Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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Heard and understood sir. I’m actually going to team up with another driver as soon as my training is done. Having someone else out here to help me out if I’m ever in a position we’re I’m stuck or can’t figure it out would be invaluable. Plus the money couldn’t hurt.
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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Sorry I meant to say if I switched after getting in six months of clean driving it would be my third company in 2021 if I did switch.
At your third company this year, as in 2021, or the previous 12 months?
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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Because I’m pointing out to the negativity that’s out there surrounding western. Everyone loves to blame the company,I’ve done it myself. But a company is only as good as its drivers 🤷♂️. Sure I sound like a bootlicker but im just stating facts.
In that case, you should be licking your chops to get out there and outshine the internal competition. Driving is competitive. You are competing mostly with your coworkers. Go ahead and leave them in the dust. Show WE that you are a step above the other people they hire😉
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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Just a quick update on my short time so far with western express. I can tell you the people they bring out for hire are the biggest problem by far. A lot of bs that had to be called out on which is way to long to list in this part of the topic lol. Everyone here work wise seems helpful and kind although the communication needs a lot of work. Flat bed training has been good my trianer is a 23 year vet who is very knowledgeable,although even he says not to stay here beyond the time that I need to get my safety record up to par. I would rather not go to another company as it would be my third one this year. If any of you are confused I made a post about why I got disqualified from driving with England. On another note I’m thinking of going over to there dry van division only because backing was my weak point and I want to make it my strength because I don’t plan on doing flat bed long term. I’ve heard mixed feedback on the miles there dry van drivers get but nothing concrete from an actual OTR driver who does day van. Again I have nothing against flat bed it’s a good skill for me to learn However it’s more of a “playing it safe” kind of move as my trainer tells me. Any thoughts or feedback on anything I’ve mentioned here would be very helpful please and thank you.
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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Fired from CR England for two accidents
Just started one a few minutes ago lol
Hi Anne, thanks for the greeting! I'm looking forward to spending more time here and contributing to this forum.
Hi all, I am a new member to the forum. I am in complete agreement with Old School. I was a Independent Contractor and Driver Trainer with England. If all is as Eric S. stated, England simply "cut their losses."
Here's the real kicker...
I'd be willing to bet if he had taken the prudent path of being an employee (company driver) they would have had him come to Salt Lake City for some additional training and kept him on as an employee. If he showed a willingness to accept his responsibility and learn from the incidents, I think he'd have a shot at remaining a company driver. As a lease operator, he isn't going to get that type consideration. They cut their losses and decided to move on.
<
Howdy, Jim. Nice to 'meet' you! I read your bio . . . wow! You've been out 'tooling around' a long time; like my hubby! Welcome to TT, glad to have you! (I'm just the resident 'cheerleader,' haha!)
~ Anne ~
ps: Again, to the O/P . . . Dutch Maid is another possibility.
Haven't seen ya since; start a thread here with us!!!
~ Anne ~
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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Hey group I hope you guys are all being safe out here on these roads. Just a quick couple of questions,I’m going out i with my trainer in the next few days for flatbed training and I just want to know any tips and things to look out for during load securement. I’m not trying to loose my cdl because of a missed step and lack of proper load securement. They taught us the basics back in orientation but I know for a fact I have a lot of questions and a lot of knowledge and training I’m going to need. I’m not a fool and I’m not going into this thinking I know it all when I really know squat. So ANY advice about PROPER load securement and things to look out for while I’m doing flatbed will be most appreciated.
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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It’s of too Nashville folks. Looking to make the best that I can of it. I know I made a post earlier about how to make more money and what not. But I’ve been following some of westerns YouTube drivers and they’ve given me hints and tips on how to not necessarily make more but on how to get on better routes that do pay more with more miles. Being from Texas this is key for me because of the up and down freight that comes through here and it’s downtime’s. If any of you currently work for western please give me your view and YOUR advice. I’m just a young man following his dream but also wanting to soak up good information and not bs out here. I appreciate your feedback and helpfulness and let’s keep on keeping on.
