160 Driving Academy And Signing With Werner. Thoughts?

I am considering the 160 Driving Academy and going with Werner as my sponsor. Will have to drive for them for 1 year to pay the debt back. I haven't really heard anything in regards to pay yet but would like to pick the route which will pay the most even though I'm certain that means little home time for quite some time. Was wondering if anyone here has done this or work/worked for Werner. Any information on this would be appreciated.

Hello James, and welcome aboard!

Werner is a great company to work for. They are definitely one of the elite fleets. The company is managed extremely well.

I haven't really heard anything in regards to pay yet but would like to pick the route which will pay the most even though I'm certain that means little home time for quite some time.

You don't have to work like a slave. Take regular home time - at least once a month. You don't want to get out here and burn yourself out. Many rookie drivers think they've got to be Superman to prove themselves, but in reality being efficient, productive, and safe is the key. All three of those things require some rest or relaxation to rejuvenate yourself.

We're thrilled to have you in here, and hope to hear more from you. Feel free to join in our discussions with any questions you come up with. Participating in the forum is a great way to learn the concepts for success in this career.

I attended 160 academy at the Moline Illinois location and loved it. The first week you spent in a virtual classroom with the other locations (I believe there was 7 or so) studying for the permit. The instructor I had for that portion was Dave, a guy who did P&D in Chicago for 20 years. He more or less just read the CDL manual and answered questions anybody had. The next 3 weeks were spent in the yard, and the road getting you ready to take your CDL state exam. The instructors are given bonuses for passing everything on your first try. They may seem annoyed at times but it's because they want so badly for you to pass. As long as you do as you're instructed and told you shouldn't have a problem passing. Have you met with them at 160 yet? They typically do all that in house for finding a career that would sponsor you and go over the contract with you.

Make sure you fully understand what you're signing. The food service company that put me through school only had me responsible for $4500 if I didnt fulfill my obligation, but a classmate I had went with US Xpress who would have made him pay back $11,500 if he left early. Total cost for school at that time (almost exactly 2 years ago, passed test 8/18/17) was $3500 if paid in cash/check. If you have any specific questions about 160 academy I can try to answer them although things may have changed.

Old School said: "You don't have to work like a slave. Take regular home time - at least once a month. You don't want to get out here and burn yourself out. Many rookie drivers think they've got to be Superman to prove themselves, but in reality being efficient, productive, and safe is the key. All three of those things require some rest or relaxation to rejuvenate yourself."

James, I believe the above advice from Old School is of critical importance for new drivers. I was so excited to have my own truck and be driving solo, that I just wanted to go go go. At first I hated being required to take 10 hour and 34 hour HOS breaks. Heck, I even hated 30 minute breaks. But I soon realized that my attitude and approach was not sustainable. Then I switched over to embracing those breaks from driving and the entire experience became so much more enjoyable and so much less stressful.