Mac
New Member
Posts: 1
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Post by Mac on Feb 12, 2005 8:21:04 GMT -5
newbie diriver who has prehire by both, who is better
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Post by truckertom on Feb 12, 2005 14:36:09 GMT -5
Go find a truckstop and talk to some drivers from both companies. Many or our student think the no logbook is enough to get them to choose Werner. There is more to driving than paper.
But are these the only two you have considered?
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Post by dtrain on Feb 12, 2005 21:19:35 GMT -5
Mac; you will have several companies prehiring you. Choose, but choose wisely. Werner is the better choice for the long term. Swift; from what I have read is a decent training company. There are drivers who have been with them for several years. You will read good and bad posts on both of them on this and other forums. Go safely; see you on the big road!
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Post by openroad88 on Feb 13, 2005 20:19:58 GMT -5
Hi there,
I have drove for Werner since Oct 2004. I don't have any regrets in choosing them for a "training" employer, as I just graduated from CDL School in Sep 2004. I graduated Werner's Training program and got my own truck in Dec 2004.
A few things to expect, is that you'll be out for about 25 days on your first block of training, getting your first half of 275 hours accumulated. This can be a very long time if you have a trainer that you don't get along with. My first trainer was a "newbie" himself. He had about 6 months experience with Werner, and decided to become a trainer. I was his first student, and he quit a few days after I got off the truck. Werner is very eager to get people to become trainers as their training program is very active and always backlogged.
My second trainer had been doing it for four or five years-very experienced and professional. My second half of training with him went much faster-we had all 1000 mile plus loads, a lot of AZ to GA type stuff.
My pet peeves with the company-older trailers which the tandem's adjustment do not work properly, slow and rude service at terminals, and sometimes the paperless logs. They do limit you to what you can drive- and this can sometimes be a pain when trying to find a place to park. Be prepared to get to NY City and Washington DC the first month you are out on your own too. The big hauling loads you may see during training are only team material (mostly drop and hook too), and being the new guy on the dispatcher's board sometimes means going to places where no one else wants to go. Werner does pay $40 for going to Long Island which helps a little bit.
Werner does have nice equipment, with a variety of colors and models available. I had my pick of a Pete 379, Freightliner Classic and Freightliner Century Class. (I think we are the only company with so much brand variety, we have two kinds of Kenworth's too) I chose the Century because of the mobility and turning capabilities. I had both a Century and a Pete 379 in training and the Pete is more difficult in tight spots for sure. What you'll sacrifice with the Century is the Pete's ride quality, overall fit and finish, and road prestige. Werner uses 9speed Eaton Fuller trannies with the Top 2 automatic 8-9 shift.
Hopefully this helps you with your decision. If anyone has any more questions about Werner email me at openroad88@yahoo.com.
Joe
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