West Side Transport- rookie year, no training

So I was offered an Ohio flex position through west side transport. Here are a few things that bother me.

1. I already have CDL, but no otr experience and because of COVID, I will be starting solo from the get go. No trainer, nothing. Is this common for companies now because of COVID?

2. I have a couple years of yard dog experience but, when it comes to dealing with dispatch, brokers, etc. I’m pretty new.


On the flip side.

I do like that I won’t have a trainer. I feel like anytime someone is watching over me, I speed up, or rush for no reason. I honestly just don’t want to share a truck with someone I don’t know, unless it’s the hot mamma from down the street.

Anyone have any experiences with west side transport? Why did you stay? Why did you leave? I just want to put in the grind my first year. Pay is important, home time is important, but getting experience and seat time is probably the most important.

 

Yea there isn’t too much info out there on west side transport, understand they are on the small side. Just didn’t know if it was now common because of COVID for companies to put rookie drivers in a truck solo. No training, nothing.

 

Yea this is what I figured was the case. Like I said in post above was just curious as to if it should be a red flag with the no trainer etc. Thanks for the input!

 

Yea, not saying it isn’t a good thing, I wouldn’t mind one for a week or 2. Although my reason for having one wouldn’t be to “help” me drive, as I feel like that creates a crutch for some. I’d prefer a trainer for dealing with dispatch, scales, fueling, p/u and d/o. Get a good understanding for how to deal with security shacks and time limits. As far as the driving goes. I’m not perfect and I’m sure I’ll make mistakes. Curbs and traffic are the same everywhere. As an avid rider, I tend to drive more defensively, never tailgate, always watching when that guy is gonna turn in front of me. And if you’ve ridden a bike for any amount of time, the bikers that have will tell you they have come very keen to brake lights. I feel that instead of just worrying about all those things for just my safety on a bike will prove to be even more aware to me given that I’m driving something that could kill someone else.



P.S. I know that came off kinda ####y....

 

Thanks for the reply, is it a good place to get your first year in? If you don’t mind me asking, I’ll be out of Columbus area, with Ohio flex did you run similar?