Watkins Shepard 30-Day Training

Warpdrvr · Nov 11, 2009

yeah..I drove by it twice and it was hard to see very far in the back. The daycabs I saw were real old looking. They were in the front. Looked like they had not seen the business side of a truck washing in a VERY long time. I am speculating that those may be sold soon.....

Can't wait to get started on this new phase of my life. I've been going thru the threads here about what to put on your truck. Very informative!

Kyber · Nov 11, 2009

Here is a copy of what WS sent to me.....hope this helps. Sorry about the font but I just pasted it from a word document.

This is a list of tools and items that you must have with you when you arrive for orientation.

**Drivers License/Permit
**Valid Passport or copy of Birth Certificate (for entry into Canada)
**Social Security Card
**Voided check for direct deposit (if you are participating in this)

Toiletries
Clothing for at least two weeks
Work gloves
Boots Winter clothinggloves, hat, coveralls

Atlas (10day orientation)
Alarm Clock
Notebook
Pens: black ink, ball point
Calculator
Cash for food
Cellular phone (optional) or calling card
Highlighters
Whiteout
Clipboard, optional
Flashlight
Bedding (sleeping bag )
Pillow
This last group of items will be needed for your first day as an employee, when you get your truck.
9/16 wrench
Flat screwdriver Thermos
Phillips screwdriver Cooler
Vice grips Bedding (sleeping bag or sheets/blankets)
Heavy hammer, claw type Towels/washcloths
Pillow
Pliers
Knife
Duct tape
Tape measure 25
Crowbar-optional

Lynchmob · Nov 11, 2009

There you go Warp. Exactly what I was sent. Now remember, once you get hrough with your training, you're in a truck, so bring what you think you'll want or need with you, with the exception of big stuff like a tv, or fridge or kitchen sink etc. You'll get the opportunity to go home shortly after to get the remainder of your stuff!

Thanks Kyber

Warpdrvr · Nov 11, 2009

Thanks for the list Kyber. I have most of that stuff already laying around the house, so not much to get together. Waiting with anticipation....

LMob, I did get your message, but could not send a reply due to not having enough posts. I'll send you an email so you can get mine as well. I'm sure our paths will cross out there somewhere (hopefully not in SFS) and we can grab some lunch or dinner....

Kyber · Nov 12, 2009

Warpdrvr,
When you going to WS? I'm due to go in December. Can't wait and counting down the days.

allischalmers · Nov 12, 2009

is WS still starting their newbies out at .29/mile or has it gone up? Glad to see that they have the crowbar listed as optional now, mine was used a total of zero times that I was driving OTR.

Warpdrvr · Nov 12, 2009

Kyber, I will hopefully start in the January class. Roxy was not sure of the exact starting date as they did not have the calendar yet for January. The December class begins on Nov 30, right?

WS starts newbs out at .27 for 6 months. I think thats what Roxy said, but don't quote me on that. I have yet to receive the info package email from her yet. I should call her tomorrow I suppose as I have my physical scheduled with my doc next Friday.

Kyber · Nov 12, 2009

Warpdrvr said: ↑

Kyber, I will hopefully start in the January class. Roxy was not sure of the exact starting date as they did not have the calendar yet for January. The December class begins on Nov 30, right?

I didnt think they were were going to have a school in December but I am probably wrong. I am supposed to be in the Dec 14th 10 day orientation. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed until then.
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Warpdrvr · Nov 12, 2009

Oh, you are doing the 10 day...I will be going thru the whole shebang for 30 days. By the time I get there you will be out there doing it. I'm sure we will cross paths at some time or another

sacman · Nov 14, 2009

Lynchmob said: ↑

Well it all started with frustration in dead end, low paying jobs that I was constantly unhappy in. Id wanted to drive a truck for about 10 years, but never had the opportunity to do so and always thought it was over my head. With the last job which dealt with truckers, I had started talking to them getting information and insight from them. It just clicked on day and I was going to do it. A great career that pays well, and Id really, truly enjoy doing. It started with reading hundreds of posts on this forum and countless youtube videos and more questions and months of research. As some of you know, I had thought about Prime, Swift, CR England, Central Refrigerated and Watkins Shepard. Well this forum helped me check off a couple and I was left with Prime and W/S (Watkins Shepard). I first called Roxy, a recruiter at W/S and was instantly greeted as a real person and felt as if I really mattered. Of course I got some inside info from S2B on this board (thanks bro) so it helped knowing who to talk to. She looked past a speeding ticket 3 years ago and hard times of unemployment and was just so genuine and ALWAYS helpful to me. It was so sincere there was no feeling of telling me just what I wanted to hear to get me in the door. Everything was explained to me over the phone so I was able to make an informed, educated decision by myself. I called Prime, just to see what was on the other side, to be an educated student. The first question before, Hi, whats your name was what have you been doing for work for the past year. Well, I was unfortunately unemployed for that time, living off savings and help from family. Next words out of her mouth (didnt even get her name) was Sorry, cant help you I was stopped dead in my tracks. What? Youyou cant? Recruiter Nope, cant help you, sorry CLICK. And I quote! Well that sold W/S for me. I was a little apprehensive about the 30 day training then getting your first truck and load and off you go. I was assured that Id be ready to go and be all good and somehow was comforted by this. I didnt like the thought of being with another driver for months in the same space as Im a very private person, so this appealed to me. My number one concern was getting the best training possible, not the quickest way to get my cdl and W/S seemed like a great place to learn. My recruiter was available to me most of the time, as I know she was always really busy, but always there to answer any question or concern I had. It was a like a friend in my corner. I was lucky enough to not have to take the bus and I had a shuttle waiting for me to put me up in a nice motel for my first little bit while here in Montana, which by the way, is C-O-L-D. W/S has really looked after me so far and seems to be really easy going, but make sure you get your work and practice done. Otherwise youre a waste of their time and theyll send you home, and rightfully so!

