Is Werner right for me?

I believe that many of the negative posts that you see about Werner are from already experienced drivers who wanted to give them a go. Unfortunately, maybe they set their expectations too high. Werner is a starter company; really you can't expect much more from them. I find it funny that people seem to expect something great or perfect from Werner. Just like any other of the large starter companies (Swift, US Xpress, etc) its just to really get your foot in the door.

There are many students who go to these starter companies, stay through training, then leave after about 4 months. Later, they will come on here and post how it "wasn't what I was expecting" or "I couldn't tolerate the abuse" type sob story. Now, as a student I would ask "just what were you expecting?" Were you expecting that you were going to have the red carpet rolled-out for you or that you thought your first company was going to be your last company? Ultimately, I believe that those who do this type of thing weren't cut out for this business to begin with. People seem to think that there is no due paying in the trucking world. There is, believe me. I have had to start from scratch in this business twice and I don't expect to get the best job for awhile, but I'm trying.

True, sometimes you see the newbie who already gets that great local gig. The truth is they are the exception to the rule in the OTR world. The cold hard truth for most of us is this:
1. Do not expect that you will stay with your first company forever.
2. You will pay dues before you land that great job that seems so elusive.
3. You will go through many trials and tribulations in your first year.
4. You will be paid next to nothing your first year.
5. You will ask plenty of times "Was going OTR the right choice."
6. You will come close to quiting many times.

No matter if you pick Werner or any other starter who has given you a pre-hire, this is what you should expect. I started first time with US Xpress and then Werner. They have been basically the same. Please DO NOT QUIT IN YOUR FIRST YEAR WITH ANY COMPANY YOU GO TO!!!! Get that year in and please develop a thick skin. I promise life will be easier if you go with the flow. I know some may say "well, that's rolling over I don't roll over for nobody" or "I tell it like it is and keep it real, if you don't that's just inviting them to walk all over you." You will have to decide at times to keep or swallow your pride driving a truck. Unfortunately, pride doesn't pay the bills. I have often heard on here how thinking like this is what makes these companies take advantage of you. Being new though its going to seem like they are taking advantage of you, a lot. At times it will seem like you are being treated like crap, but please don't quit and then come on here and add your story to the hundreds on here about Werner or any of the other starter companies. You can do it.
Be strong and good luck.

 

Werner has been good to me, but I am on dedicated. I didn't start with them, but I believe the driver plays a big part of the experience as the company does. I don't know about the training at werner . But I can tell that I started at Central Refrigerated and they were a decent company to start with, after getting a good DM I got good miles, and after 6 months OTR I went on dedicated there and I was with them for 2 years.

Check out the Central thread on here for more info, don't feel you need to read all 1600+ pages, just the last 500 pages or so to get up to speed, LOL most questions will be answered however.

Good luck no mater what company you choose to go with, and be safe.

 

Pick your trainer..........


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJYUSdX-Rps

 

There are some good trainers at Werner. My hubby started with Werner and got a very good trainer. We actually became friends with the guy and are still in touch with him.

 

I started with werner 7 years ago and times got tough and I'm going back to them. Believe about 5% of what comes out of negative truckers mouths and learn from your own exp. I would go dedicated with werner there otr put me in the poor house.(But I guess that leaves a 95% chance of you making money)

 

Hey,

Werner will make you really appreciate your next company !!!!!