Watkins Shepard Safety Interview/HPE EXPLAINED!

There might be open unfilled positions. I went through flatbed training in June, and I was under the impression that they had 6 slots, but could only scrounge up 4 drivers. They sent out a fleet-wide message asking if anyone wanted to switch to the flatbed side. Plus I know of at least one, and possibly two company fb drivers who left WS since then.

Ask to speak with Rick. He's the flatbed trainer, and would know for sure.

 

Spoke to Rick last month, there are people on a waiting list. I'm one of them.

 

Well W&S called me this morning and went through a phone interview with me.. Said I need the Dr forms,,(no brainer), the DOT long form and my MVR. I also was told yesterday, after explaining my situation for the 3rd time, that USX will hire me, if I can provide what they need and pass orientation of course. It seems to me that the only differences I have seen with W&S and USX is two things.. For me, USX orientation is closer than I would have to travel for W&S and the pay for solos, as well as teams is higher in the long run.

 

I appreciate your input AT, have gained much respect for the fact that you do all you can to help new drivers, such as you were not that long ago.

Have you drove for USX? I have no problem with ELogs, love them in fact..SNI had them. Idle policy doesn't bother me, have no problem saving fuel, as long as I am not dieing of heat or freezing in the process. I find it hard to believe any company would fire a driver for Idleing while temps are low or high. SNI fueled at mostly Pilot/flying J and I still fueled at TA, Loves or SappBros.. There are not Pilots/Flying J's in every city, so unless they have it all worked out, no driver will fuel only at certain locations. What is wrong with following fuel route on a company truck? I drove for SNI for 3 years and if we stayed 70% compliant of fuel routes we got a bonus for it, of course this bonus was also tied into other factors but that is another story. I find it hard to believe any company would terminate you for going out of route once in a while. Maybe there is something you know that I don't, I have only been driving for a little over 3 years and am only 43 years young.

 

I know what you are saying about being fired for OOR, Idle and the like... When I was driving for Schneider I didn't care about the bonuses so I just drove with my pedal to the floor and idles whenever. My FM called me at some point and told me my percentages were in the 50% range on all 3 catagories..LOL I said ok, I will get them down, still never got the bonus check but oh well, it worked out.

I have proven that elogs due not equal less miles, unless you are an outlaw. I run 95% legal, cant say 100% so I wont, and that is on paper or elogs. Did it with SNI and TMC, no problem.

I guess what your telling me is that USX is FORCED dispatch and fuel route? I will check on this to see what is said and if they just expect you to stay at a percentage, like Schneider did.

Schneider expected you to follow fuel route at 70% so there were times that I was in the situation you speak of and I made the decision to not use their fuel route. Our comdata was also set up for Pilot and Flying J but like I said, Pilots/Flying J's everywhere so sometimes I had to fuel other places, simply called and got authorization.

I also do not want to get managed by idiots and infact, refuse to. I have read all of USX threads and found nothing bad, to me. But I will take into consideration what you have told me and do some asking.

I really wouldn't mind either company at this point, like I said it basically comes down to where I have to attend my 3 day orientation and pay in the long run. But, if all you have said is true than I will not be going to USX.

 

Well, you are right AT... I will get more info shortly but I have been told that USX is forced dispatch.. I don't like that and I stand corected.

So tell me more about W&S as far as how they work when it comes to fuel stops, routes and such.

Thanks inadvance