Comments By Christian F.

So kinda upset.... I had my DMV final exam for my CDL A today and failed... I Rocked on the Air Brake, the Pre-trip Rocked it, the Straight line back again rocked it, did Good on my Sight-side Off-Side lane change..... then I got too many points on the 90 Degree Alley Dock.... so I am having to wait till possibly next week to be scheduled for a Re-test.... all during my class I have done pretty good on the alley dock just couldn't get it together today...

Christian, when I was running a flat bed truck at Western I was an OTR driver. I stayed on the road for weeks at a time. If you're on that N.E. account they should be able to get you home on the weekends or perhaps every other weekend, but that will depend on a couple of things.

1) You will need to prove to be a very productive driver. That means after getting a lot done during the week you'll need to get loaded Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Then you will take that loaded trailer home, and deliver it first thing Monday morning.

2) Your home location is going to affect this also. You're not going to be allowed to run way out of the way just to be home.

Remember, when you and your dispatcher first get started working together, it is your responsibility to get things done in a way that is profitable to both of you. It is also your responsibility to communicate well with them so that you can become a productive team together. Remember, great drivers get the best treatment. As a newbie you are really on trial. It will take some time for you to become proficient at this. At the beginning I would focus on proficiency over home time. As the two of you get a feel for how you can be a productive team, your dispatcher will become more helpful on routing you home for the weekend.

Here's some articles that should help you understand those principles.

Why Some Drivers Are Treated Better Than Others

Do I Have What It Takes?

Old School thanks for responding and your very sage advice. I'm hoping to be able to prove that I am a professional and productive driver for any company I go with. I am the type that likes a challenge and to try to learn everyday.

Another quick question for Western Express home time on the flat bed account..... the recruiter told me home time would be weekly does that sound about right again... getting ready to narrow down my choices as I am testing for my CDL and graduate hopefully on Tuesday.... I am trying to narrow down to home each weekend or everyother weekend...

Thank you for the info Half Pint... can't wait to get out and start doing this

Thanks for all the answers.... Half pint right now really leaning towards going to Western Express for the NE region flatbed

HI everyone... quick question regarding conversation with a recruiter for Western Express. I have read a bunch of posts after searching and want to see if what I was told sounds about right....especially from anyone who might be driving for them currently. Was told that orientation would be 3 days, then securement training for 3 more days with transportation, hotel, and meal provided for the 6 days, then go out with trainer for 2.5 weeks. Just want to see if this sounds right or not?

Christian, I got sent home from three different orientations. I just moved on to the next pre-hire that I had.

You don't have to say anything to those other companies. If they are pushing you to sign up for a certain date, just let them know you haven't gotten to the point of committing yet. Tell them you've got things to square away at home, or whatever you feel comfortable saying. Assure them you'll let them know something as soon as you can. The recruiters can be pushy, that's their job - they are supposed to be getting commitments from people.

Trust me, they are accustomed to being put off like that. Don't you believe them if they tell you you're going to miss your window of opportunity. That is simply not true.

Thank you so much for elevating my concerns.....hopefully I will not run into any problems, just need to get to work...lol

I just have heard and read about people being sent home from orientations for various reasons. And was wondering if that were to happen what you would do?

Ok... quick and probably silly question, what do you do if you have multiple pre-hire's and you decide to go with one of the companies and you get sent home from orientation for any reason (declaimer...not been to orientation yet)? I mean won't you have already told the other companies that you decided to go with a different company? Or do you wait to see if you get out of orientation first? Like I said probably silly question....

I saw one in New Castle, DE on Friday afternoon...lol.