Comments By Superduper trucker wannabe

I read this earlier and decided to let others reply.

Josh I believe you were referring to me; the “Swift day cab driver”, because Brett never drove for Swift. What I drive is not a day cab, it’s an LW with a deep setback front axle that is a highly effective truck for negotiating the close quarter maneuvering I am frequently faced with running Walmart.

If somehow running a day cab for Swift diminishes the viability and validity of my advice, I’ll let the hundreds of newbies, students and drivers I have effectively and willingly helped over the years answer to that. The ones that got their CDL, survived road training and professional driving experience beyond their first year. Things that you may never experience with any company.

Why would you insult me or anyone else like you did? No right...it was totally Chicken****.

Honestly though, I seriously could care less what you have to say...about Swift, Brett, me, Stevens...whatever. You come across as a bitter, vulgar, and extremely belligerent human being, very easy to ignore and walk away from. Obviously the issue we see with your behavior is only the tip of your iceberg.

If you are what you claim to be, we’d all expect you to be respectful, open-minded and not exhibit the shameful and immature behavior bestowed upon us today. It’s likely how you treated all of the recruiters who have turned a deaf ear and a blind eye towards your application. You reap what you sow Josh. You proved that in spades.

It’s a real shame, we are here to help you and all that you managed to demonstrate is somewhere along the way you learned to not only shoot your mouth off,... but both of your feet as well.

Nope, not how treated any of the recruiters, send me an email and I'll show you exactly how I acted with them. I'll even send ya dd214 to prove I'm who I say I am..

Josh, you have proven yourself to be not nearly as smart as you think you are. The crux of your… what I hope to be closing arguments… because you mentioned it in each of your last three posts, is that Brett’s advice is no longer relevant because he hasn’t been driving for some time. You’re an Army veteran, right? You said you were. In your chain of command, when do you suppose was the last time the major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and/or general fired and then cleaned their rifle? Or stabbed a dummy with a fixed bayonet? Or completed the obstacle or confidence course? Or participated in a PT test? I find it remarkable that your promotions were fast tracked when you clearly showed none of your superiors an ounce of respect, seeing as how you expect those giving advice, and in the military, orders, to practice what they preach. That chip on your shoulder is pretty big; try removing it, and allow yourself to see that everything that has been written here has been an effort to help you, not put you down. You may consider staying in the military; structure, orders, following protocol, all seem well suited for you. In trucking, you’ll encounter a wide variety of personalities, and a very fluid environment that requires much adaptation. Good luck with whatever choices you make.

And I cant stay stay in the military, got in a little fight with and IED and was medically retired. And to hit on your posts about the military, my unit the chain of command did everything like training and cleaning their own weapons. POGS pull that crap, but my unit and chain of command never did.. A good leader practices what they preach to set an example.. But that seems to elude you as well.

Josh, you have proven yourself to be not nearly as smart as you think you are. The crux of your… what I hope to be closing arguments… because you mentioned it in each of your last three posts, is that Brett’s advice is no longer relevant because he hasn’t been driving for some time. You’re an Army veteran, right? You said you were. In your chain of command, when do you suppose was the last time the major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and/or general fired and then cleaned their rifle? Or stabbed a dummy with a fixed bayonet? Or completed the obstacle or confidence course? Or participated in a PT test? I find it remarkable that your promotions were fast tracked when you clearly showed none of your superiors an ounce of respect, seeing as how you expect those giving advice, and in the military, orders, to practice what they preach. That chip on your shoulder is pretty big; try removing it, and allow yourself to see that everything that has been written here has been an effort to help you, not put you down. You may consider staying in the military; structure, orders, following protocol, all seem well suited for you. In trucking, you’ll encounter a wide variety of personalities, and a very fluid environment that requires much adaptation. Good luck with whatever choices you make.

I didn't ask for your opinion, get off his ****.

"It always amazes me that people are willing to take career advice from crybabies and complainers on YouTube. Josh, have you ever read the book, "How To Complain And Blame Your Way To The Top?" Probably not, because it's never been written, and never will be"

It amazes me people take career advice from a has been who hasn't been in the industry for over 12 years. 12 years is a long time to be sitting on the sidelines and getting your info from a swift day cab driver..

