What have you heard or know about Watkins & Shepard?

I've read every thread on here about W&S, sounds like a good company.

However, I am concerned about what I've read regarding their older model trucks. I really don't want to be stuck in an old truck while watching everyone else pass me by in newer trucks.

Other than that, I can't really find anything negative.

What do you know about them?

 

New Truck versus old truck. If you are a student, there is a good chance you will scratch up a new truck. I can't think of a reason I would put a new driver in a new truck. Well, maybe if I got him to sign a LEASE and wanted him to fail. As for getting pass on the road, the number one expense that can be controlled by the driver is fuel economy. Those passing you are most likely costing the company more in fuel then you are. Sure we get paid by the mile but there is lots of sitting around in the trucking business. Learn to drive with the best fuel economy. That is what you will want to do when you become an O/O. Slow down, drive safely, and enjoy yourself. As long as the truck is well maintained and clean, age doesn't matter.

 

That sounds good, thanks!

 

Same thing I say about women!

OP- I can't even believe you're worried about driving an old truck. Good lord, if they're old, they probably aren't idle restricted, the majority of their bugs are worked out and if they're old enough; they don't have EGR an DPF systems- these are good not to have. Well, nice for you, bad for the environment- BUT HELL SON, YOU'RE A TRUCKER. Who cares.

 

jungledrums! I'd like to ask what Jungle Drums are but I think I have a good Idea and if it is what I think I like them. '(-)~(-)' So to your question!

W and S has very competent mechanics at most of their shops, they keep their equipment in very good condition, I would not worry about the trucks passing you as you are going to get the miles there, if there are ever any problems call Operations and they will get it dealt with, I would Highly recommend them, They will probably run you long as well as short with multi stops, They have a killer(or had several years ago) a run from San Bernadino Ca. To Just East of Conover NC that they run 3-4 times a month, I used to love running that run! then down to Dalton grab Carpet back up to Missoula Mt then Great Fall with a flour Load over to N. Ca. then a recycles load down to Santa Fe wash and repeat! And head back east! They will keep you busy, the way they dispatched was kind of weird they don't have the same dispatchers for the same drivers they have it split up into regions. If you are in this area you ask for this dispatcher and so forth. Go for it, I'll be here in the peanut gallery cheering you on! Thanks.

 

Your making a good choice going there, they are upgrading their equipment slowly but surely. They treated me very well for the year I was there. The only reason I'm gone is I wanted to pursue flatbed work.

 

I should add also that the place I rent in Missoula is owned by a husband and wife team who have been with Watkins for 25 years now. They run teams hard

 

I used to hate driving in old beat up tractors,not any more.They re broken in,shift smooth,no DEF,cameras and the old Mack w/700,000 did 75 when needed or allowed.But i dont mind new trucks as long as i get to break them in and previous driver wasnt a slob if it wasnt brand new.

 

You'll be lucky to get on with W/S if they detect that attitude. You don't even have your CDL and you're worried if your imaginary truck will be new/fast enough for you? Sheesh.

 

I`d rather have an older truck,anything made after 2007 is JUNK,The new emissions,Def trucks suck always breaking down