Any questions from prospects or lookers from real Watkins and Shepard drivers?

Got a firm date to start orientation for May the second today. Have a week and a half left in school then a week off before I start orientation. W/S has been my #1 pick all along but I had to check out a few more companies just to make sure. Well I'm done looking at other companies and can't wait to start with W/S in Conover.

 

Good luck and welcome aboard!...If you have any questions, you know where to ask!

 

I've pulled 1 reefer, a load of beer. Only beer run I've done that was in a reefer.

 

Congrats!! I have no doubt that you will love working for W/S.

 

I've been doing all my posts off a Droid 2 and it was just too hard to give a good response that way.

Orientation is:
- Introduction to W/S, the departments, the people, and basic policy
- HazMat (even though W/S doesn't really run HazMat anymore)
- Substance abuse and drug testing policy
- Hours of service, log books, trip envelopes, and dispatch
- Winter driving, mountain driving, and chaining
- Trip planning
- Safety, accident prevention, accident/incident reporting

There's officially 8 hours of driving. This consists of a lot of yard driving, 45-degree backing and offset alley docking, one street drive (for shifting), one street drive (for turning), and one drive on "The Hill".

There are a total of five videos to watch on your own, something like eight tests to do (open book), and lots of practice time for the motivated. I don't think I've seen anyone stay who didn't put in some practice time no matter how good they were coming in... the goal is improvement as much as ability, I think.

Although I don't think I personally would have considered going out alone after the orientation, that's temperment, not preparedness. If you pay attention in class, take notes, and practice, you'll be equipped to hit the road on your own at the end of the ten days.

 

Thanks Walstib, but I don't even know enough to ask questions yet

Very excited to get started though, I think I've made a good choice with W/S. The first person I met was Tim in Conover, seemed to be very straight with me no BS. All the recruiters out west have been nice but that's their job. The best recruiting job W/S is doing right now is keeping drivers happy, and sounds like they are doing that pretty well. Can't wait!

 

This all sounds real positive, I'm keeping my eye on working for Watkins and Sheppard in the future.

 

Great post Trilleth thanks.