Profile For Lawrence H.

Thank you both for the help. Especially the tips. I kind of figured a lot of it had to do with self. I am a mission focused type of individual and don't mind challenges and making it happen. I was hoping the road test wasn't that bad. As long as my blood pressure holds out I'll be doing flatbed, NE regional. I am both excited and nervous lol. Thank you both for replying. And also for the straight forwardness Old School. I can't stand people that beat around the bush.

How hard was road test such as length of driving and area? How is working for Western Express? And any and all advice and tips that youns can spare for a rookie. Thanks in advance for any help. V/R Larry

Welcome Lawrence!

It's been a minute since I worked for Western Express, but the road test was quick and easy. It had one tricky left turn involving oncoming traffic, but for the most part they just wanted to establish that you weren't a nut who doesn't pay attention.

I loved my time at Western Express - it was a complicated decision for me to leave. They kept me very busy and always treated me like a King.

I wanted to focus on this part of your request...

any and all advice and tips that youns can spare for a rookie.

Lawrence, mark my words - one of the first things you are going to learn about trucking is that there are two distinct realities to this career. The first one will become obvious almost at once. It will demonstrate itself to you daily. People are going to complain and whine about how sick the trucking career is, and more specifically how bad the company (Western Express) is. It's super easy to fall prey to that delusional behavior/attitude. Almost everyone you meet will be in that group. I've often questioned how there can be millions of drivers who choose to be out here, yet can be that miserable - it makes no sense.

Now, because of that delusional approach to this career you will be bombarded with their attitude. If you aren't careful, you will end up just like them. It's a self fulfilling prophecy that has aborted many a new trucking career before it could ever blossom into the rewarding experience it can be.

The second one is that there are guys and gals out here who are living it and loving it. They have conquered their doubts and fears and have proven themselves reliable professionals who get the job done with great satisfaction. I love a challenge and trucking provides me with endless conquests. You will need to prepare yourself daily to encounter problems that need a solution. Be that solution. Take pride in a decision making process that can vanquish all opposition.

A successful American truck driver is a unique soldier in a battle against misinformation and poor attitudes. He has a work ethic that sets him apart. He makes sure he gets the job done. A challenge laid before him is his call to action. You need to be that guy who overcomes. That approach will reward you with great success and satisfaction in this industry. Anything short of that will put you in the camp of the whiners and crybabies.

My advice? Don't be a crybaby! Man up and make it happen. Nobody's gonna hold your hand out here. You will rise or fall on your own merit. Rise to the challenge!

Hello all, I'm looking for guidance. I obtained my CDL A Feb 2020. I have orientation on next week. It's for flatbed. I was told 2 days orientation, 3 days load securement training then out with trainer for 150 or 160 hours unless I do really good then I could be cut loose sooner. How hard was road test such as length of driving and area? How is working for Western Express? And any and all advice and tips that youns can spare for a rookie. Thanks in advance for any help. V/R Larry