Orientation in Conover on Aug 13

Discussion in 'Watkins & Shepard' started by IAMRollin, Aug 7, 2012.

  1. IAMRollin

    IAMRollin Bobtail Member

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    Jun 30, 2012
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    Hi Folks,

    To whomever is listening, especially if you'll also be there.
    Send me an email to ws@x-sm.net. I am too much of a
    lurker to pm.

    I passed my CDL today, feels good just to have that one
    hoop taken care of, and I am awaiting my email with the
    details and my bus ticket to Conover, NC.

    I am happy to say that I'll be joining the W/S team, assuming
    I survive orientation :biggrin_2556:. I, in part, picked W/S for its
    orientation, so I am very much looking forward to it, :biggrin_25519:.

    To those with the experience, are there anythings you suggest
    I have for orientation that won't be on the official checklist?
    Or, for that matter, for once I start driving for W/S?

    I know AT swears by a GPS unit, but I can't stand those things.
    I don't like them talking at me, and they're screens are too
    small for my tastes. In it's place I am looking to get CoPilot Truck
    and a GPS receiver for my laptop. Any other similar should haves
    will be greatly appreciated, like for example, is there an absolute
    minimum set of tools you should have?

    Much appreciated, and excited at the opportunity to learn this
    business with W/S. Making sure I really know how to shift up and
    down scary hills sounds great, albeit a challenge. School only
    had us on little ones with an empty trailer, and even that was
    a different enough experience to bobtailing it.

    In Gratitude and Excitement, (Did I say I was excited yet?! :biggrin_25520:)
     
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  3. 2021DREAM

    2021DREAM Light Load Member

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    Dec 31, 2010
    Sutherlin, Oregon
    0
    Congratulations! and very good luck to your future!
     
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  4. hup

    hup Medium Load Member

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    Oct 19, 2010
    Missoula, MT
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    I forget whats on that list, but I think its pretty solid.

    I could suggest:
    -one of those fancy plastic-coated commercial atlas' are nice to have. you can get them cheaper at truckstops then online, btw. strange, huh?

    -a 5th wheel puller might be nice to have too.. especially during the wet/dirty months.

    I like to have a 2lb sledge hammer for tire thumping, but you may prefer to use something else..
     
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  5. wareagle2011

    wareagle2011 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 3, 2012
    cartersville,ga
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    I too will be there on the 13th,I just recieved my confirmation email with a list of items to bring with me.I will b arriving at hotel via greyhound around 7:00 pm on the 12th. c u there.
    trevor
     
  6. IAMRollin

    IAMRollin Bobtail Member

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    Jun 30, 2012
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    Cool! I am looking forward to meeting you WarEagle. Until then.
     
  7. pawnature

    pawnature Bobtail Member

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    May 27, 2009
    Louisa, KY
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    I will be there on the 13th also. Will probably be the only Grandpa there. Hiring on as an experienced driver.
     
  8. IAMRollin

    IAMRollin Bobtail Member

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    Jun 30, 2012
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    That's great Pawnature. I'll see you there, but probably only briefly. I think you experienced drivers only get 3/4
    days of orientation, and then they send you out. I look forward to meeting you.
     
  9. pawnature

    pawnature Bobtail Member

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    May 27, 2009
    Louisa, KY
    0
    Hope everything is going well for you. I have decided that WS is not the place for me. Good luck
     
  10. IAMRollin

    IAMRollin Bobtail Member

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    Jun 30, 2012
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    Well, my skills decided W/S wasn't the place for me either. I may be back some day depending on how happy I end up elsewhere. I overthink, and had too much brain freeze. School was in day cabs with empty 48' trailers, and my brain was like 53' loaded with a sleeper is a whole different experience.

    My main problem is I overthink everything. The orientation is great!, and if you're a newb with good skills and like to be self responsible, I'd highly recommend W/S to you.

    Now to find a place with a little more training, so I can begin to really learn to drive. W/S had me realize that what little I thought I learned in school was mostly wrong. It was good to learn it though, and I am eager to get in a truck and keep learning.

    I hope you find someplace that suits you pawnature. God Bless!
     
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2012
    2021DREAM and hup Thank this.
  11. MontanaLongbow

    MontanaLongbow Bobtail Member

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    Jul 3, 2012
    Billings, Montana
    0
    All the best of luck to you. :Trailer:
     
    IAMRollin Thanks this.
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