Newbee.

Hello to all,

I wanted to introduce myself to everyone. Not sure if that's typical on here or not. Anyhow, my name is Matt, I recently graduated from LCCTC. Single full time dad, raising my teen daughter by myself. Teen girls are extremely expensive. For those that have daughter that have not yet hit puberty. Just wait SMH.

Anyhow, I've spent most of my working life as a custom welder Fabricator. I've built some really cool cars and motorcycles. I road raced ( motorcycles ) professionally for a little over a decade. Prior to obtaining my CDL I was a trailer technician.

Any and all advise is welcomed and much appreciated.

Thank you. Powers.

Welcome, Mathew. Or is it Matthew?

You raced motorcycles all that time and you are still alive? How many broken bones?

Your mechanical background will be an asset to you as a driver. With the daughter still at home, what type of driving job are you looking for?

Never hesitate to ask questions and share your experiences as you progress.

Welcome, Mathew. Or is it Matthew?

You raced motorcycles all that time and you are still alive? How many broken bones?

Your mechanical background will be an asset to you as a driver. With the daughter still at home, what type of driving job are you looking for?

Never hesitate to ask questions and share your experiences as you progress.

Hello,

Thank you thank you, my right clavicle is rebuilt with fake bone. Bent the titanium plate 3 months after surgery. Was suppose to be off the rest of the season, got bored sitting around. Did a club weekend ( CCS ) highsided and bent plate. Had it removed once the screws started popping through the skin. Other than. The clavicle and a few busted fingers and cracked ribs. That was it,taught race school for Marcc roadracing series. Hit a student at 150 plus, that's the only time I woke up in hospital but didn't break anything. Had angels watching over me I believe.

Yeah she is 16 and really mature for her age. She's going to stay at home and a friends. She's also.home schooled, so at some point she can ride alone.

I'm supposed to start orientation on Monday with Western Express ( flat bed ) But I'm secound guessing going with them now. I was told by my recruiter. That during orientation I would be paid 60 to 70 and while with trainer I would recieve 150 a day.

As per his text an hour ago;

(Orientation is not paid but we do get you (food, travel and stay) on day 3 & 4 for load securement you are paid I believe it is between $60-$70 a day. A New driver will usually average around 1,200-1,500 per week. Dry Van is usually from 800-1,200 per week)

I have bills to pay at home and from the way it sounds ill be driving for food money.

So I'm a little lost right now. And I believe I'll be running dedicated runs.

Thoughts?

One of the drivers very active on here is Davy. I think he raced/taught motorcycle racing, if I’m not mistaken.

As for flatbed, there are some highly experienced FB drivers who participate here and can give you solid guidance.

Tough call about WE. But right now in the trucking climate, you might be well advised to roll with them and get your first year under your belt. Then you can re-evaluate.

Matthew, I guess I’ll be the first experienced flatbedder to chime. Although I know old school will chime in as well. I run with swift and also a flatbed mentor/ trainer. I don’t know your background or your logic of going with western express. But as bk stated since you are set to start Monday. Probably best bet is to run there for a year and revaluate then. Yes starting out initially the pay is low. Most companies have the first pay jump at 6 months. You will not learn everything you need from your trainer. Don’t be afraid to ask other drivers for help or questions even if not from your company. I have helped out many other drivers that didn’t work for swift that were getting ready to do something stupid or just confused.

Matthew, I guess I’ll be the first experienced flatbedder to chime. Although I know old school will chime in as well. I run with swift and also a flatbed mentor/ trainer. I don’t know your background or your logic of going with western express. But as bk stated since you are set to start Monday. Probably best bet is to run there for a year and revaluate then. Yes starting out initially the pay is low. Most companies have the first pay jump at 6 months. You will not learn everything you need from your trainer. Don’t be afraid to ask other drivers for help or questions even if not from your company. I have helped out many other drivers that didn’t work for swift that were getting ready to do something stupid or just confused.

Now you’ve met The Grinch, lol

I road raced for 10 years as well, a few broken bones from it as well. My next track activity will be my mach 1, with age comes the cage.

Hopefully Old School will come along, pianoman as well.

In the meantime, there are some constants to all forms of trucking. Training is something you need to get through, Hopefully it goes well and you get a trainer you work well with, but it's best to prepare for all circumstances.

Pay is low in beginning but it will get better over time. Learn what you need to and know that you just need to complete the training, it's just a small portion of your career.

I'd recommend reading through the cdl diaries here and search for flatbed threads. It can tell you how it went for people and what they did.

Ultimately, your success in trucking comes from how you handle yourself and apply yourself. Much like on the track, slow hands win races.

One of the drivers very active on here is Davy. I think he raced/taught motorcycle racing, if I’m not mistaken.

As for flatbed, there are some highly experienced FB drivers who participate here and can give you solid guidance.

Tough call about WE. But right now in the trucking climate, you might be well advised to roll with them and get your first year under your belt. Then you can re-evaluate

I agree 100%, and that's the plan. I have to much invested in this. I believe I am on the right path.

It's Matthew, Matt, PenDot screwed up on my DL.

I was good friends with a Dave, don't believe he was taught school though.

Anyhow I appreciate your kindness BK.

Thank you.

Old School started with Western Express flatbed and did very well even during his first year. Look for Old School in the training diaries. He pops in every so often, so stay in contact with the forum to see what he will post.

My "16-year-old daughter" is now 45 years old but I still remember those days! 😝

Laura

Hello Matthew - it's great to have you in here!

I did well when starting at Western Express, but let me warn you...

You will hear a lot of trash talk about that company. Much of it will be coming from your fellow employees. Don't participate in it. Participation will mess with your own mind, and you will begin to question yourself on the choice you made.

Trucking is a strange occupation. It's the only one I have experience with where people methodically commit career suicide. Truckers complain so much, they make themselves miserable. Then they blame their misery on whoever has their name on the door of their truck. Then they throw a fit, quit, and go re-play the whole scenario at the place where they thought the grass was bright green!

Some of us do this for years.

Save yourself some trouble. Keep your head down and focus on yourself. In trucking, the company can't really make you successful. Contentment and success in trucking will come from you perfecting your ability to perform this job at a higher level than your peers. That's the "secret sauce" in trucking. To do good, you have to be good.

Western Express will give you the chance you need to learn to excel at this. That's all they can do - give you a shot. You have got to bring your "A" game everyday. That's what it takes.

It is a process. Take the time to see it through. Don't expect any miracles during your first three months. Trucking is a grind, and you'll learn to grind it out and make it enjoyable. It honestly takes a full year or more to start gaining some degree of mastery at this. I'm still a student at it, but I am way better today than when I was just starting.

Stay in touch here. Bring your doubts, your fears, and your questions in here. There's always help coming from this great group in this forum.

Good luck Brutha! Don't be a stranger!