Watkins & Shepard

**madman118** · 04.15.2012

So a lot of companies I have contacted all say that their trucks are really new. I know that a diesel engine taken care of lives a good long life. A lot of Watkins Shepard trucks look a bit older than what some other major carriers are running. Does W&S just take really good care of their stuff so the trucks live longer lives, or are they just cheap?

**the flying scotsman** · 04.15.2012

when you spot problems with your truck take it to the shop and it will get fixed. when you start you will get one of our older trucks, which sometimes have a few gremlins, but over time they get ironed out, and while the truck may not be the shiniest newest truck on the road, it will however (with a proactive driver) be the one rolling down the road while the shiny new company trucks sit in the truck stop.

if you want some brand new equipment look elsewhere, if you want a truck and a company that "can" keep you moving, then look no further, and going by your location, you would have no problem seeing home..

**Henley** · 04.15.2012

The trucks aren't new, but they're fairly well taken care of. They're PM'd and lubed at the regular intervals and anything the mechanics spot while doing that will be addressed. Unlike many of the larger companies, W/S puts a lot of the responsibility on the drivers to make sure the trucks and trailers are in good shape. There are no safety lanes at the terminals and if you don't take it upon yourself to write up a problem that isn't obvious, it probably won't be fixed. This also means that the shops tend to trust the drivers a little more and they will actually listen to you when you tell them what's wrong or what you *think* is wrong. They won't second-guess you or give you a hard time when you need a T-Chek for road service or repairs at a TA, either.

Personally, I'm glad they have a little faith that I know what I'm doing instead of treating me like I'm an idiot that can't be trusted to tell if something isn't right. Of course, if we had safety lanes at the terminals I'd probably find fewer problems with trailers and spend less time getting those problems corrected... but when I do need to get something addressed it's left up to me for the most part to figure out how, when, and where to do it. That's a trade-off I can live with.

**madman118** · 04.15.2012

Originally Posted by the flying scotsman

when you spot problems with your truck take it to the shop and it will get fixed. when you start you will get one of our older trucks, which sometimes have a few gremlins, but over time they get ironed out, and while the truck may not be the shiniest newest truck on the road, it will however (with a proactive driver) be the one rolling down the road while the shiny new company trucks sit in the truck stop.

if you want some brand new equipment look elsewhere, if you want a truck and a company that "can" keep you moving, then look no further, and going by your location, you would have no problem seeing home..

I really don't care if the equipment is a bit older as long as its kept up, regular service and fresh tires/brakes. Theres no way I would move a loaded truck without those. Id rather drive a truck with a few issues and haul *** rather than sit and twiddle my thumbs and not make money. Also does W&S use all Volvos? Thats what I see around here mostly.

**American-Trucker** · 04.15.2012

Originally Posted by madman118

I really don't care if the equipment is a bit older as long as its kept up, regular service and fresh tires/brakes. Theres no way I would move a loaded truck without those. Id rather drive a truck with a few issues and haul *** rather than sit and twiddle my thumbs and not make money. Also does W&S use all Volvos? Thats what I see around here mostly.

No they have Freightliner Columbia's, Century's, Cascaidia's and Volvo's not sure the model numbers. and KW T660's

American Trucker

**madman118** · 04.15.2012

Originally Posted by American-Trucker

No they have Freightliner Columbia's, Century's, Cascaidia's and Volvo's not sure the model numbers. and KW T660's

American Trucker

Yeah I've seen a few of the Freightliners and a ton of Volvo 670s near my house and at the Modesto terminal. But never a T660.

**Henley** · 04.15.2012

Originally Posted by madman118

Yeah I've seen a few of the Freightliners and a ton of Volvo 670s near my house and at the Modesto terminal. But never a T660.

There are only a handful of T660s, and they're more of a maroon color than red like the rest of the fleet. There are also some white, brown and yellow Penske trucks out of Conover, most of which are Columbias.

**the flying scotsman** · 04.15.2012

i have a century, but running shortline at the moment id prefer a short wheelbase knight truck, i think ive slept in the truck once in the last 2 weeks.

**walstib** · 04.15.2012

They will fix anything you tell them needs repair right away...I drive a 2005 Volvo with 775K on the clock and it runs like a champ!!!!!

**madman118** · 04.16.2012

Thanks for all the feedback. W&S s my top choice company. They're the only company on this board that not everybody seems to hats and one of their drivers actually made the 43K they advertised(though he ran his *** off!)