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Western truck school, west sacramento, ca

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Mann98, Aug 13, 2015.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Aug 13, 2015 #1
    Mann98

    Mann98 Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    May 21, 2015
    Elmira, CA
    0
    i attened here in June of 2014. They went through a large employee turnover while I was there. The training coordinator Big John Heyer and instructors Tom, and victor where very knowledgable and helpful. Don't believe most of what comes out of admissions guy Charles. He's just a salesman. They're job placement isn't super either. But, when it came to getting me ready for the dmv test and supporting me through the corrupt west sacramento dmv I was glad at have big John. He bent over backwards to make sure I was in the dmv for the retakes of my cdl tests( almost everyone fails at this dmv. They're under investgation). Get prehire letters before you attend. The do have recruiters come in through out the course, I did my own job placement. I didn't want to haul agriculture or for a mega hauler. If anyone has anymore questions please ask.
     
    Mann98, Aug 13, 2015
    Mann98, Aug 13, 2015
    #1
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  3. Aug 20, 2015 #2
    ChuckyBoy

    ChuckyBoy Bobtail Member

    29
    12
    Dec 11, 2014
    N. Calif - Central Valley
    0
    I see that you attended this school well over a year ago, but I have a question regarding your road test. I am currently considering a career change and looking at some schools in the central valley. When you did your road test did you use a 28' or 53' trailer?? Reason I ask, is that a school I visited said that they have 48' & 28' trailers but concentrate on the 28' trailer because this is what the CA DMV will test you on. Any info would be appreciated. From forums I read, it seems that you should train with a 53' trailer. By the way, this school is not a mom & pop operation, and many of there students go on to drive for reputable carriers.
     
    ChuckyBoy, Aug 20, 2015
    ChuckyBoy, Aug 20, 2015
    #2
  4. Aug 20, 2015 #3
    FozzyNOK

    FozzyNOK Road Train Member

    2,452
    3,774
    Jul 18, 2007
    Oklahomistan
    0
    I went to this school in 1983... lol
     
    FozzyNOK, Aug 20, 2015
    FozzyNOK, Aug 20, 2015
    #3
  5. Aug 21, 2015 #4
    Mann98

    Mann98 Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    May 21, 2015
    Elmira, CA
    0
     
    Mann98, Aug 21, 2015
    Mann98, Aug 21, 2015
    #4
  7. Aug 21, 2015 #5
    Mann98

    Mann98 Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    May 21, 2015
    Elmira, CA
    0
    Typo. I graduated in 2015. They have a 48. You use it a little. Mostly everything is done in the 28. The test is in a 28. Training will be done at the company you go to work for. Most likely in a 53. You don't need to train a lot in a 53 to pass the dmv test. There just isn't enough time for all that in a 160 hour course. Requirements to get you cdl will be changing and becoming more difficult and expensive in the new year. You may want to make as choice fast. I don't think anybody said anything about mom and pop.
     
    Mann98, Aug 21, 2015
    Mann98, Aug 21, 2015
    #5
  8. Aug 23, 2015 #6
    ChuckyBoy

    ChuckyBoy Bobtail Member

    29
    12
    Dec 11, 2014
    N. Calif - Central Valley
    0
    @Mann98 - Thanks for the reply. OK, answered my question, CA DMV test with a 28' trailer. The school that I visited was WPTS - Modesto location, but I am aware of Western Truck school, I believe they have a location as well in the central valley. I do have a couple of other questions if you can respond.

    1. Did you do a 4 week course, and were to able to test out after that?? The Rep from WPTS, said that CA DMV is backlogged like 6 - 7 weeks before you can get an appt for testing. I also read that here on this forum. WPTS offers a 4 week and what they are calling a 7 week course. This 7 week course is just 160hrs stretched out over 7 weeks so that when your test appt comes you'll be just finishing your training.

    2. Can you elaborate on these new requirements & change's that will be coming, is there a thread on this topic?

    3. Do you mind me asking who your working for now?? OTR, regional, local? Just curious, as were in close proximity to each other.
     
    ChuckyBoy, Aug 23, 2015
    ChuckyBoy, Aug 23, 2015
    #6
  9. Aug 25, 2015 #7
    Mann98

    Mann98 Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    May 21, 2015
    Elmira, CA
    0
    I am working regional for dot foods. They call it a transfer driver. I'm almost done with training. They're paying pretty good with a lot of benefits. Round trip dispatch and home every week. Literally48 hours but it's home. Going to make 55k guaranteed the first year of employment plus two weeks vacation. Not a good place if you're trying to see the country. No thrill get to the drop and hook and come back. Decent equipment. Company seems to care about its employees. Not just a number going from one to another.
     
    Mann98, Aug 25, 2015
    Mann98, Aug 25, 2015
    #7
  10. Aug 26, 2015 #9
    Paluche

    Paluche Light Load Member

    215
    51
    May 15, 2009
    Rancho Cucamonga, CA
    0
    Chuckboy:

    1) The new rules have already been put into place except for the time limit they will place on the exam. They are unsure of when this will happen but the concensus is sometime next year. Basically, they will give you about 40 min for your pre-trips, air-brakes, & in-cab. 15 min for all 3 backing skills and the road exam will be up to the examiner. Again, the DMV is barely getting their stuff together...here in Southern California the majority of the DMV examiners didn't even have their Class "A." Then to top it off the DMV sends them to a half ### school in Santa Ana to get "trained."

    2) As for the trailer sizes, the DMV does not impose any regulation on what trailer size to bring. WTS & WPTS (old family feud split them up... I believe) use 28 foot trailers because they are easier for the students to pass the DMV exam in. Perfectly okay as long as they give you that experience in the longer trailer for employment purposes.

    3) If you choose either of those schools they will push Werner. Don't bother with them (Werner)...better options out there.
     
    Paluche, Aug 26, 2015
    Paluche, Aug 26, 2015
    #9
    Mann98 Thanks this.
  11. Sep 10, 2015 #9
    Dwayne1962

    Dwayne1962 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Sep 10, 2015
    0
    Not so for me.
     
    Dwayne1962, Sep 10, 2015
    Dwayne1962, Sep 10, 2015
    #9
  12. Sep 10, 2015 #10
    Dwayne1962

    Dwayne1962 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Sep 10, 2015
    0
    Dont go to western
     
    Dwayne1962, Sep 10, 2015
    Dwayne1962, Sep 10, 2015
    #10
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