Another Watkins Shepard Thread

Thanks. I just got to Missoula earlier today. Checking the place out. Seems like a good place.

 

I'm not sure what our chaining policy is. I assume it's the same as most companies. Chain to get yourself OUT of trouble, not in it. Run at your personal comfort level. They're real good aboiut rescheduling loads, if you keep them advised.

You will eventually get into a situation that requires you to chain. If you wait for good roads all the time, you'll be sitting lot in the northwest.

Chaining, then running with chains. Isn't that big a deal...really. It just takes experience, and practice.

One thing to remember. Chaining is a case by case issue. Just because the 10 drivers that just passed you aren't running chains, doesn't mean you shouldn't be.

I recall being the only driver chaining up at Eisenhower one time. Everyone else was just running on down. They were loaded...I was empty, and the wind was blowing like a SOB.

 

Hmmmm. And I quote, "We are a Rocky Mountain company, you are expected to chain."...Macon Turner.

Not even complaining, that Rocky Mountain part looks GOOD on my DAC.

God bless Macon. He was always good and fair with me. Had to deadhead empty over Lolo once. I would have sat my happy butt in ID till Spring if I could have! You bet I was chained up, at least to the MT state line...I was salty when I got in to Missoula, but Macon set me straight. Throwing iron was never an issue for me ever again. I hired on with the company out of MT, right? There are companies that stay south of I-40 all winter. I spent a winter running I-80 and north.

P.S. Best chain up tool- two 8" pieces of 2x10. Use them to lift one of your duals up when you throw your three rails. Chain ease.

 

I never heard that comment LOL. But then again, I run primarily SE region. I'm not adverse to running NW. I just don't have to The wind makes me more nervous than the snow and the thought of chaining.

And I agree, Macon is one of the fairest people I've met in trucking. He's definitely on my short list of good people.

 

What is Macon up to these days at W/S? It's been over 3 years since I've left but he was a good man. He noticed if you pulled your weight around there and if something came up, he'd take care of it for you. When I left he was becoming more than just the safety man to running a lot of things around there. Looked like it was stressing him out.

Is Mark and Kelby still working in the training and orientation part of Missoula? Also good people to come across, even Dick was a good guy compared to what some have said on here. You get him away from the trainees and he'll cut it up with you.

For all of you out there with a clean background and good work ethic I suggest W/S. I'd still be there myself after dealing with mostly good people in Montana, but I've found myself a decent paying local job. If things ever go upside down for me, W/S would be my 1st call again to run OTR for a year just to see what's changed around the country. You're not going to get rich, but do your job and you'll be treated with respect.

 

Hey guys. I got my CDL last week and am trying to finalize things with W&S. I have put 3 calls into Matt G. and have not heard back from him. Has anyone else had this problem or have any advice on what to do? I am really trying to get into the November 3rd orientation and that is right around the corner.

Thanks in advance.

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Also, Does W&S haul ANY hazmat? I got my tanker and doubles/triples endorsements but didn't get the hazmat. Is this something I would want/need to get if I am going to work for W&S? Thanks again.

 

We do very little haz-mat, we do doubles and rocky mountain doubles, mostly into canada.

Its not required to get hired.

 

Alright! Here we go guys. I am all set to be there on November 3rd. Just got my plane ticket setup today and should be in town around 1:30pm on the 2nd. I am really looking forward to it. Now I just have to wrap up some loose ends here in town and figure out what I need to pack and what I need to leave at home for when I drive back home with the truck.