What concerns me the most (as a wannabe) is....

Watkins/Shepard is on my short list. Thanks for the reinforcement!

 

Now you're talking about a company that offers opportunity .

http://www.hfbusiness.com/article/f...ations-watkins-shepard-trucking-411886_1.html

 

Reading some of the threads on here I can see your concern. I wouldn't worry about it though. I'm sure there is the very rare case where somebody does everything right and just gets screwed for no reason. I'm equally sure that 99% of the time you hear a story like that there is very relevant facts you don't hear about. Be positive and plan on success, that is what you will find. Be negative, worry your trainer is going to screw you, and you'll probably give him a reason to. From reading your posts here I would just say keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.

 

Thanks Rick,
This is something I can "take to the bank". No conjecture, no personal opinion (personal opinion has its' place), just the facts, ma'am.
Appreciate it,
Oldnew.....(I'm getting tired of typing out that longa## name, LOL)

 

They are on my VERY short list as well.

Call them up and talk with the recruiters. When they answer the phone (a real, live person!), ask to speak with Roxy. She is a great person I've been working with. She answers all questions that you may have, and will occasionally call you up just to see how things are going. I plan on going with them when I get the personal things tied up at home here. I've had my physical, and just need to get my permit and fax it all to them and I should be good to go.

 

Don't worry about it. Atittude is often the defining factor of succes out here and it seems you have the right one. What training will be like is hard to quantify and depends on a lot of variables. My official training consisted of a few short runs in a tanker truck with an old hand to learn how to load and unload. After 3 days and only enough seat time to get a feel for it, They sent me out solo. It don't seem like much but I wouldn't want it any other way. Regardless of who your trainer is and what he shows you, Its up to you to keep your eyes and ears open as the real training happens when they turn you loose with your own rig. You obviously take pride in yourself and want to be the best you can be and thats more than can be said of alot of your fellow prospective drivers. I can't hardley recomend a company but I think you'll do fine at whoever you end up going with.