Headed Werner Orientation in Lakeland, Fl.

Discussion in 'Werner' started by SMPARKER74, Mar 3, 2014.

  1. SMPARKER74

    SMPARKER74 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 30, 2013
    St. Petersburg, Fl
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    Hello tkpinsc, my recruiter told me I could go to Atlanta terminal and be on the road for 2 weeks, or go out of Lakeland and be gone for the 3 weeks. I told her I would go out of Lakeland but can change my mind if I want to. I'm just not sure I want to be riding a bus from Atlanta after being on the road. Still trying to figure it out.
     
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  3. tkpinsc

    tkpinsc Light Load Member

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    Have you contacted driver placement? They are the ones who will fill you in on all the options in your area. Recruiting usually only mentions what's available with current openings.

    I did a quick check at the driver website for zip 33701. Sears, tropicana, and coke dedicated were listed along with 48 state and regional.
     
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  4. SMPARKER74

    SMPARKER74 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 30, 2013
    St. Petersburg, Fl
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    I haven't talked to driver placement. I don't start orientation until Monday. I did check the driver website and saw the same companies you listed for the dedicated and regional routes.

    I'm going into the apprenticeship program and will be with a trainer for a couple of weeks.
     
  5. nshore harleyguy

    nshore harleyguy Medium Load Member

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    Feb 8, 2014
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    When I went to orientation in allentown (end of dec) they were having a shortage of non smoking trainers. I waited about a week in allentown before being shipped to springfiled ohio I waited another week there before being bussed to MO I met my trainer there and it took almost 2 months to get thru training (was on a dedicated DG acct) got my truck last sat. And am now on the road. Good luck
     
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  6. DriveItUSA

    DriveItUSA Light Load Member

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    Jan 3, 2014
    Denver, Colorado
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    lol. unless you have previous experience as a truck driver in the recent past...it will be longer than just a couple of weeks.

    you have to complete 275 hours of driver training otr and be recommended by your trainer before you qualify test out for your own truck. this includes backing, qualcomm operation and using correct macros, knowing what weight limits on your axles, sliding tandems forwards and backwards and knowing certain policies and procedures in the employee handbook. (accident, pet policy, weapons, drugs/alcohol, rider policy, and truck/cargo theft prevention.

    more like 6-8 weeks. Dont believe everything your recruiter says. but sit back enjoy the ride and in time it will all happen in due time. take time to LEARN now.

    I am in the apprenticeship program too.
     
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  7. truckingirl92

    truckingirl92 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 2, 2013
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    I went to orientation at the Lakeland terminal, I'm from Plant City so we're somewhat neighbors!! I started in Lakeland and from there I got bussed up to their Lithia Springs terminal near Atlanta because there were no trainers around Lakeland. I then waited in the motel for 4 days before a trainer showed up for me... the motel is nasty lol and im really not joking, it had roaches in the room. But that has been the lowpoint of my Werner experience. Werner has been good to me. I have been on my own truck for about 3 months now and they're asking me to become a trainer.
     
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  8. DriveItUSA

    DriveItUSA Light Load Member

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    Jan 3, 2014
    Denver, Colorado
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    if you are smart, you will wait till you have been in your own tractor for a year. that gives you the experience of driving in all four seasons. it will make you a more capable and confident trainer. give it 9 more months solo, then go trainer. you will be a better trainer for your students as well because you will have the benefit of more knowledge and more experiences to share with them and pass along. You will have driven in wind, heavy rain, sleet, snow, hail, severe thunderstorms, and possibly freezing rain.

    just my 2 cents. with experience comes wisdom.
     
  9. xlsdraw

    xlsdraw Road Train Member

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    Nov 17, 2010
    Winter Haven, Florida
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    Truckingirl92, it's cool that you have enjoyed Werner so far. Get your 6 months in solo and then move on to Heyl. Or any number of other much higher paying gigs.
     
  10. truckingirl92

    truckingirl92 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 2, 2013
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    that account that you take the bus home is a slip seat account, every time you go home.. you have to clean your truck out and you get a new one when you go back.
     
  11. truckingirl92

    truckingirl92 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 2, 2013
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    I'm actually going to start training with Werner, I really do like the company. after I get my 250,000 miles I plan on moving companies but not before then..
     
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