Dear Sir: [/FONT]
I am a new driver and will either work for Schneider National or Watkins and Shepard Trucking. I am ready for training for Schneider for the 28th of this month and Watkins and Shepard hopefully by the 30th of this month. I was told by several experienced drivers that Watkins and Shepard is a better company to work for in terms of driver incentives, pay, teams, respect and low turnover. I was also told that Schneider National has high turnover, low pay and more driver turnover. If you have looked at my posts you can see that I am trying to make the most informed decision one can make. I want to be careful in that I am entering this field completely green.
If someone wanted to get into teaching, or wanted to know about becoming a real estate agent, I am their man. However, trucking is entirely new to me and I just want a good start. Now as far as Watkins and Shepard is concerned, I was told that I can do OTR, Short-haul and local. In your opinion, which one is best to do when you first start out? Is the pay better in as an OTR driver? I don't know if you know anything about the company but I just need a little advice before joining. Thanks for any information that you can provide me. Have a good evening.
John
Watkins and Shepard Driving positions and pay???
Discussion in 'Watkins & Shepard' started by Johnnb, Jul 17, 2007.
Page 1 of 2
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
I haven't worked for Shneider or any of the others. I know from talking to former Shneider drivers that they tend to pay less and demand more from drivers. I think you've already had some good advice. Go for one of the other companies you mentioned. Try to get short haul first because it will give you time at home and an adjustment period to get used to being a professional driver.
If you do city, you will get a lot of backing into tight spots, particularly if it's limited truckload (LTL). If you go with long haul OTR truckload (TL) you will be going everywhere in North America and you may not get home for weeks at a time - this takes some getting used to. OTR is particularly frustrating in the northeastern states, where there are few truckstops, old cities and customers in ridiculous places that were never built for trucks (Bronx, Queens, etc.). It's all overwhelming for an 'apprentice' driver.
Hope this helps. -
Now, when I started, They were a great company, and in my eyes still are, for a new driver, as they teach you alot. I went to a CDL mill and got my CDL, I then did a 10 day oriantation at Watkins and Shepard Trucking. I passed and learned alot. When you pass that you are alone, no trainer, etc. I had alot of none legal experiance driving semi's growing up on the farm. So I didn't have much problems passing. Systems/TWT really wanted to hire me, but I would be paid a flat rate of $350 a week. I knew how this game worked, you do all the work, and get little pay. If you know how to drive, and can put up with dispatchers that "I used to be a driver" types, then I would go there, If I were single. It is a single persons game. If you need to complete the school and then work for 4+ weeks, normally 6+ with a trainer, Then go there.
A few words of advise...
Take the time to talk to fellow drivers, both with people who work with the companies, and other drivers who don't work with them. get their input. Becareful, what you hear, and do your own B.S. filtering.
If you would like help, ask. alot of us will help. don't think we wont help, the good drivers will help.
I know, the C.B. is a PITA, but keep it on, even locals try to help and alert other drivers if there is a problem. I know I called a driver on the c.b., didn't answer flashed my lights at him, again no answer he pulled into the scale and he was called into the scale. He got a VERY large fine. Unsecured load. it was a fellow flatbedder, but one part of his load had ate through his 3, 4" straps securing his lumber load. I know the radio rambo's are annoying, but there are good drivers that try to help.
Keep these things in mind.
Hope this helpsGoBlue487 Thanks this. -
Just search "Watkins Shepard." There's a 50 page post. I'm sure you can find everything you could ever want to know about them on it.
-
John,I am new driver for W/S and really like it so far. Everyone is pretty easy to work with, the trucks are well maintained. I drive the Western 11 states, I live in Oregon, and get home at least every other weekend, many times every weekend. If you want to drive a truck I would do at least a regional position, if you want to make a lot of deliveries, then look into the local postions. Let me know if you have any questions.
-
Anyone from Watkins and Shepard from this thread still with them?
-
Yep, been here 2.5 years
-
Yep,been here 10 yrs. O/O
-
-
I wonder if John B is the same guy who is now terminal manager down in Aridzona...
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 1 of 2