Gotta love this website

That's the one to not trust!!!!!

 

Trucking is just like anything else in the respect that it is just what YOU make of it. Just go into it knowing that you will have to "pay your dues," just like everyone else.

Getting through school is your first hurdle. Then getting hired. Then getting through whatever training program the company you are working for has. Then getting through a year or two without screwing up too bad.

After that, you should have enough experience and knowledge to figure out who you want to work for, if anybody. Or perhaps you want to go the O/O route.

But figure you need a couple of years in so that you can make some "intelligent" decisions.

 

But realistically, it's probably more along the line as...

You'll predominantly read negative feedback because people with bad experiences are more likely to vent and/or bash the company. Some people, even when they are at fault, will put the blame on everyone/everything else even though THEY are the sole cause of their bad experience.

Like people have said before on this forum - a company like Werner, with thousands of drivers, tens of thousands of tractors and trailers, in business for a LONG time must have happy and content drivers too.

It also probably has alot to do with what many of the experienced drivers on this forum say repeatedly - "Too many get into trucking and don't fully understand what OTR life entails".

 

I went to a private school (CDS Lakewood, WA) paid for by the VA due to disabilities. They did bring in recruters from Watkin Shepard, Swift etc. They also brought in some small companies, like a intermodal hauler and a fish processor (tanker). In these cases, it was the owner of the company who showed up. In any case, the job placement assistance pointed you toward what you needed not someone who gave them kickbacks. I can call today (3.5 years later) and get placement assistance.

I ended up going to Swift, which I chose because of the variety of driving jobs. In 22 months, I'd done dry van clothing, Heavy reefers and dry vans (90k-105k gross wt), Intermodal, and day cab work. I'd driven International (9spd), Freightliners (9,10, 13 spds, drop axles) and Volvos. (FYI: the freightshakers my favorites. Kinda like an old chevy..) It gave me a good foundation to build on.

Since I went to a private school, I wasn't beholden to anyone. I kept my eyes open for opportunities and now have a local job that pays great.

 

The fish processor was very interesting. He only paid $14.50/hr, but he completely covered medical care for you and family, including dental and eye care. Looking back, I should have taken that one.

 

Another vote for community college! see this thread

Or don't. It may make you even more sorry Com college is not available....

Mikeeee