to have the motor rebuild or anything, but the small stuff get it done and hopefully get reinbursed for it. i think if more people took control and did the small stuff, they wouldnt be sitting around for hours or days and then complain that they are not getting any miles. take charge and get things done and get your miles. is it the absolute right thing to do? maybe not. but in reality, who suffers? you or the company? only you do. the company will get someone else to do the run and still get paid. where if you take control do the small repair and get on the road then youboth win. you get miles, they get a cheaper and much needed repair on their truck and you look like a hero. they will remember that and give you more miles and better runs. that is just my opinion. before this i was in supervision/management for over 10 years, and that is how i did things. i remembered the people who took care of me, the company and the tools. they were much better employees and they respected me much more too.
     
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  5. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

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    Sep 19, 2007
    Inland Empire, California
    0
    Thank YeW.
    BINGO
    Hopefully
    .Another point to ponder:

    When we first start out as trainees, and progress toward the top, many wish and hope for that better gig.
    Maybe even becoming O/O's or I/C's --- someday, after their training is complete.

    IMO, training is NEVER 'complete'.
    Driving a company Big truck is just continuing experience and a chance to LEARN more over the YEARS.

    If a driver with a company attitude finds a sweet gig, and applies for it, do y'all think a Big company attitude will git-'er-done?
    I don't.

    Those sweet gigs often expect their drivers to be a cut above the rest.
    They're not as likely to be willing to hold y'all's hand.
    Reminding their drivers when a PM is due?
    HA!
    That's the driver's responsibility!

    Which routes to take?
    HA!
    Road closures?
    Figure out another way to get thar.
    That's what a road atlas is for.
    Y'all figure it out, and then inform dispatch which way y'all have decided.

    A Big company Big truck is a tool for continued learning. If a driver spends a few dollars out-of-pocket, ---
    chalk it up to an investment in learning.
    Not a rip-off. Especially if they're reimbursed for the more expensive expenditures.

    Have a flat tire at a truck stop where the company doesn't have an account?
    Pay for it yourself, rather than expecting road service to send a tire-changer, at additional cost.
    Save a company money, and a good company will remember that. Y'all will have a good reputation for being dependable.
    Failure is not an option with the better Big truck truck drivers.

    IMO, if y'all don't have enough cash and/or credit to carry on the road to cover incidentals that MIGHT occur ---
    y'all are in the wrong profession.

    If y'all want to aspire to those better gigs ---
    start THINKIN' like a better Big truck truck driver.
    DaD-Gummit! :yes2557:
    And quit whinin'.
    :biggrin_25525:
     
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  6. truckerswife4ever

    truckerswife4ever Bobtail Member

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    Jan 5, 2009
    waterloo, in
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    I used to work for Werner they do have a thing called student services least they did when i worked for them these were the ppl to talk to about problems with your trainers etc. my first trainer and i didnt get along i called student services and told them if they didnt get me out of her truck when i got to the next terminal they'd find her hog tied and gagged in the trailer with the load i was off her truck the next day and they found me a wonderful trainer who taught me a lot. There is NO i will repeat that NO reason for going without a shower that long EVER unless its your own personal choice and NO one should ever go without eating that long!!!!!!!! My trainer would never have done that.
     
  7. wannabtruckin

    wannabtruckin Bobtail Member

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    Jan 8, 2009
    huntington beach,ca
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    some really good things being said here , turbo i would like to thank you for clearing the air. Man i was really gettin to the point i did not want to drive lol but after listening to you i think i will continue my quest to drive....
     
  8. luvtheroad

    luvtheroad Road Train Member

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    Jan 1, 2009
    Central Ohio
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    MRPLUG your paragraph #2 is 210% correct. all of your post is correct, but paragraph #2 is miles ahead. we both know about the "trickle down effect" having done other things rather than drive. the inside at werner is not a nice place to be. poorly trained people who have no skills in the industry. its not the persons fault he or she isnt properly trained. most of the people that a driver talks to have no concept about what a driver goes thru to 1. pick up the load and 2. deliver it ontime and safely. most of them can't spell TRUCK. its the i gotta go in and work for 8-10 hrs, now pay me. no pride, no wanting to do a better job, no desire to learn more than they have to, to survive. it starts at the top, if the top people dont like or care about their most prized employees, why should anyone else in the organization? the werner now is a far cry from years gone by. this will eventually reflect on the bottom line if it hasnt already and maybe that will be the wakeup call. lets hope so.
     
  9. Steele

    Steele Light Load Member

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    Jan 23, 2008
    Las Vegas, NV
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    Actually, I have to disagree, but only a wee bit. Although it is the trainers responsibility to train the trainee properly, the trainee also has a responsibility to ask questions if they do not understand something or know something. If the trainer refuses to train the trainee, then it is the trainee's responsibility to request a different trainer.

    Additionally, I thought I'd give an update on my other half's tire situation.

    At the beginning of January, they did replace his two steer tires as they were warped, had bowls, and had strips missing out of them.

    They also changed two of the eight drive tires, as they were sitting at 0.0 & 0.1. As for the other six, they were sitting at 0.3 & 0.4, and Werner refused to change them. I personally think this is disgusting because the bill for the four new tires was only $30 bucks a tire as Werner has some discount with Bridgestone.

    He was told by road breakdown to go directly to a terminal to replace the other tires. His load planner and dispatcher refused.

    Three days later, he intentionally went into a terminal, and was refused the six new tires, sitting at 0.3 & 0.4 saying they pass Werner minimums of 0.2.

    One day after, he went through a scalehouse in California. Would you believe that the inspector passed the tires, with them sitting at 0.3 & 0.4 and gave him a lecture about how bad the economy is and that companies have to watch their budget. (I was on the phone with him and heard the entire conversation via the bluetooth.)

    He went on vacation for five days, and then they have had him working in the yard for the past six days. He goes back on the road tomorrow and reminded the dispatchers and load planners of the situation with the tires. They are respecting his request to keep him out of the snow.

    Needless to say, we've kept a log of all the times hes requested tires, the names, dates, and pictures. Hes going to run this trip, and again request tires once he gets back and also ask for another courtesy inpection on the way in a different state. If anything happens meanwhile because of the tires, the state of CA and Werner are at the top of the sue list for negligence.
     
  10. luvtheroad

    luvtheroad Road Train Member

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    Jan 1, 2009
    Central Ohio
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    yes, i agree with you it's the trainer's responsibility to train the student and i also agree that the student has a responsibility to ask questions. but, you have to remember that the student might not know what to ask or what he/she needs to know. the part about the trainee asking for a new trainer if they arent being trained or if there are problems, i also agree with. heres another "but" (lol) what if they are afraid to ask, maybe think it wont happen and yikes, here i am stuck with a person i complained about, there arent any other trainers available, or the company says no you cant have one. or the trainee is afraid to ask.
     
  11. Steele

    Steele Light Load Member

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    Jan 23, 2008
    Las Vegas, NV
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    Wait.. a truck driver who is afraid to complain?!?!?!? :biggrin_2551:

    Anyway, I guess first yes, a student may not know what to ask however, if they don't feel comfortable and confident doing something, like backing which trainers from all companies are notorious for not teaching very well, I'd suggest they ask the trainer to give them extra practice at it. If they get the "we dont have time" or "no" answer, then I would suggest they call the training department and express their concerns. If they don't get anywhere with the training department, then I would suggest they call safety and say "Im not comfortable with backing. I asked my trainer for additional training however he said no. I don't feel confident and safe."

    And then there's always the option of driver relations.

    But just make sure its a valid complaint, and not something petty and minor otherwise, you'll get a rep (at least at Werner) of a nag.
     
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