Profile For Austin B.

First off, I want to thank those who have posted throughout the years here. This is my first time on this website in general, but reading story after story and seeing all the great advice that goes back to 10 years + has been incredibly helpful. So, again, thank you to all who have shared their experience so far to give people like me a good idea of what to look out for in this new career.

My trucking career at first didn’t seem promising. I got my CDL A through a trucking school close to me by the name of Trans Tech located in Newton,NC. That in itself wasn’t the issue, I met a lot of veterans who not only gave great advice but were great trainers. The company I went to get my CDL for (class A) was actually a shed hauling and delivery business. They even paid for not only the school but the hours while I was attending. I thought I was set.

Now, before I got my CDL for this company I was just a helper and got hands on training while being said helper. I loved it, at least with another person. Until one day, at least 3 months after starting on my own and after already having some hard lessons (getting stuck in a customers yard, buildings falling off block, etc…) I ended up backing out pretty quick.

I was sent out to deliver a shed up this insane gated mountain community. It was a small shed, about 8X10 and I made it a good bit up this mountain when I finally met the customer and they lead me to this uphill rocky “driveway” that I ended up getting stuck on. My dumbass thought I could make it and ended up getting stuck on this road. My trailer ended up sliding and the right rear tires of the trailer slipped off the road and the shed caught a tree, which helped me from being dragged down this sudden drop/embankment.

By the grace of God, I escaped that situation and thankfully, I was not held responsible for the damage to the truck or building. It took 2 different tow trucks to get me out of there, having to come back the next day since it had gotten so late. Not long after that I went on vacation and sent an email essentially thanking the company for the opportunity but that I was not made for that type of work. I tried over and over afterwards with multiple trucking companies to see if I could get into trucking but nobody would take me. It was mostly that I had no experience, even the companies that had what was considered entry level positions. It was understood because I did not have tractor-trailer experience, only a ram 4500 and a trailer with sideways wheels, which companies did not care about.

I ended up settling with working for a contractor for FedEx Ground for about 8 months, thinking I would never find an opportunity to drive an actual big rig and that my dream of doing so was over. However, I finally got an answer while looking once more. Western Express called fairly quickly after applying and gave me an opportunity I just couldn’t say no to, flatbed OTR. Not only that, they were the first ones to give me an opportunity in the first place.

I know a lot of people like to talk trash about the company and I still hear it from the new guys and gals while here at orientation. However, I’ve learned to ignore that thanks to many here on this forum and family that have backed me on this choice. I just can’t wait to finally hit the road and see what it’s all about.

That’s pretty much my story. Thanks for reading and for all those veterans from Western Express or any company, if you have any tips or advice for me please do share! God bless and stay safe out there.

AB