Running With Watkins & Shepard

The real question is: Can you handle what W/S is going to hand you 10 days after your training begins?

There's more to this job than moving a truck from one place to another. You'll need to figure things out on your own (who to see at the shippers, receivers, logging, TripPaks, etc). These are the tasks that are expected. You'll also need to handle the unexpected like truck and trailer breakdowns. Can you handle these things independently without losing confidence in yourself? If you fold under pressure, you may do a disservice to yourself by developing a bad taste for trucking (that isn't really there) because of a situation that emerged you were not prepared for.

But if you feel you're capable of getting the job done without hand holding, then W/S might work for you. Their trainers will evaluate your skills. They will give a no BS evaluation of your skill sets. If they don't think you've got what it takes, they'll tell you.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more lengthy and a slower paced company training program, then Swift would be one possibility. They will provide 240 hrs BTW training and you will sample a little of everything before you solo out.

Bottom line is your confidence level. Do you have what it takes to work on your own with only 10 days of training? If you have some previous truck driving experience it will help.

You can always give W/S a try and voluntarily withdraw if you have reservations. I'm sure there won't be any hard feelings. Just be honest with them and yourself. You'll know pretty quickly if you can handle it.

Be sure to let us know how you make out.

 

Whenever you get back Chris, you might drop by ORG's thread. I kind of hinted at him and you writing a book or booklet about your expierences. The interest is there, and you both write well.

I wonder how many people are reading you and ORG's posts that leave no trace?

 

Over 20,000 views.

 

The O/P can see at the bottom of the page WHO in the last 30 days has viewed their post and there is a post count.

I have to agree that ORG's orginal thread has really started a snowball effect with Chris adding into it and then his own and now also American Trucker who is just fininshing up at W/S and has his own thread. I have been here since the get go in June with ORG-still remember his first couple of posts and thinking OMG man get a gripe but he came along and did his homework and that is what makes his thread and the rest such great reads!!


Chris hopefully when you get home you get a new laptop or phone or droid or what ever so you can post again!!

 

Any good crappy furniture horror stories yet Chris???

 

Honey you "owe" me nothing" but the bike ride will be swweeeeeet!

 

Hey Baby Doll !! *winks cuz I stole that line now!!*

Glad you are back among the land of the cyber living and to MUCH deserved time home!! If the weather in NJ is close to western NY this weekend you LUCKED OUT!!
today was a beautiful fall day 65 tomorrow 70 Sat and Sun cooler but sunny!! Great weather for that long awaited bike ride!! The leaves around here are peak so I am thinking or hoping they are the same for you!!

Gather your thoughts, eat a good meal, sleep in a REAL bed and ride your bike---then you will have time to update us~~as Stephan King put it~~ your faithful readers!!

 

Welcome back to Cyberspace Chris.

Don't spend too much money fixing up the laptop. You can buy a new one pretty cheap these days.

Enjoy the home time, buddy, you've earned it.