Wannabe to Watkins Shepard Driver

OK AT, I have decided on Watkins Shepard as my #1 pick. They called me again today and we are finalizing the paperwork. From reading all the WS post I don't think I could find a better place to start. And living about 5 miles from the terminal won't hurt either. I just need to get my CDL and pass the 10 day "interview". It's all starting to come together!

 

Day 4. We started off the day with some map reading. They broke out the Rand Mc Nally Motor Carriers Road Atlas and had us do some trip planning. Not too intense. Then took a test on maps. Watched a video on tankers then took a test on tankers. Watched a video on hazmat and then took a test on hazmat. Ya, not too exciting today but just like yesterday it's all necessary.

Had a recruiter from Colonial Freight Systems (CFS) stop by and give us his spiel today. Checked out the company DAC report here on TTR and not so good.

Got out of class early today so we could go and get our DOT physicals, no big whop there either, basically if you can walk in under your own power and show a response to light and noise you will pass.

That's it for today. Can't wait to get in the truck, I've had enough classroom.

 

Day 5

So last night they gave us a 100 question take home test on general knowledge. First thing this morning they had us do it for real. Then we took a 40 question test on combination vehicles. Then a 50 question test on Air Brakes. Watched the pre trip video (ya for the 5th time) And just for good measure we took the 100 question general knowledge test again. Seeing how I only missed two the first time and a passing score with the DMV is 80% I'm not really sure why we took it again. They let us out at noon and gave us the rest of the afternoon to get our CDL learners permit at the DMV.

You have to take three test, general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles. So I asked Mr. DMV guy, can I take my endorsement today also? He told me people don't normally do that because the three test will take an hour. OK, I tell him just give me the three and if I feel up to it I'll take the endorsements. Took me 20 minuets to finish the first three tests. I went back up to Mr. DMV and he was all smiles "guess you want to take some endorsement" he says. Yap. Give me all three, tanks, double / triples and hazmat. Knocked them out in about 20 minuets and only missed one! The only one that really cost you additional money will be the hazmat because you have to do the $89.00 TSA threat assessment and finger prints. Any how just a big relief to get it all done.

Why the endorsements? Well who know where this new career will take me. Since I'm in that learning mode right now I figured go for it. May never need them may be glad I did some day.

Well I can relax over the weekend and get the jeepster back on the road. Engine going back in tomorrow.

 

I wounder if you are too far from the terminal or they weren't hiring in your area period? Well at least they let you know right away.

 

Hey I just noticed I'm a light load member now. I guess 50 posts and you get a promotion.