Watkins shepard

Well I don't know if you actually had a point jumbled up in that or not...I'll assume you at least tried.

My comment was towards Danc694u. He was touting his pay and such and making over $1k a week. Nothing wrong with that, However, he would then later say that his stop pay makes up 1/3 of his pay. At the time, I didn't know that is what he mostly ran as far as his OC was spitting those types loads out quite a bit (I think he said 90% of the loads from that OC where he works from has those loads).

Like I said last week, lol....I clarified because I didn't know that was a mostly consistant thing from his OC. To me, I thought it was just luck of the draw, and he if stopped getting those multi-stop loads, I would in theory make more than him because of that additional 1/3 pay.

Either way, I understand his situation and all.

As far as SNI, make my day, seriously. They have tens of thousands of trucks and trailers out there and you try to make a joke about losing one, or two trailers? And then something about being constantly placed OOS? Keep tryin buddy.

 

I think the point Naw'lins Born was trying to make is, you appear to be hating on W&S. And don't know anything about it, other than the few (and I mean few) comments made on this board.

Naw'lins Born is a true personal success story here. He got his "slot" after being with the company less than 6 months. Personally, I wouldn't have his job due to the location. But he likes it, and he likes the money. That's what's important here.

Although I haven't seen his check, he did drop a couple of hints when we last spoke. I bet he runs less miles than me a week...and still makes as much as you and enjoys about the same amount of hometime as you.

 

As far as I know...the only comments of the 850+ I've made on this site about W/S are the ones I started last week with your pay issue. Other than that, I don't think I have mentioned them at all...but good try with that accusation.

Im not a hater of W/S anyways. My comments towards your pay was from the viewpoint that I originally had that you were an OTR driver, but that isn't the case; I didn't know you were home every day. You seem to do lots of local / regional stuff where you are home every day so I don't put that into the ORT category.

As far as comparing job duties...we could compare day in and day out. All I know is that I have six stops a day with five of them being a tote or less that I can carry in; and those five stops combined total 30 minutes or less. I average a tad over 400 miles and my day is about 8-9 hours long.
I got my "slot" before I was even hired.

 

Hey everyone...It's been a while since I last posted here so let's get caught up! I'm starting my second week of post orientation with Watkins & Shepard and to be honest I'm happier with them than I thought I would be. I've been running mostly in the east but I expect to be heading out west fairly soon according to my Fleet Manager. I need to get one more stop in up in New Jersey to get my power inverter, refrigerator and microwave in and then it's "go west young man". The OTR lifestyle does take some adjusting to but I didn't come into this job blind or with false expectations. My truck is great! I was given a 2006 Volvo with only 250k on it which is comfortable and runs very well so far. First week I put in about 2,800 miles and was never without a load. As I write I'm sitting in Dalton, GA waiting on a load only because they are trying to hook me up with a load back to New Jersey to get my "kitchen" so I'm waiting patiently. I have never had to wait before and realize that once I do which is inevitable it is, after all, part of the business. Danc's posts have been realistic and accurate. If it were not for his informative posts I would have never even applied with them. Of course they are not the perfect company to work for but that being said is there a "perfect" company? I don't think so. My kids are grown and my girlfriend is a travel nurse so the OTR gig is working out perfectly for me so far. It is an adventure that's for sure! I run hard all week and then when that 34 hour "vacation" creeps around I get myself a hotel room and just relax and unwind. Do I want to do the OTR thing long term? I doubt it but for now it's a great way to gain experience and seeing the country while getting paid isn't so bad. Anyway, be safe and keep 'em rollin'! Hey Danc what is your truck number? I'm in 1808 so if you see me say hi.

 

Anyone from Arizona working for Watkins? They have an ad says they're hiring grads but so many post that.

 

Well, as promised I got home yesterday and got my fridge, power inverter and so on and it is being installed as I sit on my fat duff here AT HOME doing my 34 hour reset. Boy, was this a treat! I never expected to be doing my 34 hour at home! It seems every day I spend on the road there is a new lesson learned. My two most recent lessons...tunnels scare the poop outta me and bungee cords are GOOD! Living in a truck bungee cords, double sided tape and velcro are worth their weight in gold! LOL! I still haven't figured out how to keep the dang microwave on top of my fridge so if anyone has an idea I'd be thrilled to hear it...and DON'T say velcro! Eating out on the road every day can get expensive! I think I owe the Company a few bucks this Friday...just kidding but yeah, I'm glad to be getting my fridge and microwave. So far the job and the Company have been everything I expected them to be. Now I can't believe I'm admitting this but as I do my 34 hour reset...I'm kinda excited about where my next trip will take me! Oh, btw, on a negative note (read that my own stupidity) I did get a citation in Tennesse for my trailer tandems being too far back...those tires are kinda small...I didn't see 'em! LOL! Another lesson learned, unfortunately a costly one. Ouch!

 

anyone starting training with w/s on Aug 25?

 

Thanks for the tip JT. I gather you are with Watkins?! Did you call to talk to a recruiter and go through thier training or go through a school? Let me know any other info about em, thanks again!!

 

Yes, I went through a private school and then contacted them. I went to the 10 day orientation. Their full school is excellent from what I hear. They are a good comapny as they care about the driver's safety and maintain the equipment very well. Give them a call, I'm sure they will be able to answer any questions you may have.

 

Knowing you've probably left the house already. Find yourself a Wal-Mart. And ask someone about the shelf matting they have. Its a perforated foam and non skid. It won't keep it from coming off in a hard brake. But it will keep it stable. Throw a $4 ratchet strap on it, and it'll never move. Except for that &^$# tray that rattles inside

Velcro isn't a bad idea LOL. You can get a 2" x 5 ft roll at Wal-Mart for about $2, I carry a roll with me. I'm not paying $5 for 2 - 6" strips at a ^&%$ truck stop...for sure.