Watkins Shepard 30-Day Training

Thanks for the good wished ADR, I appreciate the virtual backup I get from everyone here.

Have you already put in your application? if you have keep on them. I called Roxy on a daily basis, poor thing, just to see how things were going. It's not like they've forgot about you, but those poor girls are constantly busy everyday and probably have hundreds of other applicants to deal with. They're really there to help and are just great people willing to help. If you're truthful and don't have any major infractions you should be good, as long as you're good to them. So, IF you've applied just keep contacting them and ask them the questions you need to know. If you haven't applied yet, do so, give it a day or two then call to check on it. I'm pretty sure they're hiring through the holidays, but not 100%

 

I passed!!! On the pre-trip I did the firewall forward and the coupling system and missed approx. 6. Backing didn't get deducted any points and on the drive got 8 points. I did a couple stupid things on the drive which denoted the points and they were stupid stuff. I stopped on the side of an on ramp to do my "emergency stop" and left the gear in 8th and tried to start . Again, stupid. I think I may have shifted in an intersection at the last minute as well. Regardless, I passed and I'm so relieved the test is over. Now the real fun and stress begins and I can and can't wait. All shippers and recievers have wide open spaces and no tight turns right???? Well I figure just take my time and g.o.a.l. I got my truck today too which is a '06 Volvo VN with a Cummins ISX engine & a 10 speed. Needs to go into the shop before it's turned over to me as there's a few things not right with it. Nothing major, and no rebuilds, so I'm happy. As long as it can run as hard as I can, I'll be happy. Gotta get used to the air-ride front suspension also.

My last week here was just tying up loose ends with lessons and practicing for the DMV test and getting all of my paperwork signed and dated. Now that I'm done I've got some time to reflect on my experience here at Watkins Shepard. If I could do this all over again, I would. I wouldn't take the seemingly easier and cheaper route by training at a third party, as most train you to get your CDL. The lessons I've learned here will stick with me for my many years of trucking ahead. I KNOW I've learned things and actually experienced things that I wouldn't have otherwise learned anywhere else. The downhill ops and student trip come to mind first. So many good things taught to me that I know I'll use every single day. Both the instructors I had were more than willing to take time out of their day, even if after 5 to help us achieve success. They were informative, always willing to help, hardworking and I can say, I've made friends of them both. I know if I have any questions down the road, I won't hesitate to call any number of people working for the company, as this has been made clear. And knowing that I've got that team behind me, helps ease my transition into the real world. Other than the early mornings and shared dorms, I've truly enjoyed every aspect of my time here. I unbiasedly can say that in my opinion, this may be the best place to recieve truck training. And on top of that, I've now got a good paying job that will give me a sense of satisfaction and pride. I could really go on for hours about how happy I am and was, but I'll end it here. I'll leave it at this. If there's anyone out there, looking to get with a good company that has top-notch training, put Watkins Shepard near or at the top of your list. I promise you won't be disapointed.

I'm also going to leave this thread in my subscribed list and if anyone has any questions for me, you can either leave a post here, or pm me and I'll be happy to answer them as best as I can.

Thanks for tuning in during my month here and thanks for all the good wishes. I hope to meet some of you out on the road during our travels.

Best regards
Matt

 

Thanks Dave. Appreciate the good wishes and hope to see you out there eventually. Keep safe