Help: I have an offer from Watkins Shepard

I'm the wrong guy to ask, but that 10 day orientation has to be the shortest in the business. That is definitely one good thing about them from my point of view.

 

NEW AMERICAN TRUCKER, first thing is welcome to the forum, It is a great place to come and find all of your answers, I am another one looking forward to going to Watkins and Shepard as soon as I finish my schooling, I have researched the others and find that this is the best fit for me, This link will take you to all of the positive links about them, I wish you luck, If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/watkins-and-shepard/

 

Hope this answers your questions. or atleast some of them, I dont touch on the payscale stuff. I know they just changed it.

 

Thank, to all of you for your help.
Think Watkins Shepard sound good, from everything I have read and seen. So I will check into them more.
Thanks

 

Originally Posted by NEW AMERICAN TRUCKER
Hello to all:
I have read alot of post on the site about Watkins Shepard, and it sounds like they are not to bad of a company to work for.

Some of the things I would like to know are:

Are they a good company to work for?

I am just now comming out of my 90 day probation, so far I am happy with my choice.

How much the average new drivers will take home a week?

How far can you drive? New drivers are treated just as the older drivers, you get paid to drive and they give you the same runs they expect everyone else to do. Its all up to you.

How much the average driver makes?

This is the same question as above.

How old the trucks are?

My Truck is a 2005 Volvo, yes its older with 440k on the clock but it still drives just fine. You can go with equipment that isnt brand new just as long as its kept up to date on maintenance its fine. Your a new driver do you expect a company to put you in a brand new 2010 model? I sure didnt..

Do they have APU on the trucks?

They have APU's on alot of the trucks, its hit or miss if you get one, mine doesnt have one, yea I wish it did but its luck of the draw. You can live without one, I know I am.

Do they have Refrigerator on the trucks?

You have to supply you own fridge/microwave/inverter. That stuff does not come on the truck..


And anything you think I should know about them before making the choice.

Read up, there is a very large thread on WS in the Motor Carriers thread, alot of past and present drivers talk in there, if your near a terminal stop by and talk with drivers that are there, they will put everything in perspective.

If any body out there can help me,
Thank you

Nisely stated. Thanks D1.

 

Hey, Deserted1
Thanks alot for the info, very nice post.
Do you have to wear uniforms or can you wear what every you want when driving?

 

no uniforms, you can drive in la nude if you want but i wouldent recommend it as putting on chains might suck...

 

Yes, need more than just boots and gloves to put on chains. Might need to put on that robe used at truck stops and shippers. I will not look at a W/S truck the same way from now on.

 

I'm a big believer in more training/road time. 10 day orientation is very short. Might work if you are experienced. I'm sure a lot have made it work and doing well, but I think at least 2 months or longer on the road with a trainer is a good thing.

PS, thanks to Deserted for the post. Great answers.