Orientation At West Side Transport

Hi everyone, I'm actually new to this forum. I just completed my CDL training with Progressive Truck Driving School and am actually looking to start with West Side Transport in about two weeks or so. Your orientation review was very good, very informative and after reading this as well as least one other review that I saw as well as what my uncle (who also works in the industry) told me, I ultimately feel like I made the right choice. Werner was my second choice but really the only accounts that they had available in my area were unloading, Dollar Tree and/or Dollar General and the only no touch freight account that they had was one going up into Canada. In any event didn't feel like the best fit for a newer driver such as myself, I would like to gain experience while at the same time not burning myself out too quickly.

Hey Susan,

I am resurrecting this thread of yours because I would like to pick your brain about West Side Transport. I am going through my list of companies with which I have applications to gather information on each. I see that you have been with West Side Transport for several years and are a trainer there, so I think yours would be an excellent brain to pick on the company.

I can't tell from the website where exactly the company's hiring areas are. I have sent emails to the recruiter who contacted me, but no responses after a couple of weeks waiting. Have not yet returned to the US from my honeymoon to be able to make calls yet. (November 16 is return date.)

Anyway, I love near Dallas, TX. Is that within West Side Transport's hiring area?

What is training like?

I received my CDL in July 2020 and have no experience. Will West Side Transport take me as-is for training, or will I have to go through a refresher at a school?

I am looking to take advantage of still being relatively young (43) and energetic by running pretty hard my first 2-3 years (granted, plans that far into the future can change). Is West Side Transport a good company for someone who wants to stay out and basically have his truck as his domicile? When I do take home time, I would be happy to pick a place where my next load is going (or nearby) and enjoy seeing a part of the country I haven't seen or haven't seen much.

I don't recall seeing a pet or rider policy on the website. Would I be able to have a furry friend on the truck with me, as well as my wife? Those are not requirements of mine for the company I eventually hire onto, but they are perks that would sure be nice.

Thank you in advance for the responses when you get a chance.

~Kerry