Western Express 3-4 Weeks Training Sufficient?

Damn voice-to-text.

Flatbed is a lot cooler to pick that.

Seriously, Garrett . . . I agree, as does my other half. It just wasn't for us.. we liked tanks better, back in the day.

Flatbedders are a 'breed' of their own; the camaraderie still exists; and he's (we've) noticed that fact... even HERE!

WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK?

SweetLew just left 12 years driving in the Army, and went Prime C'seat TNT...flatbed!! If the price of the 'tools' are spooking you.... quit thinking on that!

Just my 2 cents, as always! If I were you, I'd go skateboarding!!

Less wait times, better scheduling, idk... on and on and on.

Again, just me.

~ Anne ~

No, the tools isn't holding me back anymore. I suppose what's holding me back is:

I think refer might just be the better start for a rookie. Brett has an article on here where he says dry van or refer is definitely the better way in over flatbed for rookies... just more simplicity, less dangerous & less stress on top of an already very stressful experience. Its his opinion of course, but it makes sense and I agree with it.

Plus, for Prime, refer drivers get more miles on average and see a little more of the country apparently. From what I've gathered, at Prime all the divisions make about the same at the end of the day...so that means more hard work and stress doing flatbed for just a bit more if not the same I'd make doing refer.

Also, if the economy crashes hard soon- that would have a pretty dramatic effect on flatbed work, but not so much at all on refer. *Has the increase in the prices of building materials lately and these mysterious "product shortages" already had an effect on flatbed work, by chance?

I would be starting out in flatbed moving into the slow season for that division.

What's interesting though is that I'm definitely feeling "pulled" toward flatbed for some reason, despite how logic is telling me to go refer. Like its a gut feeling/intuition thing. Maybe its just that flatbed sounds more exciting and stimulating whereas refer sounds pretty boring. I've always done better at jobs that were exciting, dynamic and non-routine. Routine and complacency destroys me. Its that quality that inadvertently led me down the path to become a chef- something I NEVER thought I'd become. Just the thought of having an office cubicle job has always depressed the s*** out of me.

Did Western have a similar program, when you were there???? (Pay to Play.. which makes SENSE?)

When I was there we got everything for free. I don't know how it works now. I do see a lot of flatbed O/Os running around with Western Express Tarps. I think I know how they are getting them. It's kind of stupid to use someone else's tarps when they are so easily recognizable.

Yep, dang shame.

Ergo, Prime pulling up 'dibs' on their property...fair enough!

I'm still wondering if Western Express is back to 'training' again, since the tornado ( any intel? )

I am not sure Anne. I am assuming they are not.

Hmmm.. maybe I'll message Abby tmrw for S's and G's ... just wondering how Garrett could compare the two, if he had to go 'private' with Western; or if they are partnered with someone else?

I've been pretty 'FB' shy lately. I get on for a scheduled 'convo' with somebody...and all else of the odds tend to 'DM' me... to just aggraVATE me, haha!!

Thanks, O/S. If I find out, I'll advise.

Just wondering how Garrett was going to be trained, if he went with Western. Appreciate your input. They are a 'saving Grace' in this industry, even if it's just IMHO....!

~ Anne ~

I'm still wondering if Western Express is back to 'training' again, since the tornado ( any intel? ) . . . Garrett never 'did' say. Hmm..

By 'training' do you mean paid cdl school, or cdl but no experience training like TNT as prime calls it? They're doing "TNT" for sure. Not sure about the other. Just emailed my recruiter.

They are a 'saving Grace' in this industry,

They saved me, and I will never forget it!

Damn voice-to-text.

Flatbed is a lot cooler to pick that.

Seriously, Garrett . . . I agree, as does my other half. It just wasn't for us.. we liked tanks better, back in the day.

Flatbedders are a 'breed' of their own; the camaraderie still exists; and he's (we've) noticed that fact... even HERE!

WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK?

SweetLew just left 12 years driving in the Army, and went Prime C'seat TNT...flatbed!! If the price of the 'tools' are spooking you.... quit thinking on that!

Just my 2 cents, as always! If I were you, I'd go skateboarding!!

Less wait times, better scheduling, idk... on and on and on.

Again, just me.

~ Anne ~

No, the tools isn't holding me back anymore. I suppose what's holding me back is:

I think refer might just be the better start for a rookie. Brett has an article on here where he says dry van or refer is definitely the better way in over flatbed for rookies... just more simplicity, less dangerous & less stress on top of an already very stressful experience. Its his opinion of course, but it makes sense and I agree with it.

Plus, for Prime, refer drivers get more miles on average and see a little more of the country apparently. From what I've gathered, at Prime all the divisions make about the same at the end of the day...so that means more hard work and stress doing flatbed for just a bit more if not the same I'd make doing refer.

Also, if the economy crashes hard soon- that would have a pretty dramatic effect on flatbed work, but not so much at all on refer. *Has the increase in the prices of building materials lately and these mysterious "product shortages" already had an effect on flatbed work, by chance?

