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Is Watkins & Shepard good for real-world training?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ZeeSchnogun, May 17, 2009.

  1. May 17, 2009 #1
    ZeeSchnogun

    ZeeSchnogun Bobtail Member

    48
    8
    May 16, 2009
    Somerville, NJ
    0
    Is Watkins & Shepard good for real-world training (30 day + the 10 day intensive w/trainer)? I've previously posted the same question about Swift (which has ALOT of bad threads & a few good) I cannot find any bad threads on any forum about Watkins & Shepard. I have to admit, their recruiters took a VERY different approach to my questions and did NOT promise me the world (like every other company) and to my mind, were fairly up-front about the realities of the Trucking Industry and stressed safety & proper procedures. I am NOT currently driving, I did my 4+ week stint 20 months ago over at Winsor Driving Academy in Linden N.J. (a VERY good school ) - Winsor was TOUGH. They made us drive thru the city of Newark, N.J. Routes 1 & 9 by the Pulaski Skyway, Elizabeth and the N.J. Turnpike (anyone thats been driving on the east coast knows how congested & INSANE that area is) anybody who has input on W&S please, PLEASE post this info. I'd rather NOT pay another $4,000 to re-learn & re-test (since I have my CDL) but if they're a great place to start at, then I'd consider spending the money. Thanks, >8 )
     
    ZeeSchnogun, May 17, 2009
    ZeeSchnogun, May 17, 2009
    #1
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  3. May 17, 2009 #2
    soon2betrucking

    soon2betrucking Road Train Member

    1,658
    473
    Sep 28, 2007
    Philadelphia, Pa
    0
    hey, youll prob have to take a re-freasher course drom your school, since you have been out of the truck for so long, you might even have to take the whole course over again,
    im a driver here at watkins, and truthfully no company is the best, yes watkins shepard has the good the bad and the ugly, just happen to have more good to show then anything els, i would go above some and back to the tread about watkins shepard and read 50 pages, youll be able to get an idea of what the company is like, we have a place in sayreville nj, which is not far from you at all, roxy and sandy are there to be honest for you, and if they felt as though you were not quailified for the job, then they would not give the time of day to talk to you. so start reading
     
    soon2betrucking, May 17, 2009
    soon2betrucking, May 17, 2009
    #2
  4. May 17, 2009 #3
    ZeeSchnogun

    ZeeSchnogun Bobtail Member

    48
    8
    May 16, 2009
    Somerville, NJ
    0
    Thats great info - I'll be sure to review the W&S threads. Roxy was very helpful over the phone, a pleasure to deal with. Thanks alot!!! >8 )
     
    ZeeSchnogun, May 17, 2009
    ZeeSchnogun, May 17, 2009
    #3
  5. May 18, 2009 #4
    msmspilot

    msmspilot Light Load Member

    296
    85
    Aug 25, 2008
    North Mississippi
    0
    Given how "old" your schooling is, I don't know if they'd make you do the 30 day school or just the 10 day orientation. The 30 day school was excellent for real world training, in my opinion. We drove in town in Missoula, we drove on 6% and 8% grades with the truck loaded to 80K lbs. We had some "tricks" the instructors used to try to rattle you a little bit going down the grades (stuff that can and does happen in real life). We also ran some real loads where we learned how to deal with real life trip planning, dealing with shippers/receivers, etc.

    I felt very prepared to drive without a trainer when they said we had graduated. By no means did I know everything (anyone who says they know everything is one you need to keep an eye on), but I had the base knowledge to be able to keep me out of trouble. My wife feels the same way about our training.
     
    msmspilot, May 18, 2009
    msmspilot, May 18, 2009
    #4
  7. May 18, 2009 #5
    ZeeSchnogun

    ZeeSchnogun Bobtail Member

    48
    8
    May 16, 2009
    Somerville, NJ
    0
    Thanks man, I'm leaning more towards doing the full training again over at W&S! I felt that I was a pretty good driver from the get-go however, I am starting to feel like too much time has passed. I could go the "Swift" or "Werner" route as they don't care that its been almost 2 years - not sure how I feel about a company that would allow that?
     
    ZeeSchnogun, May 18, 2009
    ZeeSchnogun, May 18, 2009
    #5
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