Watkins Shepard 30-Day Training

Well it all started with frustration in dead end, low paying jobs that I was constantly unhappy in. I’d wanted to drive a truck for about 10 years, but never had the opportunity to do so and always thought it was over my head. With the last job which dealt with truckers, I had started talking to them getting information and insight from them. It just clicked on day and I was going to do it. A great career that pays well, and I’d really, truly enjoy doing. It started with reading hundreds of posts on this forum and countless youtube videos and more questions and months of research. As some of you know, I had thought about Prime, Swift, CR England, Central Refrigerated and Watkins Shepard. Well this forum helped me check off a couple and I was left with Prime and W/S (Watkins Shepard). I first called Roxy, a recruiter at W/S and was instantly greeted as a real person and felt as if I really mattered. Of course I got some inside info from S2B on this board (thanks bro) so it helped knowing who to talk to. She looked past a speeding ticket 3 years ago and hard times of unemployment and was just so genuine and ALWAYS helpful to me. It was so sincere there was no feeling of telling me just what I wanted to hear to get me in the door. Everything was explained to me over the phone so I was able to make an informed, educated decision by myself. I called Prime, just to see what was on the other side, to be an educated student. The first question before, “Hi, what’s your name” was what have you been doing for work for the past year. Well, I was unfortunately unemployed for that time, living off savings and help from family. Next words out of her mouth (didn’t even get her name) was “Sorry, can’t help you” I was stopped dead in my tracks. “What? You……you cant……?” Recruiter – “Nope, can’t help you, sorry” CLICK. And I quote! Well that sold W/S for me. I was a little apprehensive about the 30 day training then getting your first truck and load and off you go. I was assured that I’d be ready to go and be all good and somehow was comforted by this. I didn’t like the thought of being with another driver for months in the same space as I’m a very private person, so this appealed to me. My number one concern was getting the best training possible, not the quickest way to get my cdl and W/S seemed like a great place to learn. My recruiter was available to me most of the time, as I know she was always really busy, but always there to answer any question or concern I had. It was a like a friend in my corner. I was lucky enough to not have to take the bus and I had a shuttle waiting for me to put me up in a nice motel for my first little bit while here in Montana, which by the way, is C-O-L-D. W/S has really looked after me so far and seems to be really easy going, but make sure you get your work and practice done. Otherwise you’re a waste of their time and they’ll send you home, and rightfully so!

On to my first day. Started out at 8 am and got a ride in with two guys doing the 10-day orientation. They had trained at local schools in their area to get their cdl and now are doing orientation with W/S in hopes of a job at the end of it. Well I can tell you that this eased my mind quite a bit as every single one of those drivers said they didn’t receive enough drive time, good enough training or one on one time with an instructor. They all wished that they had done what I’m doing, but are trying to make the best of what they have. W/S has sent a couple people home because they were unable to shift basically in the yard nor backup. Seems like a waste of money to me. There’s one other woman doing what I’m doing in her 40’s and good for her! So the day started out with reading materials including our company handbook, Hazmat and safety handbook, etc. Signed some paperwork, then headed with a trainer and got some information on the company itself and basic components of the truck and basic driving. After lunch the trainer drove us around the yard a couple times then hopped out and handed us the keys. I was really excited and nervous, but the best way to get my feet wet I figured. Remembered all of what I read on here as well as youtube videos I had watched and went to town. It all sort of came naturally to me but I’ve obviously got some work to do. I was very pleased with my driving and so was my partner. It’s a straight 10 speed Freightliner Columbia, so I was familiar with the controls etc. Seems pretty simple of a truck and great truck to get the basics down. I think it’s hard to really get the downshifting going below 10mph, but tried my best and got it a couple times, but most of the time was spent rubbing gears for a few seconds, then starting from 0mph all over again. Double clutching makes sense now and seems to click. I know with a night’s sleep it’ll make sense in the morning, if my left leg isn’t hurting too much, lol. My partner did really well also and by the end of 2 hours, had double clutching down too. We both seem to be naturals at this and I know with training we’ll be great. I went back after dinner to get a bit more practice and want as much time behind the wheel as I can get, which W/S not only allows, but encourages, and I can’t be happier about that. I’m pretty tired as it’s been a long day, but I’m super excited about tomorrow. So here’s to another good day.



Day two

The morning started out the important information about Hazmat requirements. Now remember we’re still in the class with the 10-day orientation people while they test out in a couple days and my partner and I get the closer attention so some of the information is ahead of us, but the instructors will catch us up. We got to get back in the truck for a couple hours and practice around the yard up and downshifting. Seems it’s making more sense to me now, just have to work on my throttle control and the 300, 400, and 600 rev splits. The afternoon was more class work covering Qualcomm company policies, route planning, load assignments etc. Had a test at the end and got sent home. A pretty basic day and hopefully tomorrow we’ll get out on the road bobtailing.


Day three

Today was one of the big steps. Taking the truck out on the road, and getting past 6th gear lol. We took it out on the highway and took all off ramps to practice downshifting. Went along some sideroads and down some smaller roads up and down small hills, again, just practicing shifting. Went out with my partner and switched every 30 miles or so until lunch. After lunch did the same thing until home time. Instructor is really good, not too praising, but tells us what we need to do, and why, and is always there to help, and is a good conversationalist, so I like him.