On to my first day. Started out at 8 am and got a ride in with two guys doing the 10-day orientation. They had trained at local schools in their area to get their cdl and now are doing orientation with W/S in hopes of a job at the end of it. Well I can tell you that this eased my mind quite a bit as every single one of those drivers said they didnt receive enough drive time, good enough training or one on one time with an instructor. They all wished that they had done what Im doing, but are trying to make the best of what they have. W/S has sent a couple people home because they were unable to shift basically in the yard nor backup. Seems like a waste of money to me. Theres one other woman doing what Im doing in her 40s and good for her! So the day started out with reading materials including our company handbook, Hazmat and safety handbook, etc. Signed some paperwork, then headed with a trainer and got some information on the company itself and basic components of the truck and basic driving. After lunch the trainer drove us around the yard a couple times then hopped out and handed us the keys. I was really excited and nervous, but the best way to get my feet wet I figured. Remembered all of what I read on here as well as youtube videos I had watched and went to town. It all sort of came naturally to me but Ive obviously got some work to do. I was very pleased with my driving and so was my partner. Its a straight 10 speed Freightliner Columbia, so I was familiar with the controls etc. Seems pretty simple of a truck and great truck to get the basics down. I think its hard to really get the downshifting going below 10mph, but tried my best and got it a couple times, but most of the time was spent rubbing gears for a few seconds, then starting from 0mph all over again. Double clutching makes sense now and seems to click. I know with a nights sleep itll make sense in the morning, if my left leg isnt hurting too much, lol. My partner did really well also and by the end of 2 hours, had double clutching down too. We both seem to be naturals at this and I know with training well be great. I went back after dinner to get a bit more practice and want as much time behind the wheel as I can get, which W/S not only allows, but encourages, and I cant be happier about that. Im pretty tired as its been a long day, but Im super excited about tomorrow. So heres to another good day.

Day two

The morning started out the important information about Hazmat requirements. Now remember were still in the class with the 10-day orientation people while they test out in a couple days and my partner and I get the closer attention so some of the information is ahead of us, but the instructors will catch us up. We got to get back in the truck for a couple hours and practice around the yard up and downshifting. Seems its making more sense to me now, just have to work on my throttle control and the 300, 400, and 600 rev splits. The afternoon was more class work covering Qualcomm company policies, route planning, load assignments etc. Had a test at the end and got sent home. A pretty basic day and hopefully tomorrow well get out on the road bobtailing.

Day three

Today was one of the big steps. Taking the truck out on the road, and getting past 6th gear lol. We took it out on the highway and took all off ramps to practice downshifting. Went along some sideroads and down some smaller roads up and down small hills, again, just practicing shifting. Went out with my partner and switched every 30 miles or so until lunch. After lunch did the same thing until home time. Instructor is really good, not too praising, but tells us what we need to do, and why, and is always there to help, and is a good conversationalist, so I like him.

Day four

Started out the day today first thing bobtailing the same route we did yesterday and came back for lunch. Downshifting and speed matching makes a lot more sense to me now and I know itll get better with time. I really want to learn how to speed match, gear match and rev match, in case I lose a shift going up or down hill. After lunch, the instructor hooked up an empty trailer and headed down the road and parked at an abandoned weigh station and told us the basics. My partner got first reign and did very well. Shifting up and down is a lot smoother with a trailer, as I assume, this is what the truck was designed for. After her turn was up I hopped in the seat and it all sort of seemed to make sense. Always watch that trailer in your mirrors and watch the tandems when taking turns. Downshifting took a little while longer, but absolutely necessary as I found out. Made some entries into a rest stop with trucks and tight spots. No backing yet, but taking the swings wide and watching the trailer. Once we got back, learned how to uncouple and couple, then I stayed a little longer over and did it a few more times. That kingpin puller is going to save my life, as I had to reach under the trailer a few times and reef on it, then get back in a put in reverse to try to loosen it some more. Reef on it some more. Get it loose and do it all over again. Just working on lining up, hooking up and unhooking procedure right now. Im getting more at ease with driving and more comfortable everyday. Now dont get me wrong, Im not comfortable behind the wheel and never will, but a lot more at easy everyday. Not sure whats in store tomorrow, but more driving with an empty trailer Im sure. Just a lot of driving right now which is good. Ive been beat the last couple days as its very tense and intense right now which wears me out. I'll try to keep my progress and updates everyday, but if I miss a day, you'll know why.
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You sound like a recruiter LOL

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