Wannabe to Watkins Shepard Driver

tut · Feb 18, 2011

chompi said: ↑

You should do just fine considering all the different experiences you have had. Realistically though I would aim for $25,000-30,000 your first year. That is actually somewhat high for a new driver. It is a lot more than holding a steering wheel. Actually if you ask some of the newer drivers most of them will tell you that the driving is the easy part. You sound like somebody who has experienced quite a lot though so you should mesh well. Personally I would steer clear of the mega-carriers. Go for the smaller mom and pop companies. Your chances of success are going to be much greater. Good luck to you and welcome to the forum.
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Sounds like a plan! Uh, wait, they all want one, two or three years OTR experience. Hmm, maybe not a realistic plan tho, but a plan none-the-less!

seawheeler · Feb 19, 2011

tut said: ↑

Sounds like a plan! Uh, wait, they all want one, two or three years OTR experience. Hmm, maybe not a realistic plan tho, but a plan none-the-less!
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I have talked with several companies and they have given me a verbal acceptance. ("you get your CDL, we'll give you a shot in our training program") A friend of mine is working at Prime fresh out of school as well. Now for the best jobs sure just like anything else the more experience the better job. Right now everything is sunshine and lollipops for me as I'm pretty ignorant to all this. Let me enjoy this ignorance for just a little while would ya? It's like when you take a dog to the vet, they think "oh boy a ride in the car". Why would you tell them differently? So that's where I'm at right now just cruising down the road with my head out the window enjoying the breeze.

I have to admit one of my faults is believing what people tell me to be the truth. Don't get me wrong I wont take any wooden nickels. But I like to believe most people speak is the truth, if they prove them selfs otherwise I will never forget it. I'm a have full type of guy and see good in all people.

Thanks to all the posters here, I feel like I'm getting connected to a great resource. And Tut, I hope you can take some ribbing dude. If not we may not get along so well.

oo7driver · Feb 19, 2011

You go brother!! You got the right attitude and I like that! I like to think the same, if you cant at least believe in someone then what the heck are ya gonna do! I have made mistakes over the years but look at me now! Still standing up right!
I am setting in the airport right now waiting for my plane for Dallas and I cant wait! Had a hard time saying good bye to the wife but we both know what to expect! Take care and hope things go well for you!!!

overdrivexx · Feb 21, 2011

So what dose all that experience get ya? "Sorry sir you are TOO experienced and TOO old."
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You know I heard that when I was 22 yrs old when I got out of the Army and was appling for work at CSK auto parts. I didn't hear the 2 old I was 22 but I had to much experience...what a crock of #####...

Anyway SW, You have the right attitude, and I admire you and your accomplishments Good luck my friend Keep us posted like I said in my thread to you we can feed each other cuz my attitude is good also and I'm looking forward to the whole adventure.
I believe that the people here will also help us along our adventure, because you know thats what it is...

'nuff said!

seawheeler · Feb 21, 2011

Overdriverxx, you bet ya, attitude is nearly everything. And a positive attitude is contagious. I wish more people would catch it and pass it along. I'm trying to do my part and sounds like ODX it too! Attitude Check anyone?

seawheeler · Feb 21, 2011

I just finished up my Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) for the WIA program. They have one reading section of 25 questions. One section on applied mathematics of 25 questions and the final section on basic mathematics. I wouldn't say it's a breeze by any means. I think I passed and if so could be in CDL training by 02/28. As long as I passed the only other step is filling out a phone book size stack of paper work for the government money. Fingers crossed and waiting on phone call this afternoon.

American-Trucker · Feb 21, 2011

seawheeler said: ↑

OK, where do I start. This is my first post. I'll start with a little background on myself. I have done many things throughout my life. I've worked on farms, been the corporate guy, Yacht Captain, worked for others and most recently owned my own business. Well the economy took care of the last one. I did my time in the Army National Guard. Got an education with an associates degree in Automotive Technology and a BS in Advanced Technical Studies. Got a certification to SCUBA dive. Learned to drive boats and got a 100 ton Captains License. Learned to fly airplanes and got a Pilots license. I lived in 7 states (north and south), married twice, traveled in Europe and Central America. I've been hired, fired, promoted, transfered, laid off, rejected, respected, taken advantage of and everything in between. So what dose all that experience get ya? "Sorry sir you are TOO experienced and TOO old."

