My Western Experience

Hey so when you were in training how much were you making a week . ? They pay by hours? How do they pay you? Thank you

 

I think many people get into trucking thinking it's going to be like the recruitment brochures, all beautiful sunsets and clear, straight roads. Not gonna happen. Sometimes you get a good truck, sometimes you don't. Sometimes you run trouble-free for weeks, sometimes you break down. Sometimes you can fix it, sometimes you can't.

If a new driver doesn't understand that going in, the experience can and probably will be a bad one.

 

What is the hardest part when starting trucking first year

 

Getting used to the business in general. Dealing with your company while they learn to what degree you can "do the job," dealing with shippers and receivers who look down on you as a driver, managing to stay legal in the screwy schedule we have (if you can even call it a 'schedule'), learning how to operate an 80,000 pound, 70 foot combination vehicle in all kinds of situations and locations...

The list goes on. It's a very tough business and it is unlike anything you have ever done before, including military service; many people don't make the first year because of it.

 

I will have to get used to this lifestyle now ..

 

Mannygol, my hubby is flatbed. He started orientation on a Wednesday & did securement Friday-Sunday. He left with a trainer on a Monday. His first paycheck was $53.69 after taxes. They told him that was for the second day of orientation. Before that he was told they don't pay for orientation. Securement training is $70 a day/3 days. Training is suppose to be $500 a week for flatbed. I believe $375 a week for dry van.

 

I'm curious; why did you choose Western Express?

 

I choosed western because i dont have any experience and they get me with no experience. At all and no school

 

Awesome!! Thank yu

 

Be sure you find out up front what the deal is for CDL schooling, training & all. There could be a contract that includes staying there a set amount of time and/or paying something if you don't stay.