Watkins Shepard 30-Day Training

Even though it probably sucks to have to chain up, I'm actually looking forward to doing it, or at least learning how to do it. One of the many reasons I chose WS was the fact they are a cold weather company and I will get the training that is needed to do winter ops safely and effectively.

Lynch, sounds like you're just running the western 11, or at least 10, since it looks like you've been able to avoid Las Vegas so far. It's just your runs have dictated the west so far, correct? I told Roxy I'm willing and able to go east to get the miles I want/need, and she says some people really don't like going there. Won't bother me at all...

 

I have enjoyed reading this thread. It was great. My only concern is that after reading many posts on this site since September, I personally do not feel that a 30 day training course or a 10 day course if you have your CDL, is adequate to prepare you for what you are about to face once you are driving. That is just my humble opinion.
They do sound like a great group of people to work for.

Thanks again!

 

Jim, Everyone has a different comfort level with regards to the amount and type of training they need. Good luck finding a company that fits yours.

 

Jim. I had some major apprehensions about going out on my own after only 30 days of training and like I posted previous, I was assured that I'd be ok. I was assured correctly. I got all of the tools I needed to be successful out here.

The pro's of going out on your own: If you're a private person like me, you appreciate the fact you don't have to bunk up with a stranger for 6 weeks. You learn VERY quickly as you go and what works for YOU. Not how some other driver has done it for years and may have learned some bad habits.

The cons: You're out on your own which is VERY intimidating and scary at times without a more experienced person next to you. If you get in a bind, you've only got yourself to rely on to make a choice and decision. You've basically got to learn as you go.

My opinion thus far. I like the fact more than anything that I haven't had to live with someone else for 4-6 weeks and like that W/S trusts you enough to go out on your own. Sure it would have been nice at times to have a more experienced driver with me, but I've been forced to teach myself how to do certain things, which is MUCH more invaluable than someone else telling me what to do! And it's worked. I've learned my own way, everyday.

The school will give you all of the tools you need to drive successfully on an everyday basis, but they can't teach you everyday trials and tribulations. No company or other person can. You've got to learn that as you go on a daily basis. This is just my opinion and you yourself may feel better driving with an instructor, which is fine. But I can assure you, the training you receive at W/S is some of the best out there.

Best of luck with your decisions Jim

 

I know exactly what you are saying! I am not looking forward to living with a strange man in a box! lol
I will just be prayerful about it and go with the decision that seems right.
I have a pre hire from Prime. It is 4 months with the trainer...
Thanks again for all of the time you spent putting your posts together!

God Bless!

Jim

 

Hi Jim, Good luck on the search and ALWAYS stay prayerful!,


Lynch I spoke with Sandy and she seemed to feel that I could get into the 10day orientation on jan 25th if I can start my cdl school on the 21st of this month. So my question is I too havent installed chains too often in my life and never on trucks, will i get good enough training on them in the 10day to be profiecient? also, I live outside of sacramento by travis afb if you are in the area drop me an email. I hope to primarily run the west so i can be home often but i am dedicated to doing whatevre it takes to be a safe and succesful truck driver. I saw a WS daycab with a small trailor yesterday at a little strip mall I was at..... Man i wish i could have talked to the driver. I need to go to the truck stop in sacramento and see if I can get the personal input from a driver, just kinda feel wierd about walking up to a stranger and asking for info................... odd because I am a very outgoing person!!!
Thanks to all on this interesting thread and I hope to see you all on the road in the comming year!

 

Snakeskin, just go to the T.V. room at the truckstop for an hour. Most truckers are looking to strike up conversation more than watch TV. You also get to hear truckers talking with other truckers about their day, week, and the million other things about life on the road.

 

Hey Jim:

For me personally, I have been prayerful thru this whole mid life career change, since I was leaving a large company that gave me a fairly secure, well paying job. I left the decision in His hands and He led me to Watkins & Shepard. Thru this journey, every thing that has fallen into place for me has been by His design. I truly believe if you are meant to be at WS, He will make it happen and we will be co-workers. I've talked to people here on the boards, and also my recruiter and the saftey guy Dave at the headquarters and to a person they all have been friendly, helpful and make you feel like family. This is a great place to be, and I'm not even there yet!!

Good luck and best wishes in whatever happens!!

 

Amen to that!

 

Thanks Znine, I will give it a try on Monday