Day four

Started out the day today first thing bobtailing the same route we did yesterday and came back for lunch. Downshifting and speed matching makes a lot more sense to me now and I know it’ll get better with time. I really want to learn how to speed match, gear match and rev match, in case I lose a shift going up or down hill. After lunch, the instructor hooked up an empty trailer and headed down the road and parked at an abandoned weigh station and told us the basics. My partner got first reign and did very well. Shifting up and down is a lot smoother with a trailer, as I assume, this is what the truck was designed for. After her turn was up I hopped in the seat and it all sort of seemed to make sense. Always watch that trailer in your mirrors and watch the tandems when taking turns. Downshifting took a little while longer, but absolutely necessary as I found out. Made some entries into a rest stop with trucks and tight spots. No backing yet, but taking the swings wide and watching the trailer. Once we got back, learned how to uncouple and couple, then I stayed a little longer over and did it a few more times. That kingpin puller is going to save my life, as I had to reach under the trailer a few times and reef on it, then get back in a put in reverse to try to loosen it some more. Reef on it some more. Get it loose and do it all over again. Just working on lining up, hooking up and unhooking procedure right now. I’m getting more at ease with driving and more comfortable everyday. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not comfortable behind the wheel and never will, but a lot more at easy everyday. Not sure what’s in store tomorrow, but more driving with an empty trailer I’m sure. Just a lot of driving right now which is good. I’ve been beat the last couple days as it’s very tense and intense right now which wears me out. I'll try to keep my progress and updates everyday, but if I miss a day, you'll know why.

 

Our instructor was sick today so didn't come in. We took the opportunity to get caught up on watching safety videos, which I might add we're actually very informative. Learning about brakes and the drive train and interaxles etc. And they weren't cheesy 80s videos we've all come to ignore. My partner and I took the trailer and worked on coupling and uncoupling then tried backing. I'm pleased to say I just seem to get it. I got it in the hole the first time and continued to do so all afternoon. I of course had some pull-ups and re adjustments but overall I'm very happy with my succes. It seems I'm a natural. I don't want to come across as ####y buy I'm just happy I'm doing well. Going to practice backing tomorrow and take Sunday to take care of personal business. I'll give an update on Monday when class resumes. So far so good and I'm very pleased and impressed with the school.

Have a good weekend guys

 

Had a good weekend. Took care of laundry and cleaning on saturday and got some much needed R&R. Sunday got up early and practiced some backing for a few hours then came inside and watched the Patriots blow the Titans out of the water.#

On Monday we got back in the truck and did the interstate on ramp off ramp thing again then broke for lunch. Met the new orientation people (about 15 of them) and did a lesson on logbooks. Had logbook homework that night and I struggled a bit with the books but it will come in time. I can see where certain areas you can screw yourself out of an hour or two of drive time. But again, that'll come with practice and more knowledge.#

Today we went through some mountain passages on 2-lane roads with 55 and 60 mph limits. Good to get the feel for the truck outside of interstate. We stopped at a really neat store with all kinds of stuffed wildlife and the best beef jerky I've ever had. The morning spent driving gave me a better feel for actual driving and helped me fall in love with the 'job' even more. After lunch spent a few hours doing more logbook exercises then got a crash course in the pretrip and what to expect on the test and what the company expects. We'll go over it in more detail in a couple days. After dinner did some more backing and spent the night doing personal things and reading up on homework material. It's been a great week so far and only gets better everyday.#

I've met several drivers over the last week and a half and really run into some great people. Two of which took me out to lunch. There are of course those that whine about everything or have egos the size of their trucks, but I just keep my peace and be a nice guy. This to me, has n reflection on the company, just a few...... Over-ripe apples. #Still in great spirits just tired at the end of the day.#

 

Had another good day today. Seems to be a re-occurring theme for me here. Started out in class going over log books and load envelopes as well as the drivers handbook for the company. Had to re-test for my learners permit to transfer here out to Montana. It cost me $16 in Colorado and $90 in total here. Kinda hurt, but it's necessary. After lunch we finally got to hook to a loaded trailer and I instantly could 'feel' the difference. I told myself I'd better get used to this because this is what it'll feel like 95% of the time. Fine by me. Love the challenge. Did a little bit of city driving, but no turns yet, just the feel for heavier traffic, smaller streets and low bridges. Gotta keep your eyes peeled out there for A LOT of things. Once that exercise was done we took it up a mile long 6% grade. Learned how the 300rpm split worked and both my partner and I got it right on. Just do the math and it seems to slip right in there. Turned around at the top of the hill and started the downhill exercise. *Now before I go any further, any nay-sayers or negative comments need not apply here* We approached the hill at 60mph in 10th and had to bring the speed down to where the engine brakes and engine would hold it, which was 7th gear for me and 6th for my partner. In defense of the instructors, I only had about 1/10 or 1/8 of a mile notice of the grade before we approached the hill, so if I could only grab 9th or 8th, what am I do to? Keep on the brakes? I respect all of you out there that say a gear should be grabbed BEFORE you approach the hill, and in real world, that's what I'll do. I wont approach a hill I know I'm going to have to downshift for and not get into the proper gear, this was just an exersice to show us, if need be, this is how you downshift down hill, and it was pretty simple, do the 600 split and be assertive on the brakes and bam, slow down under control, and I'm glad they showed us, which gave me the knowldge I need and confidence behind that to keep control of my vehicle. I'm glad this was a part of our learning.

We got back and have some homework and just sending emails and updating the forum now, then off to bed and out again tomorrow. Had a great learning day today, very productive.