The more I try with these megas the more I realize all the crap you read about them is true.. no wonder the turn over rate is so high, they treat everyone like crap.

Josh, you copped an attitude with some recruiters, so they knew they weren't going to hire you and decided to give you some attitude back. So now your conclusion from that is that all of the largest, most successful companies in this nation treat everyone like crap? Why, because a few losers on YouTube said so and now you've confirmed it?

Man, have a tough road ahead of you I'm afraid. The entire reason we exist is to help people learn how to be successful in this industry and your attitude isn't going to let that happen. I can see you're the type that gets snippy the moment someone says something that you feel may be less respectful than you deserve. You hold yourself in high regard and everyone else better too. A ton of people come into this industry with that attitude because they hear there's a demand for drivers so they think they're in a position of strength. You've already found out that no one is going to kiss your feet and roll out the red carpet for you. When they see that kind of arrogance in someone who hasn't even set foot in a classroom yet they quickly show them the door, as you've experienced already. And yes, that's how you're coming across to them and that's why they're toying with you.

You have to turn this around and realize that you're the one that has to prove yourself in this industry. You're not in demand yet. You don't have any skills, you don't know anything about the industry, and you can't make any money for anyone yet. You're still a liability. You say you're willing to prove yourself, but only if people talk to you the way you think they should. You have every right to set the minimum requirements for how everyone is supposed to treat you, but as you've seen, so do the people who are doing the hiring.

Do you want to wind up sitting home broke, without a job, just another crybaby on Youtube complaining that they've been wronged by the trucking world, or do you want to reach the pinnacle of this career? Because it can very easily go either way, and the future is in your hands.

Look at these:

What It Takes To Be A Top Tier Driver

Episode 19: You're Getting Career Advice From The Wrong People

It always amazes me that people are willing to take career advice from crybabies and complainers on YouTube. Josh, have you ever read the book, "How To Complain And Blame Your Way To The Top?" Probably not, because it's never been written, and never will be.

Might as well delete this thread, delete my account and block me, definitely won't be back to take advice from you, someone who couldn't even do 20 years behind the wheel and now wants everyone to think they know it all after 15 years.. you are a joke.

The more I try with these megas the more I realize all the crap you read about them is true.. no wonder the turn over rate is so high, they treat everyone like crap.

Josh, you copped an attitude with some recruiters, so they knew they weren't going to hire you and decided to give you some attitude back. So now your conclusion from that is that all of the largest, most successful companies in this nation treat everyone like crap? Why, because a few losers on YouTube said so and now you've confirmed it?

Man, have a tough road ahead of you I'm afraid. The entire reason we exist is to help people learn how to be successful in this industry and your attitude isn't going to let that happen. I can see you're the type that gets snippy the moment someone says something that you feel may be less respectful than you deserve. You hold yourself in high regard and everyone else better too. A ton of people come into this industry with that attitude because they hear there's a demand for drivers so they think they're in a position of strength. You've already found out that no one is going to kiss your feet and roll out the red carpet for you. When they see that kind of arrogance in someone who hasn't even set foot in a classroom yet they quickly show them the door, as you've experienced already. And yes, that's how you're coming across to them and that's why they're toying with you.

You have to turn this around and realize that you're the one that has to prove yourself in this industry. You're not in demand yet. You don't have any skills, you don't know anything about the industry, and you can't make any money for anyone yet. You're still a liability. You say you're willing to prove yourself, but only if people talk to you the way you think they should. You have every right to set the minimum requirements for how everyone is supposed to treat you, but as you've seen, so do the people who are doing the hiring.

Do you want to wind up sitting home broke, without a job, just another crybaby on Youtube complaining that they've been wronged by the trucking world, or do you want to reach the pinnacle of this career? Because it can very easily go either way, and the future is in your hands.

Look at these:

What It Takes To Be A Top Tier Driver

Episode 19: You're Getting Career Advice From The Wrong People

It always amazes me that people are willing to take career advice from crybabies and complainers on YouTube. Josh, have you ever read the book, "How To Complain And Blame Your Way To The Top?" Probably not, because it's never been written, and never will be.

