Watkins Shepard vs Gordon

I have driven city transit class B for 14 years and have recently gotten laid off. All of my adult job experience is in driving so I feel that the next logical step is to upgrade my license and go OTR for a while. I have been reading for weeks now on TTR about different beginner companies and I think I have narrowed my choices down to trying for one of two companies, and they are Watkins Shepard or Gordon. They both have terminals near where I live, which was a big plus. I have read a lot of good things about both companies on here, and although I have come across more negative about Gordon, it still isn't enough where it would sway my decision one way or another at this point. I am looking for recommendations from people that have dealt with either or company, and anyone that might know of any experiences with either company. Any and all advice and help on this issue will be greatly appreciated.

Also at this point I dont have my Class A, however I am waiting for the WIA people to get off their keesters and process my paperwork so that I can go to school. This process is driving me crazy with how long it is taking but I think that I have learned from reading on here to stay away from the likes of Swift and such companies that tie you in with a contract. Anyways I can ramble on for a while so I will just close it out.

Again all help will be greatly appreciated. I know that both companies have been talked about I am just looking for that little extra nudge that might get me headed in the right direction.

 

Well no one has an a oppinion of going with one company or another.... bummer.... Well this is a bump anyways....



Thanks

 

Thanks for the reply... I didn't post in the company specific sections cause I felt that the replies might be a little biased that way.. I wasn't sure if I would get the answers I was looking for that way... But thanks for your input... I am getting that same impression myself.. I have filled out apps for both companies... Watkins contacted me within two hours of submitting my app and Gordon hasn't replied as of yet.. I submitted them yesterday.. Anyways thanks for the reply.

 

According to their website they do.. But I am finding out that you cant rely on websites in this industry... lol. go figure.. Anyways I think I have pretty much decided on W/S if they will have me... I am pretty sure that I am in I am just waiting to hear officially....

 

I have read the majority of all of those posts, and all of American Truckers post. I was just wondering if asking the question in general might bring out some more "Dirt" on either company.

I am totally aware that there are going to be ups and downs either way it just seems that with what I am reading there seems to be more "ups" with W/S than with Gordon.

Again thanks everyone for the input and I will be talkin with ya soon... Hopefully will be on the road within the next few months... I am waiting for WIA to approve my funding and I will be off to school...