I would be starting out in flatbed moving into the slow season for that division.

What's interesting though is that I'm definitely feeling "pulled" toward flatbed for some reason, despite how logic is telling me to go refer. Like its a gut feeling/intuition thing. Maybe its just that flatbed sounds more exciting and stimulating whereas refer sounds pretty boring. I've always done better at jobs that were exciting, dynamic and non-routine. Routine and complacency destroys me. Its that quality that inadvertently led me down the path to become a chef- something I NEVER thought I'd become. Just the thought of having an office cubicle job has always depressed the s*** out of me.

You're ALREADY becoming something you never thought you would.

Don't sell yourself short, or feel like you are a 'miscreant' if you don't feel comfortable going flatbed, out the gate. Seriously. Lumber IS coming back.... so they say! I don't know.. I don't watch the 'economy' as Rick S. did (and I sure wish he'd get off his hi horse & stop back, but.. me & O/S got this!)

You could ALWAYS switch to flatbed, G.

We all have comfort zones; and stepping out .. is an individual step!!! ... Email in my profile.

OLD song.... ready?

Listen......

^^^ Kinda sappy, kinda apropos.... either way!!

~ Anne ~

Just wondering how Garrett was going to be trained, if he went with Western. Appreciate your input. They are a 'saving Grace' in this industry, even if it's just IMHO....!

~ Anne ~

Having my cdl already, it would be 3-4 days unpaid orientation and 1-4 weeks teaming with a trainer. How long it takes depends on you. $650/week gross. There's a road test between orientation and training.

They are a 'saving Grace' in this industry,

They saved me, and I will never forget it!

I know, good sir. I know. Rainbow with your pot of gold. They're ALWAYS on MY go to list.. because of YOU.

~ a ~

I'm still wondering if Western Express is back to 'training' again, since the tornado ( any intel? ) . . . Garrett never 'did' say. Hmm..

By 'training' do you mean paid cdl school, or cdl but no experience training like TNT as prime calls it? They're doing "TNT" for sure. Not sure about the other. Just emailed my recruiter.

Garrett;

Do you HAVE your CDL A ????

Western used to train within their facility. A few years ago, a tornado ... and prior 'legal' events, dislodged that. Google it. It's so saddening and maddening.

IS PRIME PAYING FOR YOUR FULL CDL A TRAINING??? Western couldn't atm. This is MY confusion.

As far as 'following your heart' ... i get it. IF YOU ARE MORE COMFORTABLE going reefer first, then PLEASE do just that!!! Tom wouldn't have gone 'tanks' out the gate, although some do.

I feel you, entirely.

The extra 'stuff' (nonwithstanding the costs) .. ie: tarping, securing, checking every 150 miles (minimum) et al .. I get it. I do.

Best to err on the side of caution, instead of throwing it to the wind.

~ Anne ~

Best to err on the side of caution, instead of throwing it to the wind.

Yep, my thinking exactly.

Yes, already got my class A. Went to a private school.

Prime does $1400 in tuition reimbursement as long as you get to orientation within 45 days of getting your license. Unfortunately, looks like I wont be making the deadline. :(

WE does up to $6000 in tuition reimbursement. Pretty badass huh

Best to err on the side of caution, instead of throwing it to the wind.

Yep, my thinking exactly.

Yes, already got my class A. Went to a private school.

Prime does $1400 in tuition reimbursement as long as you get to orientation within 45 days of getting your license. Unfortunately, looks like I wont be making the deadline. :(

WE does up to $6000 in tuition reimbursement. Pretty badass huh

Badass, indeed. Shorter training, too. IDK, man. Western has done great by MANY people; O/S stands out in my mind. Read the whole backstory, if you haven't. You'd already be 'up' 6K in reimbursement, tbh!

I'd hate to see you wait much longer; however. Didn't know you went to private school; that actually opens 'other' doors of opportunity, yet no guarantees.

Did you try to 'wager' with Prime?? Let them know somebody else is 'pulling your heartstrings' but you'd rather go with them, in anticipation of the tuition reimbursement??? Often times, personal situations/circumstances, ... matter. Especially if you are a PRIME candidate. They are VERY picky.

Have you 'totally' passed their sniff test, anyway??? They vet you til' they get you... it almost seems... just saying.

What about Prime affiliates, like Wilson (fka: WilTrans?) ... ? Less strinigent, it appears; yet they DO pull Prime freight.. (Just thinking out loud..)

IMHO, just 'shelve' the flatbed for now... enough going on, man. Wasn't 'our' forte, but it IS amazing. (Read: LATER!) Get your feet wet. Glad you liked my 'quote..!'

I'm ...just a 'wife' of a T/T'er, but... been beside him in EVERY combo rig...but for triples. Rhino has that luxury!! Not us!!! LoLoL.

~ Anne ~