Western Express

Well, if they're your only choice and you REALLY wanna drive, I suppose you could try putting up with them. Where you end up running with them depends on what you're pulling, and the pay was absolute dog #### as of October 2019... otherwise, maybe @Chinatown can help you find a better outfit?

 

A fellow here that goes by @otterinthewater should be able to answer your questions, I'm pretty sure he currently works for them.

 

A past felony is not the end of the world. Depending on what it is and how it was adjudicated, several companies will consider hiring. Explore all your options before signing up. Your first driving job doesn't have to be a nightmare.

 

Uh, No, otter drives for Landstar..
He started at WE though,
How many years ago was the problem, some carriers will hire you on a case by case basis if it’s been a while or wasn’t to serious.
Maverick does case by caseFlatbed Division | Maverick
And they have APUs Western doesn’t and their trucks die after a couple minutes, so it’ll be hot at night

 

Oops, my bad.

 

I know cause he is on the “What if it snows?” Thread a lot, he mentioned it and the guy he works for is on there as well

 

I broke into the industry with Western Express. It was 2010 when I worked there but here's my experience. I stayed there about 9 months, flatbed side. The per mile isn't the greatest by a long shot, and tarp pay was cheap. They ran flatbed all 48. They gave me miles and miles and more miles. I made the money because I drove everywhere. You have to run that way with them to make money. It was hard to get home sometimes. I went home when I got routed to the Nashville terminal, as I lived in Murfreesboro, TN at that time. You loving in Texas would be good for you, because I went there or went through there all the time with them. It wasn't uncommon for my to get cross country loads. If you can get a good trainer, who will show you how to do things the right way, like mine did, you will do fine there. They are a good place to get started because you'll see every type of terrain, running all 48. On flatbed, you'll see and learn how to secure every type of load because they will put anything on a flatbed. For me, my experience wasn't bad contrary to what many say. I'd say get your experience with them and then you'll be able to go somewhere else if you're not happy. If you're willing to run hard, you'll do fine. You'll make money, but make sure you get a trainer that is willing to teach you, dry van or flatbed side.

 

If you have to get training I think they screw you. I didn't and I'm ok. 40cpm flatbed, 2500 miles avg... They trained me in the securement part. But no dings on my cdl or legal background.
The more you need them the worse they are.
Van pay is unbelievably low from what I know.
Trainers are mostly horrible. The company structure in how to train is really how to get struggling lease guys to live with a newbie in their truck and team drive....

 

How long have you worked there? I know someone who is headed to orientation. I think he's going to do dry van but I tried to suggest flatbed. He ain't super experienced but he gotta pick up miles somewhere