You couldn't be more wrong! Please tell me where I copped an attitude with a recruiter? So did you miss the part where I said that you would be appalled at how the recruiter talked to me? I'm just supposed to let people disrespect me? Nope not letting that happen. Then you accuse me of getting snippy and being arrogant that's so far from the truth. Did reading comprehension fail you? Didn't you see the part where I said I realize I'm a no body in the industry and I will be that way until I prove myself? Apparently you forgot the part where I said I wouldn't have started this industry unless I couldn't hack it. You know nothing about me. You need to get off your high horse, just because you run a website and a wheel holder for 15 years doesn't mean you know it all either. But yeah all I do is complain my way to the top, at least that's the way you try and make me sound. Guess that's how I made E5 in the minimum time, then E6 the same way, guess I passed airborne school and got my ranger tab that way too? Guess I had an awesome military career for being a whiney little *****, that's what your basically saying I am isn't it? Not once did I never cop and attitude with a recruiter. Not once did I feel entitle to a job like you claim. And now I'm definitely not taking advice from some wheel holder who couldn't even do 20 years in a career field!! I have more intestinal fortitude In my left nostril than you have in your whole body. You are a joke. But hey go ahead and promote your website and articles because you know everything after a big whopping 15 years driving lol.

Hey Josh, listen, the recruiting process isn't something you should take personally at all. Every company has their own criteria for choosing drivers, and you'll never really know or understand what it is. No one really does. Quite honestly, some of it doesn't always make sense. So look at it as a numbers game. Apply to a bunch of companies, see who offers you an opportunity, and go with the company you feel suits you best.

Also, please keep something very important in mind. The recruiters work for their company, but do not project your experience with them as meaning more than it does. There are a ton of recruiters, and they're human like we are. Some are good at what they do, some aren't. They have good days and bad days. Don't worry about any of that. All you want to know is whether or not the company is willing to hire you. If not, then forget about it and move on to the others.

Read this article I wrote: The Biggest Mistake New Drivers Make When Speaking With Recruiters.

Also, keep in mind that attitude really is everything. Something like 95% of the people who take a shot at this industry don't last a year. These companies are looking for people who seem serious about making this career happen. If you give them attitude, they're going to figure you're not worth the trouble because you're not going to be one of the 5% that are really successful in this industry.

People hear that drivers are in demand and they think they're going to be treated like high rollers in Vegas. Knuckleheads off the street aren't in demand. Proven professional drivers that are safe and efficient are in demand. It's your job as a new driver to prove you're capable of being that good. Once you can prove you're that good you'll be treated great and you'll be making top wage. But until you demonstrate to them that you can make it in this industry, they're going to assume you're just one of the 95% that won't be around long.

That's the reality of it.

I get what you are saying. But I'm not that guy. I don't do things half assed, and I'm a man of my word. I treat everyone with respect until they give me a reason not too. It's just pretty crappy when I put 110% into something and don't get the same in return. My point is how are you supposed to know if I'm going to be in the 5% you talk about if you won't give me the time of day. I didn't waste any of these recruiters time but they sure wasted mine. Not even decent enough to say hey, you aren't what we are looking for. Like i said I don't have thin skin by any means, but if you woulda heard the things said to me and the way i was talked to by josie at Steven's you would be appalled. I understand that I'm a nobody and won't be anybody until I prove myself. I understand putting in your time and proving yourself. I wouldn't have started this career path if I didn't think I could hack it. I just passed all my permit tests to include every endorsement with 100% across the board on every test. The more I try with these megas the more I realize all the crap you read about them is true.. no wonder the turn over rate is so high, they treat everyone like crap. Thank goodness I was able to find a local company that would hire me right out of school.

If I may, out of curiosity what led to Stevens being rude? Also you said you were in direct contact with all 4 companies at some point? What info was given before they bailed?

