Working For Werner

My training will end next week when I have the required hours in. My trainer has been very good and has made good money while I have trained. Since I have been with him about 6 weeks now I have formed somewhat of an opinion about the "training period".

First off it's a trade off. The trainers get more pay and you get seat time to learn. Although my trainer doesn't like to talk about the extra money he makes I bring it up anyway. I'm happy he's making more because he has given me some very good tips on making money in this business.

As far as I see it though the company uses this time as team driving. I have been driving the "night shift" for the last four weeks. The worst part is trying to sleep while my trainer is driving. He says it's for my training but I know otherwise. Last week we logged in over 6,000 miles. Every time he fills out a trip pak I look at him and go"ka ching, ka ching" We both laugh.

I worked seven years of night shift at my last company and hated it. I don't mind doing this knowing I am going solo in a couple of weeks. I actually like to drive at night but when you can't get quality sleep it's tough.

So here is where I'm at. In the next week I will test out. I am going back to Atlanta to drive East Regional Reefer. I have to get a truck yet and from what I hear it's luck of the draw. I could get a piece of junk or brand new what ever is available. Also no one will tell me if I'm getting home time. All they tell me is to talk to my dispatch when I get assigned. I have my fingers crossed. I haven't seen my family in two months. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm still smiling though. See ya!

 

And how is the old company? I was fortunate to get out while they were still Rinker. Cemex was still a rumor. I never want to go back to block manufacturing, ever!

To be honest the downturn in the construction industry was the best thing to ever happen to me. After 28 years I was burnt out from concrete. I used to drive mixer years ago and really liked it. I'm happy to get back in a truck and looking forward to seeing the country some.

Good luck to you.

 

I'll be off my trainers truck tomorrow. The next step is getting my truck. I have only made 350 per week training but I would have done it for free just to learn how to drive. Even though I am new to this type of trucking if I do the job, and I have no doubt that I will, I will expect to be compensated. I am excited to be getting my own truck.

I have heard though that the company is leaning towards teams and that the solo driver will be on his way out in the future. I don't want to do team and I do want to make money so only time will tell. I am giving it all I have for a year and then I will reassess. Have a great weekend everyone!

 

OK I have just completed training and "tested out". I am scheduled to ship out to get a truck on Monday and I have my fingers crossed for something decent to drive. I am scheduled for the Refrigeration Division so if anyone has any handy hints forr me I would greatly appreciate it. Have a great weekend! Bob