Wow Werner sure has one thick line of SHAT .

I have a thought for you sidewinderf16.

Since the first of this year, there have been 16 more banks that have failed. More and more businesses are being boarded up. Freight is slowing down. I'm pulling a reefer, and while the company down-sized more than a year ago, they're looking pretty hard to find loads for the drivers they have left. Last year, 108,000 were cut loose from their jobs. Companies that are "bottom-feeders" are "enjoying a new-found popularity". There have been school graduates coming on here talking about how they can not find a job. Right now, things are changing faster than anyone wants to keep up. $6,000 is a whole lot of money to pay back when you are having a hard time finding work.

Werner is willing to hire you? How many miles a week do they "GARANTEE YOU'? Are they going to give you 2800 to 3000 miles a week? Or are they going to give you 1100 miles every other week? Some of the bigger companies have been changing their operations to meet the demand of the reduced freight. $6000 is far too much to commit to a venture that may take a few years to take off. But, you will be obligated for the "payback". Are you going to make enough to live on? Not long ago, I talked to a Schneider driver that has been suffering from a lack of miles. He stands to lose his house and new car. TMC has down-sized by 500 trucks, and I'm told that they are only running dedicated freight.

In this economic environment, do you have any idea just how far you are sticking your neck out?

All things considered it sounds like a good deal Sidewinder. I could believe 37k at Werner under normal conditions. But today who knows? Actually the VA pay might be a nice safety net the way things are right now. My only concerns would be how long is the obligation? If you break the obligation what do you owe them? And finally what if Werner has you on 48 state OTR? Are you prepared to be home once a month for the next year or two? Just for reference my first year at Valley I made 49k and was home every weekend. Though I doubt you could make that much right now.

I would'nt beleive 37k at Werner under normal conditions for a solo driver ,as Starting pay is .26 cpm and miles under normal conditions are only 1800-2400 wk ... At Werner miles for a solo nder normal conitions are about 85-100,000 a year ,which is only about 26k.

As I mentioned to you guys before, I am a hard worker. But besides that, I really have little options in how, when, and where I get the CDL. I only hope that by doing my best and with a positive attitude, I get lucky like some of you have.
There are so many companies in this industry, and with the economy the way it is, that it is hard to predict who will be around.
I still have about 12 weeks before going to work, and a lot of things can change by then. From what I hear, summer is usually a good time in this industry. I graduate in May. Hopefully one plus one will equal two.

Sidewinder

I wish you the best of luck, but most of us got into this business well before the current economy. Back when I was looking for a job, they'd hire you if you could "SEE" the steering wheel. Today, you have to be able to read the fingerprints on it (so to speak). It's an entirely different atmosphere that you're getting into. The "surplus" has shifted to the drivers, where it had been the companies that were always coming up short of drivers.

Best case scenario your first year in trucking during this recession: You work 60 hours a week and only end up making 27k to 35K. Compared to the 40K a year you make right now working only 40 hours a week.

Worst case scenario your first year in trucking: After spending several thousand dollars on trucking school, you get hired by CR England, Covenant or some other bottom feeder company. You quit OTR truck driving after 4-6 months like most rookies do and return to Ohio to be unemployed along with 524,000 other people.

While your intentions are very noble, your plan is very, very risky.

SidewinderF16
Edith, the recruiter You don't say whether Edith is a Roadmaster recruiter or a Werner recruiter. If you are hell bent on this tack, contact a Werner recruiter and get EVERYTHING they state about your employment on paper, as in a contract. But understand, even if they do that, you'll not be working for them until after you've upgraded to solo driver, or whatever Werner calls a driver after they've completed the externship. The clue you're close to being a Werner driver, is you'll have to pass written and skills tests before you're assigned a tractor, after you've spent the time (500 hours?) with a Werner trainer.
BOL to you, but until the economy turns around, I think you're better off keeping your current job.

Thanks Sealord!
So you know, Edith is a Roadmaster Recruiter. I did verify most of the info she gave through Werner's website. I am taking your advice however, and I am planning on speaking with a Werner recruiter, but I am waiting for her to give the OK on the DMV and Background checks that they are running before I do so. Classes do not start til the end of March or beginning of April anyways!
As far as Roadmaster goes, I am kind of stuck with them whether the tuition is cheap or not. There aren't many choices (CDL Schools) in the Orlando area that are as flexible as they are. They are the only ones that will accommodate my work schedule so that I can keep my job. If I were to leave my job for training, then either way the school would turn out to be expensive. It's less expensive though, if I keep my job while I train.
For the classes beginning in April, they end in late May. I hope the economy is picking up by then. What do you think?

I appreciate the Advice!
Be Safe!

Sidewinder

Sidewinder did you check out Mid Florida tech on John Young and Oakridge, The hours are mon thru Thursday 7 to 5, I think they even hold weekend classes too. The cost cant be to much more then 2200 as it only cost me 1800 back in 2004.
The 8 week program will have you more ready for the road then roadmaster trust me on that one you will be able to back up any tractor with confidence and the community college programs are looked at a little better then a 3 week crash course by the bigger companies.
In this day and age it is a employers market, why would an employer take a 3 week trainiee over an 8 week trainiee when they already have tons of apps from experienced drivers. If I was the employer I would go for experienced first then I would look at those who went to a longer training program, dont bite yourself in the ass with a cheap program, I looked into roadmaster off of Cinderlane Parkway and the program sucked I even had a student there tell me to run fast.... The same went for the program in Sanford TDI... Do it right make the time for the right school you wont regret it in the end plus Mid FLorida is a great time the instrutors are awesome and they make sure you are comfortable in the tractor... I went from Mid FLorida right into a local job and have been local ever since 5 years later I will clear at least 58,000 this year possibly 65,000 if i get all my bonus
If you go the other route chances are you will be sitting and looking for work and regretting roadmaster...
Just my two cents.hope it works out for you.

Timberwolf