Tips for new Werner Drivers

It's not getting into Florida it's getting out. There is plenty of freight that goes into that state, but not much coming out.

 

I got a prehire from Werner and I'm in Las Vegas. I don't know what's happening out there anymore. I keep getting bugged everyday from Werner to come work for them,but then all I hear and see is that there's no freight and guys are just sitting for weeks.? What's up? Why would they even bug you if they are just going to sit you for awhile.? Is it the S.E. U.S. that's hurting? I am completing school in a couple of weeks and need to make a decision....

 

Going with Werner? Learn this phrase and repeat after me:

"i am not an animal... i am a mannn..."

 

If no one else calls you and they are the only ones that offer you something, I think you should take it. I'm thinking about doing the same. The goal is to gain experience, even if it means not working with them for the rest of your life. Most people move on, but some stay happy. Otherwise, there wouldn't be Werner trucks out there.

So again, if they are the only ones that would hire you, I'd give them a shot.

 

I have been going thru a few of the messages that are on this thread and on others and it will really make one wonder if going with Werner is a "smart" thing to do or not.

I recently applied to Werner and to 7 others and Werner was the first to come back. I had two others respond with needing 1 yr exp or everything is filled.

Anyway, I paid my way through school and my road trainer was a husband and wife team that was with Werner. They left as the hubby was getting older and they bought their truck and the expenses were getting to be a bit much. So, now they are road trainers for the school.

I asked my trainer how was their time with Werner and I get a postive response.

However, what I'm doing is something far different than the rest here. I'm planning on retiring from my day job and just go into something else. I'm over 50 so this is a job changer. I knew that when I went to school anyway. I didn't get the CDL just to have a pretty piece of plastic.

However, I do find it strange that they are hiring newbies and others are going. I figure that if I do get it going with them, stay for a while and then take it from there. I'm not a job hopper as I have stayed at my current employer for 21 years. I just want more than being a paper chaser and washing dishes. I do have a science degree but I'm just not the analytical type. I do better with skills and working with machines.

I see many complain about the pay. Granted the newbie pay isn't that great and may be difficult as it is much less than what I make now but afterwards the pay would be somewhat comparable to what has taken me 20 yrs to attain.

My career change is from working in the state crime lab to being a driver. I have been looking into driving since my hubby was a driver for Covenant in 2003. He has since left due to due health issues. I have been taking a safety program and got interested in trucking, plus I do like to be on the road.

I see a number of negatives here but if it was all that bad there would be more as there are a lot of drivers on the road. There is even a bit of a turnover where I work at and it is an office setting. My agency is noted for having good training but not the highest pay. As it is, the current economy is affecting the State budget and the one that starts in July doesn't look good at all. My position most likely won't be filled when I leave. I have enough time to consider retirement so as to have a second pay check without having to put in the hours.

Big Blue probably has its issues. See that a team left them recently does concern me but it sounds like it may have been their decision. But Werner is a big company and it is a regulated profession. I know about regulations as I have to deal with them all the time now plus I was was in the Army at one time.

So, I will use all the information here as a guide on what to expect. This is a new era of change (not just because we have a new President) but just because of what all is happening in general.

I live in Florida and will go to Lakeland for orientation. I know that Florida is a tough trucking state as more stuff comes in than going out. I was told by my recruiter that I can request a dedicated or regional account. I would figure that you needed to be there for a while but it sounds that can be attained once out of training.

Also, many make comments about being a trainer after 6 mos. experience. Werner isn't the only company that does that. I have seen Swift advertise that also. But going the trainer route is one way to make some extra $$$$ -- it is all in your perspective.

So, I going to about getting as much experience as possible -- the bad with the good. I was working a second (full-time) job for 4 1/2 years and just about killed me as I really didn't get enough rest and the "drama" that was there was too much. Also, I like the idea of not being in a cubicle, or staring at a computer most of the time, being a paper pusher, and not having much independence. I know I won't go the O/O route but I'm looking forward to a definate change.

 

Living in Vegas makes you hireable for the Office-max account ,which pays very well ...the DC is just east of the Flying-j off cheyenne ex 46 I-15.

 

Thanks No-one...My school is right behind the Flying J and I'm assuming that it's on the east side of the I-15...It seems that no one wants to call anyone back in my class right now...I have sent emails out to co's regarding my app's and they just don't reply at all....I guess it's that slow. With a week left, I'm calling people now just to cover all the bases.

 

i just got a pre hire from them. I live in south east ga so i would go to the lakeland terminal as well.

 

How easy is it to drive if your 5' tall??

 

Pretty easy if you stand on the seat....