any thoughts on western xpress

Discussion in 'Western Express' started by riggs, Oct 28, 2014.

  1. riggs

    riggs Bobtail Member

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    Called em they wanna send me to nashville for 3days orientation then 3 days flat bed training then w trainer 4coupla weeks then on my own. Good pay bonuses this is about the time If its too good 2b true vibe
     
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  3. Ubu

    Ubu Road Train Member

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    Rumored to be somewhere
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    Try asking in the Western Express forum at http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/western-express/.

    This forum is for reporting bad companies, not for asking basic questions about one.
     
  4. DenaliDad

    DenaliDad Retired Wheel Dog

    Using the search box up at the top is a wonderful way to navigate while you learn what's on TTR.
     
  5. Passin Thru

    Passin Thru Road Train Member

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    I saw an ad where they pay up to 75 cents per mile. Why all the bad publicity. They like the govt. would not lie to you.
     
  6. riggs

    riggs Bobtail Member

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    Oct 4, 2014
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    Its a sliding pay scale from 27-75 cpm I don't wanna get stuck with the long hauls and make 27 cpm
     
  7. mroden3i

    mroden3i Light Load Member

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    Yeah, I've a few thoughts. However, some brief background first. I'm older than most so I've been a couple of places and done a couple of things. I served 20 in the military and part of that was operating heavy equipment for aircraft recovery as well as heavy maintenance. I owned my own business for 10 years and did pretty good financially. I have a good education. With all that... Why drive a truck and why WX? I'm almost 60. When you get here it doesn't matter what is on your resume, they just see "old guy". Trucking is one of the few industries that doesn't seem to discriminate.
    OK, that being out of the way, why WX? They get you into a truck quicker than most. I want willing to keep lining a trainers pocket for more than 4 weeks.

    Now to the day to day at WX. Dispatchers, or Driver Managers, as the are referred to here... I got lucky and got assigned to one of the senior DM's. Knows how to do the job. However, that hasn't accrued to my benefit yet. Time will tell. Respect is earned and I need to be patient for now. Communication during the week is timely. After 5 on Friday you can forget about any support until Monday.

    Training. This needs huge improvements. That is all I will say on the subject.

    Equipment. They have some good trucks, but as a new guy/gal you probably won't get anywhere near it. The avenue to get a student into a truck seems to be, go recover one. Trucks are abandoned for lots of reasons. The first one I picked up was a worn out wreck. Against my better judgment, I ran it for two weeks and then just said no more. I repeatedly told the DM (not the one I'm with now) it was unsafe to operate. I was ignored. I turned it over to safety at one of our terminals. Next truck had been wrecked and repaired. I picked it up but had the dry heaves for hours as I cleaned it up. I won't bore you with the details, use your imagination, it was worse than that. Once cleaned up, disinfected, and deloused, it is a nice truck and I'm growing to appreciate it.

    Miles. Last week I ran 3078 solo. That is paid miles, not what actually happened. I hustle as much as I can. I plan the work and work the plan. I start as early as delivery requirements allow and this allows me to find a place to sleep before the non planners get off the road.

    Summing up. I'm here because sometimes the only deal is a bad deal. You have to start somewhere and earn some cred. I'll keep my door closed and work hard. If my efforts are rewarded in a reasonable amount of time, I'll stick around. Sorry for the long post, but you asked :)
     
  8. DenaliDad

    DenaliDad Retired Wheel Dog

    Just remember it's about the miles, not the cents per mile.
     
  9. riggs

    riggs Bobtail Member

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    the sliding pay scale is not what I hoped for I get stuck w long hauls and 27cpm thanks for heads up I am a 1st gulf war veteran myself and im 43 im still a helluva welder but I have a torn rotator cuff and can only do small parts I have a few options left thanks for input
     
  10. shimpainaj

    shimpainaj Bobtail Member

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    Nov 22, 2014
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    I am an older first time driver also and know it will be no walk through the tulips and that I am powerless to change any flaws in the system. I am female and planning to go out with a trainer next week. Apparently I'm going out with their head trainer but sitting in the hotel lobby, I hear horror stories from bored, unprepared first time trainees.

    I plan to plug my ears to nonsense and only pay attention to those in the know. Rumors count for nothing.

    It is true there will be no assistance on the week ends. That is scary but I will make sure my truck is in good working order and my cell phone charged with cash in my pocket every Friday night when I'm on the road. I'm not expecting this to be pleasant but you have to start somewhere. I am absolutely starting on the bottom and know it. Could complain but won't. It's a tough job.
     
  11. riggs

    riggs Bobtail Member

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    Oct 4, 2014
    fargo nd
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    Wx has a sliding pay scale the more yu drive the less u make until it changes I'll stay local
     
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