Well I can't do anything about my experience or age. It's been a great American Ride so far. I thank God every day for what he's given me. I just need to shift gears (OK, bad pun) and move on to the next chapter. This may come as a shock to many I Want To Be A Profession Truck Driver!.

I have been looking for a decent job (50K plus) since August of '10. I'm sure this comes as no surprise to anyone, I can't find one. But one thing keeps popping up in all my job searches, CDL Driver Wanted. I never really thought about it much until I met a few drivers recently. They were not your stereotypical truck drivers. You know, they had most their teeth, bathed within the last week, and not a one of them had naked woman on their belt buckle. Just kidding, but the majority of drivers today are true professionals, I was just as ignorant to this fact.

OK, so I've made my decision to start my new career as a Professional Truck Driver. Currently working my way through the WIK paperwork and jumping through their hoops. It's looking good so far, they will pay for everything, tuition, books, medical, DOT and testing. I have a preliminary start date of 02/28/11 to start school. I chose Transtech in Conover, NC. They are just up the street from me and offer a 4 week course. I also like the fact that they limit class size to 4 students.

Are you still with me here? I know, what an intro right. Sorry, but I had to get you caught up on 46 years of history on my favorite subject. Now for the questions (this is where you come in).

Who should I drive for? OK, I know, too broad of question. I am willing to do whatever it takes get off to the right start. If I have to be on the road three weeks at a time so be it. I live in the Hickory, NC area so a company with a terminal in this area would be good.

Dry van, Flat bed, Tanker?

What should I expect for pay starting out. I know everyone lies about this. I'm all grown up now and can handle the truth. I realize I will be in a training position when I start with a new company and that will pay $250 to what ever, right?

What will I be surprised with in school? You know the "That never even crossed my mind" moment you may have had in training (recent grads).

What can I do to prepare for school. I know time is limited but I have a week.

Are 10 codes part of the final examination?

Thanks in advance for the help and insight you will be sharing with me. This has all the makings to be another great adventure! May God Bless you all. Or as they say in the South "All Y'all".
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ok well I found this thread too late to save you on this one, I went to trans tech...By going there you have taken the Best Dry Van option off your table Watkins Shepard in Conover, NC thats who I work for....

so if you want to pull Flatbeds Try Maverick there probably going to be your best option for makeing the most $$

If they dont want you try TMC

Expect to GROSS $25,000 to $40,000 your first year, it all depends on who you go to work for and how hard you run...

You'll be surprised how easy it is to drive a truck

No you will not need to know and will probably never use 10 codes

American Trucker

American-Trucker · Feb 21, 2011

I forgot to put this in my post,

after reading your OP it sounds like Trucking is going to be the perfect next exciting chapter in your life! Sounds like you've gotten to do allot of cool stuff...

American Trucker

seawheeler · Feb 22, 2011

"No you will not need to know and will probably never use 10 codes" - AT

This is a real disappointment AT. I was soo looking forward to jawing on the CB and throwing out some 10 code like in Smokey and the Bandit. Are you telling me its really not like that? But I'm sure you listen to CW McCall songs all the time on your 8 track player don't you? I mean come on, you call yourself American Trucker?

American-Trucker · Feb 22, 2011

seawheeler said: ↑

"No you will not need to know and will probably never use 10 codes" - AT

This is a real disappointment AT. I was soo looking forward to jawing on the CB and throwing out some 10 code like in Smokey and the Bandit. Are you telling me its really not like that? But I'm sure you listen to CW McCall songs all the time on your 8 track player don't you? I mean come on, you call yourself American Trucker?
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well you might still here 10-4 and whats your 20? but other then that most guys dont use and frankly I dont know how many drivers even know the 10 codes.

Well I dont listen to him on a 8 track player but I do listen to his music as well as any other old truckin music i can find.

American Trucker

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