I seek direction/Counsel **Thoughts or Advice??**

Are you 100% sure W/S sends you out without a trainer?

I've never heard of ANY company that hires newbies doing that. Even some less than reputable companies will put you with someone for a week at least.

 

There's a couple of threads on here that describe W&Ss 10 day "orientation". Yes it is true that after the orientation you go out as a driver without a trainer. Some folks can do it, others maybe not so much.

To the OP.... this is a judgement call that you have to make about yourself and your abilities. Even W&S recruiters will tell you that their program is not for everybody.

Talk to recruiters, read the forum and make a decision based on your research. Even companies that are considered bottom feeders have some happy employees.

Go in with a good attitude understanding that you won't make much money for the first year and that you are only there to gain experience and move on.

On that note, I would have to vote against US Xpress, not because of the quality of the company but, for the fact that their trucks are all auto shift. This will make it more difficult for you to get your next job because of lack of expereince with manual transmissions. I personnaly know two people that this has happened to.

Good luck to you.


................. Jim

 

I guess I now know of a company that does this.

I've never read up on any of the WS threads on here. It's rare that I make posts in this part of the forum.

 

Go check out the company DAC reports section on the forum. Lots of threads about Werner there (including Family Dollar & Dollar General) and in other sub-forums here.

...........Jim

 

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.

It largely depends on your attitude. Not to say that bad things don't happen for no reason sometimes but - work with your trainer, if he won't work with you, do everything that you can to get another one. Follow company policies to the letter, Take every load that comes your way (short or long) try to be friendly and cooperative with your dispatcher and, G.O.A.L.

The old carpenters term "measure twice, cut once" apllies to rookie drivers too. Heck it even applies to experienced hands. Think about it twice (or more) then do it once, the right way.

Mostly understand that you WILL be away from home for long periods of time and for very little money. If you fully understand that and can live with that for a year, the rest is pretty much downhill.


.......... Jim

 

only you know what your abilities are, if you think you can do the job without a trainer, than i would say go to W&S. When i first started driving in '77 the co. put me with a trainer for 1 week. all other companies that i drove for just gave me the keys & told me where to load & deliver. I loved being by myself, because when the truck is parked, i know that i don't have to worry about my other driver.

 

I'm a graduate of Watkins Shepherd 30 day school. I chose them specifically for their program of no driver trainers. They teach you how to operate the truck, not just drive. If you need moral support in your learning phase, you might be better served going out with a "trainer", who may have as little as 6 months experience. They are a great starter company, and not a day since I got my CDL through them have I not thanked God I had the opportunity to get my start there.