For got to mention that thanks DLE. Werner's orientation is 3 days long when I was there last, it was pretty easy to get on with them they weren't real strict. Everyone that was there got a truck or went out with a trainer I hear the opposite with Swift. First day was paperwork, videos, drug test, etc. Second day was more paperwork and videos and a lot of sitting around doing nothing b.s. Third day was finishing up loose ends and then get going in your own truck or get a trainer. But orientation does not recommend a job at all. Just that your going to go through their process and may be sent home at any time. Their trucks were governed at 65mph last I heard. But almost every company out there has governed trucks so don't worry about that. The company I am at now has their truck governed at 72mph. Good luck, keep your options open. I would strongly recommend looking into corrections or the medical field.

 

Be aware that the overwhelming majority of drivers won’t last a year because of inexperience and too many accidents way too fast. Thus, after they are fired they usually get stuck with the bill of having to pay for the CDL training that they can no longer use.

 

Electronic Logs alone is one reason NOT to go with Werner. IMO, Werner truck are governed also, like most big companies.

 

I've heard the pros and cons of the paperless logs. I've heard they suck, but I've also heard if you know how to use it they are better.

By the way, what is WIA?

 

I would not, could not work for a company that has electronic logs. I can’t count how many Werner drivers I shot the **** with over the years at shippers or consignees that told me that they were stuck spending the night there even though they were filthy and wanted a shower and starving but didn’t have food in the truck because their time on their electronic log had ran out! Whereas under the same circumstances, I could always easily finagle 15 minutes out of my logbook in order to make it to the nearest truck stop to catch a hot shower and eat a warm meal.

 

Workforce Investment Act. A government program to RETRAIN people who are unemployed ESPECIALLY where their jobs were lost due to the Republicans sending them all overseas! :lol2:

I believe you mentioned the coal industry and how it has died in your area. The program should be fully funded then. Go to your nearest Employment office and ask about it. There are TWO "strains" as I understand it. ONE will allow you to go to a community college to train for something (medical is king.) The OTHER will pay for an independent CDL school. Costs about 4 grand, but they pay it all, often including travel or hotel accomodations.

Sounds like C1 school might accept WIA tuition. Check with them on that. BTW... while I was in CDL school, I was allowed to collect unemployment.

Forget about what they say about being "pre-hired." Really is no such thing! But, if WIA will pay for you to get a CDL, there are MANY companies that MIGHT hire you.... even in the current economy. If Werner or Swift won't do it, it is because they wanted you to pay THEM for the CDL training!

Many smaller companies in your area might accept your independent training. That is how I got into the business. WIA... local smaller company needing OTR drivers. [Make SURE it is a 160 hour school!]

If it comes down to it... and you HAVE to choose between Werner or Swift... I'd call Schneider! :lol2:

Seriously.... between the two.... I'd pick Swift.

It's a bad time to try to break into the industry. Freight loads are down. But, I think things are about to pick up. You will be up against many drivers with more experience who are out of work. But.... MANY of them have too much baggage on their MVR's. YOURS sounds clean. This will help you even if ONLY because of the insurance companies.

It's worth a TRY... dude! Not everyone out there can GET a CDL. Once you get it, it's like a meal ticket if you keep your nose clean!

Your military experience will hopefully protect you against the "whining syndrome" of so many who attempt this job. It's not easy! But, it ain't that hard if you have learned to DEAL with idiots! :lol2:

The IMPORTANT thing is to keep your eyes on the prize! Suck chit for a year or two if necessary, and keep your record clean, and then you will see doors open for you. Five years down the line... you can pick and choose and write your own ticket.

I hope you can use WIA to pay for your school. But, if not... 5 grand is a SMALL investment in a career that can easily pay you more than that for EVERY year you are employed in it. You don't see THAT in the coal industry do you?

I've made some good money in my life. But, I've NEVER made what I'm making now after only 4 years in trucking. I'll probably be a "lifer." I like the FREEDOM as well as the money. But, the freedom doesn't live in the confines of the MegaCarriers!

IF you want to DO this.... do it on YOUR terms. Don't just "be" a NUMBER. Think outside the box and make your OWN plan for your life and career. If you don't, you'll probably end up as so many other "whiners" on here who let the industry control their careers and lives.

Your intial question of Werner or Swift shows that you haven't yet done ALL your homework. PLEASE tell me that you didn't let the military talk you into being a "glorified security guard."

Get "proactive" dude! Truckin' is NOT for WUSSES! :lol2:

 

A man after my OWN heart! Truckstops are for trucks! Truckers deserve a shower and a hot meal. I have NEVER missed either!

 

How exactly do Republicans send jobs overseas? By opposing protectionist policies that will instigate a trade war that will inevitably hurt everyone and their brothers? Additionally, how does the Dhimmicrat policy of protecting unions, which subverts free labor markets and tremendously escalates overhead labor cost unnecessarily, not open the door for foreign competition to enter US markets and inevitably obliterate their unionized competition as we have watched happen over and over ad nauseum again? Moreover, how do ruinous over-regulation imposed by Dhimmicrats not force whole industries into escaping and relocating overseas?:lol2:

 

it's no use, you can argue with libs till your blue in the face, it's ether reps. fault or g.w.'s fault, but there never the one with there hand in your pocket. :thumbsdown:

 

I just checked with my unemployment office about that WIA. I talked to 3 different people and they didn't know squat about it. The only thing they could tell me was they paid for me to go to a local community college and get my 160 hrs and cdl. I looked on the state website and they offered a large amount of different schools but the people I talked to couldn't tell me anything about it.

I know its paid for. But wouldn't it be easier to get a job by just going through swifts school? Or that C1 school? They offer job placement. I know its a big difference in price because you can't argue with freebies. I just don't want to do that training for nothing.