So I was dealing with sholanda lacy. Did everything she asked of me, did he completed application, told her when my school started here locally in az etc. Everything was good, she was emailing me and calling me then poof she was gone. Stopped returning my emails, calls and to this day haven't heard back from her after multiple calls and emails. I then called into them and told them my situation, was told another recruiter would reach out to me. The recruiters name was josie. Right off the bad she had a ****ty attitude then told me that my application wasn't complete even though I had confirmation from sholanda it was. She then proceeded to talk to me like I was an idiot when I questioned my application and the stuff i had been told by sholanda. She then told me that she didn't think I was cut out to be a trucker and maybe I should do something else. I told her If this is the way she talks to possible recruits I don't want anything to do with the company.. I don't have thin skin and spent 11 years as an infantryman, but I couldn't believe the way she talked to me especially after being dropped like a bad habit out of the blue from sholanda. I left sent a message to then on Facebook asking for another recruiter to contact me, and was blocked from their Facebook page. Anyone wants proof of this I have all the emails and screenshots of conversations.

As far as the other the other companies I filled out completed applications and even with decker they had me do these safety things online, 3 of them to be exact and boom they all just disappeared. Won't return my emails, calls or anything. I have my background report from 3 of the companies that was emailed to me.. I'm not a felon or anything, no tickets, have over 17 years of provable work history, also a veteran. It just blows my mind,that these companies just disappear after they get your info.. I mean if this is how they treat people applying for a job, how do they treat their employees?? I actually reached out to Schneiders military recruiting and their recruiter was a fellow infantryman that served is some of the same areas I was in Iraq right after we left! We talked for about 45 mins sharing war stories lol, small world. But between Schneider and jim palmer they have been the only ones that seem interested and have consistently followed up after I applied and I didn't even fully apply with Schneider.

So maybe it's me, but all my searching on here I haven't been able to find any information about companies and the apprenticeship program that's recent. Seems like everything is 3-4 year old posts. My question is has anyone gone through any of the companies that offer the apprenticeship program within the last year? I'm currently in school and they are pushing Werner and schneider really hard! I've been really looking into jim palmer/wiltrans as well because of the regional and home time. Being prior service I don't trust recruiters and sure as heck not trusting a school who is pushing 2 companies that have crap plastered all over their walls and training trucks.. Guess I'm just looking for info on companies and current experience and recommendations. Thanks in advance.

why not Schneider or Werner? Just curious

Because their home time isn't what I want. They are all telling me 17-21 days out and 2 home.. not what I wanna do..

Beyond the resources here, I would check the company sites.

Jim Palmer Veterans

Wil-Trans Veterans (identical)

Or, the dept. of Labor

Post 9/11 GI Bill Apprenticeship Program

Or the VA (though I might trust a recruiter more than the VA)

VA Post 9/11 Apprenticeship Program

The trucking company has nothing to do with the program, the program is simply that the VA pays you while you train, from my limited reading. Though in any case, the GI Bill is paying and administering the program, the trucking company has nothing to do with it, beyond being willing to participate.

Call the company and talk directly to their recruiter. They have no reason to lie, but still, ask them to email you everything. That way it is in writing. Their goal is to get and retain drivers. If they lie, you will simply leave, and the company will have invested all that money in you for nothing. It isn't like the military, where once you are in you are stuck. If you decide to leave the company, you will have to pay for school, but they won't be sending MPs to chase you down. Though, to be fair, my recruiter never lied to me, the Marines was exactly what he said it would be.

I have been looking really hard at Jim Palmer/wiltrans.. The only thing is even though will have graduated school and come to them with my class A, you still have to sign a year contract. I'm no just not sure I want to sign one. As far as other companies, I can name 4 that I contacted and soon as I fill out an application the recruiters disappear. I have emails I can show to prove it. Steven's, Roehl, Decker, Werner all did it to me. The two different recruiters from Steven's were so rude to me I left a review on Facebook with my experience, Theey deleted my review and blocked me lol. So eventually I'll find something. The only company that has stepped up with everything has been Jim palmer. Also after getting on their Facebook page and talking to a few employees it does sound like a good company. I guess I'm just frustrated because the companies I really wanted to go with all stopped responding to me once they got the info they wanted. Not sure I want to work for someone like that.