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Wannabe to Watkins Shepard Driver

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by seawheeler, Feb 18, 2011.

Should I Continue This Thread?

Poll closed Jun 20, 2011.
  1. *

    Yes, I enjoy it.

    16 vote(s)
    88.9%

  2. No, Start a new one.

    1 vote(s)
    5.6%

  3. Don't care

    1 vote(s)
    5.6%
Page 21 of 21
  1. Jun 10, 2011 #201
    Steveo2Drive

    Steveo2Drive Light Load Member

    249
    48
    Mar 29, 2011
    Mint Hill, NC
    0
    Seawheeler?? You haven't left any updates lately??? This might not be good......:biggrin_25524:
     
    Steveo2Drive, Jun 10, 2011
    Steveo2Drive, Jun 10, 2011
    #201
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  3. Jul 12, 2011 #202
    seawheeler

    seawheeler Heavy Load Member

    977
    468
    Jan 14, 2011
    Central, IL
    0
    Well it finally came to an end with Watkins and Shepard. I did all I could do on my end and they did all they could on theirs. I'll leave it at that.

    Overall it was a good experience. I learned a lot in a very short amount of time, mostly good. I got a taste of over the road trucking and liked it.

    Do not judge Watkins Shepard too critically based on my (very limited) experience. They are the only company I have ever pulled for and I have less than one year experience. I would also discount opinions from others with a similar lack of experience on these forums. There is too much negativity going around.

    Now I'm off to orientation with another "starter company" we'll see how this goes. If nothing else I'll gain a greater perspective of the industry.
     
    seawheeler, Jul 12, 2011
    seawheeler, Jul 12, 2011
    #202
    AfterShock and ZVar Thank this.
  4. Jul 14, 2011 #203
    ave

    ave Light Load Member

    164
    37
    Feb 25, 2011
    Colorado Springs
    0
    Well it looks like your off to a great start....not even a year?? just keep jumping around cause the grass is always greener on the other side.
     
    ave, Jul 14, 2011
    ave, Jul 14, 2011
    #203
  5. Jul 15, 2011 #204
    seawheeler

    seawheeler Heavy Load Member

    977
    468
    Jan 14, 2011
    Central, IL
    0
    You're surprised? The national fleet average for OTR driver turnover is 75%. For new drivers is drastically higher, several hundred percent depending on carrier. As the driver shortage continues to worsen, turnover is projected to go even higher. When companies start offering sign on bonuses (some already have) drivers will jump ship for the money if nothing else. Unfortunately this is the state of the trucking industry today.

    As for "greener grass", no. Your analogy suggests that I left one job because another looked better. I left W&S before I went with another company. Then took some time to decide who to pull for next. I think I've made a good decision but only time will tell.
     
    seawheeler, Jul 15, 2011
    seawheeler, Jul 15, 2011
    #204
  7. Jul 15, 2011 #205
    jkwl2002

    jkwl2002 Bobtail Member

    3
    1
    Jul 15, 2011
    Cleveland, Ohio
    0
    seawheeler - I started reading your first posts and then jumpped to the end. I'm in a similar situation as you - I'm 52, kids are all grown, just me and my dog now. I've been hired, promoted, downsized, rightsized, etc. I've delivered newspapers, worked in production jobs, front line and middle management, package handler, and most recently have my own business (again), but the business is not growing and I need steady income. So, I've been looking into truck driving and truck driving schools (Great Lakes Truck Driving School is very close to my home). My questions to you, "Are you happy you got your CDL? Would you do it again? What would you do differently? Are there good jobs out there for newbies?" Your input is greatly appreciated. (Like you, I try to be a positive person and surround myself with positive people. It has helped me survive some tough times.)
     
    jkwl2002, Jul 15, 2011
    jkwl2002, Jul 15, 2011
    #205
  8. Jul 15, 2011 #206
    seawheeler

    seawheeler Heavy Load Member

    977
    468
    Jan 14, 2011
    Central, IL
    0
    JKWL, Wow, where to start with all that. First off welcome to the forum, you will find tons of information here to help you make your decision. I suggest you weigh my opinions no more than a grain of salt due to my lack of "real" experience. Trucking is not a hard job but it can be a very difficult lifestyle for many people. Lack of home time would be the number one complaint of most newbies, can you handle 4 days off a month? I don't know how family guys can do it. It's also a long road to being solo making decent money. I'm talking from making the decision, finding the school, finding the money, getting a job and making it through a probationary period. This could all take you 5 or 6 months.
    There is so much more to all of this but hopefully this ramble will help you in some way. Good luck in what ever you decide.
     
    seawheeler, Jul 15, 2011
    seawheeler, Jul 15, 2011
    #206
  9. Jul 15, 2011 #207
    jkwl2002

    jkwl2002 Bobtail Member

    3
    1
    Jul 15, 2011
    Cleveland, Ohio
    0
    seawheeler, thanks! I'm going to do some more research and weigh my options. Thanks for the quick reply. Good luck in your new career!
     
    jkwl2002, Jul 15, 2011
    jkwl2002, Jul 15, 2011
    #207
    seawheeler Thanks this.
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