Stay away from western Express

The mega companies are all what u make of it. Like the other poster said , change ur attitude. That sucks they pay u so low, but with the megas ur just trying to get experience and have a clean record. Not saying its right or wrong the beginner companies dont pay #### but its just the way it is. If u wanna make a career out of this then this is where u start.

 

This has been my experience also. Small local and regional companies generally don’t bother with it, probably because those services are expensive and they generally don’t get the turnover that the mega carriers do. Why anybody would want to work for a mega carrier is beyond me anyway. Last one I worked for was Cowan Systems in Baltimore in 2015 and that was a regrettable experience to put it mildly.

If you want to work for a big company stick with the LTLs or private fleets like Walmart, Autozone, etc.

 

Small companies. Dac cost $$$. Longest tenure company I was at did not use dac at all. Maybe 10 or 12 trucks. Or non trucking companies like farms or construction companies. The construction company I drove a dump truck for did not use Dac

 

That's your opinion. I personally prefer companies that dish out big miles. I turn about 2700 miles weekly. I'd turn more if I could. Some folks like to run 300 or 400 mile loads. I like to run multiple 300 to 400 mile loads. I like long hauls. You like short hauls. I dont think it's a sham. I look at it like it's a game. I challenge myself each week to get as much as possible. It dont stress me if I fall short, it's just fun. It helps me get better at load planning so I can get more miles the next time. To me, lots of miles are good. Not everyone agrees, but OP is at Western Express and that's how they operate. May as well adjust. To each their own man.

 

There's a saying in trucking.

Work smarter. Not harder.

 

Until that 480 mile day takes all 14 to do, or worse a day and a half. Whether is appointment times, long load times, "you want it WHERE?!?!" backs, or something else sometimes the higher pay rate isn't worth it.

Lots of things go into what makes a "good gig" good. I'd take a rate cut to get on a GB to Laredo and back run - same money, same hometime, but less work than hooking to 9 different trailers today.

 

There is a lot of them.

They just don't like to say they are.

 

Most people seem to want the job after the job they can get now, and then they blame the company for not being better.

 

Well said, Otter.