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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How Can I Make Any Money At This?
Driving the truck isn’t my problem. But yes I will use my trainer for all he has knowledge wise so I can be a better driver. Also owner op isn’t the only way to go out here to make money. The middl goal for me is to drive for wal mart there’s great money there and it’ll put me in place for a better future. You were right about me needing to fix others companies perception of me and I’m going to work hard at it .
You have to get used to being paid a small amount because of your lack of experience, it doesn't really matter where you're going or driving for, after you're driving for at least six months consistently then and only then you can expect the pay increase. This is a troubling time for you, you're going to want to look into other people's backyard and see the grass is greener in their yard then your own. Sorry to use the saying, however it is true. You must drive your truck responsibly, remember this if you remember anything else,. YOU trust but verify everything. Directions, addresses, and routes you need to drive...
Another useful task for you to practice, stay out of the truck stops. It's expensive even if you don't think so. When you're sleeping and surviving in that truck, live in that truck as you would if you were living alone, you don't go out to eat every time you have a meal, you will gain weight... get into the habit of exercising and walking around your truck after you wake up, regardless the temperature outside, you will need to say somewhat physically active while on the road, it helps it helps a lot. If needs be go to a Walmart or some other grocery store of some kind, buy food and survive just in that truck. In a way it's like going camping, me personally I had an emergency service in the truck just in case I had to go to the bathroom, camping type of porta potties are available for camping needs. No it isn't what everyone talks about but everyone understands depending on what you eat depends on how solid your stool is but it is a bodily function that we cannot deny, and it is irresponsible thinking to ignore it, most drivers use a old water bottle as a urinal, it's a good way to keep you out of the truck stops, controlling one's bodily functions is a skill that you learn, unfortunately. It is also the main reason why truck drivers are looked at to be very disgusting people because most people forget to get rid of that on a daily basis. If you are responsible with it it's no big deal,
For the most part all of the information I am giving you is needed information especially when you're starting out by yourself, learn about the job, and or lifestyle, it is not something you can just go to work and come home, because once you deliver the load you have to be ready to leave immediately to do it again. there are a few key issues that you need to address or have addressed just in case.
Your safety in that truck, no it is not legal for most companies to carry a firearm in that truck, but you can have other tools available for you just in case an intruder breaks into the truck while you're in it, tire thumpers are always a good tool to use in this, another is wasp spray (be careful with that one) I would strongly suggest look into some legal service to follow you in your career just in case. I did, the only way a driver can actually make money being a truck driver is to own the truck. Once you get to that point the money changes drastically. Earning a $900 paycheck a week gross is pretty typical. but if you stick at it you can make a decent life for yourself and your family. Being an owner is a bigger responsibility and a bigger cost to you, a good thing not to do is dream, focus on the task at hand and you will be fine... Sorry for the book, but I do pick on a few topics that are REAL and problemsome when you are on the road... When driving respect other people, even if they don't deserve it. Watch your distance...
Another point I can bring up very short, is vehicle spacing, when I were actively driving it's called the Smith system, a lot of trucking companies adapted to the system and are teaching our drivers to do the same. The Smith System, teaches drivers to look as far as possible there was second of every minute of every hour of every day, when you are driving down the road, Leave yourself and out, means leave yourself space next to you to maneuver if you need to, try to stay eight or nine seconds away from the vehicle in front of you, this is where the skill kicks in I have more experience guessing what drivers are going to do before they do it then you do, insurance companies have that part right.... Going up and down mountains take your time there's a lot at stake, your safety is key, there is no such thing as freight being more important than the driver. most toll bridges have available what's called is a bridge
Question for all of you more experienced drivers. So I’m going out to Nashville tomorrow for orientation but I’m a little skeptical on the .32cpm and how I’m going to make a living on it. Even at 3000 miles a week it’s 960 gross, which is going to be a hard pill to swallow. I guess I’m asking if there are any of you who currently work for western express who can give me tips on how to make more money or if they truly start you off at .32cpm?
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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Thoughtfull.
Nobody’s drinking the kool-aid fellow rookie but ok