Starting over with Western Express
 

Okay...I've been out of trucking since Dec. 2008. I'm going back. And I have to start over.

This is why I have applied at Western Express. Sure as heck not for the pay. All kinds of red flags within this adventure, and a very good chance I won't even work for them. The bus ride to Nashville, TN would have been 18 hr ride. Screw that, caught a flight with Southwest. With one layover, max time 4 hours, not including boarding. I was reassured I would get my ticket reimbursed. We'll see.

So far, I've just talked to the recruiter. And ofcourse, he promised the world. I'm suppose to go to 2 days of orientation (non-paid), and 3 days of load securement. (paid $50 per day). I'm suppose to go into the flatbed division. After this, I'm suppose to go out with a driver for 1-2 weeks just so the company know I can still drive. This is paid at $375 per week. Big bonus here--only have to pay taxes on half. (My recruiter thought this might be a positive thing with me...) So, with not even been there, I'm already on per diem pay. (Kinda made this clear to my lovely recruiter that would be a deal breaker) I'm hoping I can get them to just use straight milage pay.

After all of that, I get into a rig, and start earning all the way up to .75/mile......well, This is what it really is:

1. 0 - 200 miles = .75/mile
2. 200 - 400 miles = .45/mile
3. 400 + = .33/mile

Okay. If you gotta start over, and don't have the money for a refresher course, here is a start. And the standard promise of 2500 - 2800 miles per week. Sure.

As you read this, the question comes to mind. Why?
The answer is simple. My business is going broke, and I need to get back to work.

So I will keep everyone informed on what happens. Worse case.....My rants will be short.:confused::confused:

At least you're not sitting on your a** collecting welfare.

I became a driver in 2005 after trucking school. Then, I worked for Werner completed training and made .29 a mile loaded. The recruiters promise you the world and that is usually a lie. I didn't make any money at Werner so, I went home and got me a job at McDonalds.

Good luck, Cluggy. There is a lot of oil rig work in your area. Have you check with any of them? There are also some trucking companies around Burleson that usually have signs on their lot about needing drivers.

Why do people feel compelled to only seek out the megas when they return to the industry.

The only ones who told me I had to take a stupid refresher course were the megas. It's bogus.

I found a local smaller carrier with 25 trucks and was in my own truck within the first week of driving.

Yes, I have check with the local companies dealing with energy corporations..and we get back to insurance requiring time behind the wheel within the last 3 years....at least 6 months to 2 years. I've been to a few to apply, but never got the job..

Thanks for the luck.;)

if you take the time to look, you can find almost anything you want. So let's see what I wanted.

1. A job that pays. Requires time behind the wheel. Going with the mega is easier than waiting for other to call back.
2. I wanted to drive flatbed.
3. In the future, get a rig and flatbed trailer. This is more for myself than required. It takes time to save the cash to buy a rig. I will NOT be leasing.

Where you are right about mega's not being the only answer, it is one that fits for this moment.

Thanks for your responce.

Megas want to start you at what pay scale? 29 CPM? 30 cpm.?

There is a company in MN that will start you above that and actually take you on vacation to mexico every year.

If you want to buy your truck, they'll help you there too.


Had I known of them before I bought my truck, I'd probably still be a company driver.

Mexico sucks...plus there is a boycott against Mexico.

Really? Is this the best info you got? Why are you posting this here?