Training pay?

If that is how they run things, Western gets what they deserve

 

This is from a western express driver. Training pay is $500 a week once you are hired. Before that you get $0 for orientation. No matter what they say you dont get paid for orientation. Now the CDL puppy mill I don't know about since that is new, but I highly advise against even looking into that.

 

Part of this post I know is true, part I know is wrong.

Usually after their school/full orientation you can ask for a week off and they will send you on a bus home before going out with a trainer. I know this because I did this.

You are totally correct about what you say about trainers and the feelings are mutual. Asking not to have students from a rap video does nothing to fix the problems trainers are having. Trainers are being screwed here too. There is a lack of trainers so the company basically will whine if you dont get on the first trainer truck into the yard. Also I met a trainer that pissed the bed every night, his student slept on my flatbed under my tarps. I witnessed this firsthand, its not a rumor, his trainer was proud of the piss puddle he had made in his bed.

As far as I know this man is still a trainer.

 

I was told training is 4 weeks now. They changed it apparently and 400 a week during training is correct.

 

Correct, there is a lack of trainers on all of the trucking companies. Normal orientation is 5 days at the max, depends on how many people they got that make it past the drug test. After orientation, its another wait for up to 3 weeks for a trainer to come by.

 

Van I think is still a 2 day orientation. Is 5 days for flatbed?

 

Flatbed is 2 days orientation and about 3 days hands on load securement. The good trainers are hard to come by and most of then are on the west coast running like a train. A majority of the flatbed trainers are not certified trainers, they are just another driver.

I suggest you guys go to Fontana or Nazareth for orientation and then switch to otr at the last minute. From what Ive heard, the nashville main terminal has got something shady going on with the medical test. Aka forced to take a sleep apnea test. $150.00 to pay out of your pocket and if you get a 15 on the sleep chart then that means your required to take that sleep machine. $900.00 out of ur pocket.

 

So if you have no experience with flatbed do you just get training after orientation or do you go out with a trainer for some time on the road? I am looking at them since I don't have flatbed experience.

 

You have to go out with a trainer to show you the basics. Western flatbed drivers haul anything from garbage, steel pipes, wood, hay, you name it. Each load is different and each different load requires different material to secure it.

The minimum training time is 30 days.

 

That is a long time. I dont think I can live on 400 weekly.