Running With Watkins & Shepard

Chralb, you definitely have some good points there. I wasn't really knocking the owner op thing just throwing caution to the wind. You can make some really good money but it does take a business background as well as trucking experience. I personally have run into some back to back multiple breakdowns which cost me to the tune over $20,000! It can definitely happen. Really helps to be prepared for.

 

You are correct about the potential costs, Chompi. I have a driver that ran up a $10K bill when a piece of metal broke off and dropped through the engine. It was under warranty, but the engine manufacturer only picked up part of the tab. They plug in the computer and look for anything they can to show you neglected the engine. Even if you get them to take responsibility for something that won't begin to cover down time, tow bills, etc. Best to have a large war chest if you are going to become an independent contractor. Realistically, no one is going to get rich trucking. The question is if you want to take the risk and additional hard work (running a business) for the marginal increase in income. I would only suggest Ind Cont for about 10% of the driver pool. I have some great drivers that are terrible with their money. That takes nothing away from their driving ability. They just lack the fiscal discipline it takes to get ahead. We try to keep them happy by paying them well and giving them a nice truck. Some of my company drivers were independent contractors in the past, and are much happier without all the headaches. That being said, I have a great group of Ind Cont. One of them is about the same age as my father, and has been there about 30 years. I went to school with his boys. Nothing makes him prouder than his big family. He has always had his 5 boys names on the side of his truck...now he has added about 12 grand children. He has gotten ahead slowly but surely, and I am sure will retire comfortably. Although I am not sure he will ever be able to sit still or stop working.

So make the choice that is right for you. Ask the right questions going in, and be realistic. At the end of the day Ind Cont does not automatically mean any pay increase from company driver. You can succeed, but it is work and it is not a fast process.

 

Hey Sweetie! Glad to see you got some on line time! I had responded last night on my phone but it wouldn't post and by that time it was almost 0400 and i said forget it! Much easier on the laptop! for sure but having the phone is nice too. I use my slid out keyboard and it's not bad-just have to check my spelling cuz sometime yes I hit the wrong keys LOL!!

I like cpap's idea of -when you get some time and right sized keys you posting your reflection of how your start up time has gone. It's very different when I think what you went through that first week with the truck especially since I also follow American Trucker! It's like night and day!

Any idea if you will get home soon?
BTW we made some 'sawdust' the other day!! Got a few of the tools set up...for now.... but need to get the garage set up and get tools sharpened etc you get it!! Pretty cool stuff!

Stay safe darling and keep the shiny side up!!!

 

If anybody will be in Missoula around 11-8, I will see you there God willing and the creek don't rise. Hope my old laptop can handle the stress and get some airtime.

 

Good for you, I wish you all the best, After 5 weeks out I'm sitting at home for some well needed home time, I have tried to find faults with this company but I can't, I am totally happy with things as there are right now, I can't say anything bad about them, The dought creeps in when I'm sitting around waiting for my next load but they always have taken good care of me, I'm here for the haul. Thanks Best of luck to you, By the way be careful of the bed springs in Room 1 bed A!!! After you get used to them they are not to bad.. Missoula last I heard still has WiFi, But if folks continue to asbuse the deal by looking and going to the wrong sites they willpull it there too, it has already been pulled in Helena.

Chris, if you happen upon red Volvo 1832 stop me and introduce yourself, I'm in that truck and love it. Sorry to high jack your thread to congratulate the new driver.

 

Sounds like a copout. A company IT department can install all kinds of proxy filters.

 

All they need to do is install a proxy server. Low cost easy way to manage and monitor. They could even clock specific computers. I was in IT for several years and did it all the time. People would come ask why they could not access the network and I would let them know they had visited inappropriate site. They were amazed, I could even provide a screen shot. As for Helena I was never able to get on their wireless since I started not sure how long it had been gone. The computer was removed my 1st trip there back in June.

 

CHRALB, I read in your first post where you did a lot of research before selecting W/S. While it sounds like a great company, I think I would require more time with a trainer. In your research, did you come across any companies that offered an extensive time with a trainer after Orientation? I know some companies call it training, but it ends up being team driving with the trainer asleep in the bunk.

To try and make a long story short, I graduated SAGE school in Yadkinville, NC last June and then waited a month before deciding to go with Schneider. I made it through Orientation and then assigned a Training Engineer who was outstanding. However, after 1 week into OTR training I threw in the towel. It wasn't the driving or the associated duties that got me, it was a mixture of things from trying to sleep in a tractor in 90+ heat/humidity and not being permitted to idle to wasting duty/driving hours to pick up empty trailers that were neither empty or even present (so much for SNI's wonderful trailer tracking ability).

Looking back, I guess I should have marked it down as a bad week and stuck it out. However, although my Trainer said I was progressing well after my first week, I don't think 1 more week with a Trainer would have prepared me enough to leave the Charlotte terminal solo in my own truck. Some folks have had the advantage of being exposed to the industry through family or friends, and others are just fast learners. Perhaps I'm just too cautious, but I want to give it another shot. So, back to my original question, "Any companies with a more extensive training period than Schneider's? Did you look into their idling policies and whether or not they provided an APU?"

 

Take a look at Stevens. I have a friend there who really likes it a lot and 1 in the way in 2 weeks. They just weren't my cup of tea. Very long training period. About 9 weeks total.