Finally found a job and have some questions.

Good luck. Keep us posted, okay? A lot of TTR members have driven for WE and they can answer just about any question you have.

 

Your concerns are valid, but as mentioned, you are over-thinking this. 1st, companies today, and the legit ones, and WE has been around, they simply can't have unsafe trucks on the road. You may get a tired one, but they all must pass an inspection. A company as big as WE just can't operate that way. 2nd, no truck will be perfect, and yes, you may get an OOS( out of service) that may have happened after pre-trip, or you just missed. Not the end of the world, and companies will stand behind you. If their truck isn't moving, it costs everyone money. 6 months is doable, I thought most were a year, and give it some time, you may like WE. I heard there's much worse. Pre-trips aren't a major teardown of mechanics. It's just a quick look to see any potential problems, and for the most part, trucks today don't need much. I think you'll be fine.

 

I knew that clown show had a training contract. I've warned several about it. A few said..oh naw, we didn't have to sign a contract.
You're new, with a CDL going to Welfare Express...you'll sign the contract or leave.
Nothing but a crock...plain & simple.

 

Keep your trainer's phone number and ask him when you are solo.

 

OK I don't hire many new drivers and i don't deal with companies like Western other than to file claims against their insurance but I also don't understand how they can hold a driver with an existing CDL accountable for on-boarding the driver at all if they fire them. Is this crap standard practice now?

 

It is at turdholes evidently...

 

When dealing with people like the safety department or HR, or any time you have mechanical issues, and especially any 'incidents' out on the road, keep a notebook and record ALL details, time, location, people's names, etc. Record conversations when possible. Take photos. Keep ALL this information so that if things 'go south', the documentation you have may save your ###, as well as your wallet. Trust me, the company is NOT doing you any favors here...

 

The 6 month contract must be a new thing with them. I certainly didn't have to do that when I worked there. Western's trucks may not always be the prettiest in terms of how it looks but I can't imagine a company that large will.put unsafe equipment on the road. Sometimes newer drivers see a fairing missing or a couple of dents and immediately think the truck is unsafe. I never had issues getting repairs when I was there. I think you should probably consider the flatbed side. I always thought the flatbed drivers got treated a little better than the van drivers. The van drivers often got pigeon-holed to I-95 or to the 11 western depending on your domicile.They went to Maine religiously. Flatbed went all 48.

I personally would like to know your experience in detail so far.

You need to not focus on the reviews, because it could impact your attitude towards the company. You need to be focused on learning and honing your skills instead of looking ahead to your next move. You're under contract for 6 months. If you can make it a year, you'll become a lot more hireable. Make sure your trainer shows you how to do an adequate pretrip. Like the others said, make sure everything in plain sight is safe. Some drivers do this, others don't. I always release the trailer brakes during the walk around. You'll want to listen for air leaks. That can get you wrote up. Many drivers miss on air leaks. Just keep a good, enthusiastic attitude and you'll have a good experience. Be a professional. Do what's asked of you and don't listen to what others say about Western Express. It's nothing wrong with working there. You've got a job with a well known company and it will count for verifiable experience when the time comes for you to move on(don't look any farther than whats in front of you today), so they are a valuable company, believe it or not.

#OneLoadAtATime

 

At Windy Hill, My husband had to sign a 6 months contract $2500 buyout if he quits… this may be a new trend.

 

Western hired you though, right?