Watkins Shepard 30-Day Training

Ya paper work that w/s sends you mentions the fact that some drivers who do the 10 day should really do the 30 day, it emphasis's for you to be honest with yourself and to realize what you are taking on and that you WILL be by yourself and need to be truthful enough with yourself that you have the confidence to take on this endeavor-- granted that was not word for word but in general thats what it said. kinda of like a small warning - of what you are getting into on a 10 day.

 

I did that last week - I went to the t/a out on the 10 at milliken and talked to a couple drivers - kinda wandered around the fuel island and parking lots looking for any w/s trucks ---- it was pretty funny cuz i felt like a "lot lizard" LOL walkin around aimlessly, looking at trcuks and trying to find drivers to talk to that didnt look to busy. I got a lot of good info and it was cool to just be in the truck stop and checking out how everything was set up, hung out in the tv room, checked out the shower areas , the arcade, the shop, the store etc, it was kinda cool just "researching" the career i was getting into ---- just by being around it, seeing how guys were fueling up, parking , leaving etc. If anyone is planning on this new career I would suggest going to a local Pilot or T/A and just poke around, it's actually kind of fun,, and when u do dont be surprised if ya feel like a "lizard" LOL I was surprised at how many "couples -- bf/gf's or husbands and wives that I saw, (one of the guys I talked to had his wife with him - and his small dog) I told my wife about it to cuz in the future she wants to be riding along and maybe even getting her cdl so we can team drive. BUT one thing at a time, I want to get in some experince first and get comfortable with the rig and the "general life on the road' backing down an alley\, docks, truck stops etc and whatever comes up.

 

Again, congrats SBD....
In your message to me, you said you went to the San Bernardino CDL center. That's where my school goes for the tests as well! Hopefully some of your good luck will still be there for me when I go in Feb....

 

Wonder where Lynchmob has been hiding the last few days......

 

Warpdrvr he does comes and goes on here. Probably busy driving so the less we hear from him is a good sign he is getting the miles.

SBD, lot lizzard! There are so many people comming and going at a truck stop almost anyone can blend in. When I drove I didn't notice lot lizzards until they knocked on my cab when I drove. When you drive and hear the knock at a truck stop either ignor it or just say no thanks without opening anything shaking your head noooo as well. You will see people selling cheap jewlery as well and one time I opened my window to say no thanks and he stuck his hand through the opening to show what he had. Lucky for me it was not a weapon, just jewlery but that had me asking myself what if.

 

That sucks for you guys that were going to the school, hope plan B works out for you.

I heard somewhere recently (cant remember where), that W/s had picked up a big contract, is that true. I start a 18 week course in Jan that is W/s approved and after reading all the excellent posts here and on other threads i will definitely be applying. Only problem i might have is my CDL license will initially only be good until the end of 2011, however the process to extend my green card is very simple. Already talked to Roxy a while ago (she is awesome) but wasn't aware of the 2 year thing then. Like the idea of actually getting some physical exercise as well, which seems very possible with W/S.

Anyway guys this thread and others has kept me entertained for some time and i look forward to future installments.

Slainte

 

Irishtrucker, 18 week course? Tell us more. Be honest about your 2011 situation to the companies you apply for.

 

this is a good question...

 

The school is with California emergency foodlink in Sacramento, the school part lasts 12 weeks and then 6 weeks working for them for free to offset the cost of schooling, which i guess could be 6 weeks of experience driving. I will be honest, the extension is garuanteed and can become a citizen in 3 years so hopefully wont be a problem.

 

Sounds interesting on on your choice of school. I'm sure it will work for you. Becomming a citizen you will know more about basic American history than most! Sad but true. Good luck!