Arrived at school
 

Well we have arrived at Watkins Shepard school , Today is sat april 18th . We got here a couple of days early reason being we put the motorhome in storage and are homeless lol. We start class on monday the 21st will keep you informed of our progress. Cowboy and High fiance

Glad to hear you got there. Keep us all posted on how things go.


Reb

After Two Days
 

Well just finished our second day at W/S school , Man what a great time we are having . Been bob tailing around at nite and early in the morning . Doing some basic class work . Watching films on 45 degree , 90 degree and straight backing . Very laid back instructors and a nice bunch of drivers . Make us feel right at home . We are staying in the dorms here . Tomorrow we head out on the road Bob tailing shifting and getting the feel for the trucks . We are driving 2002 and up Frightliners with 10 speeds. learing how to shift there way . Its great Will keep you informed . Later Andy

Re: After Two Days
 

Learning to shift "their way", ha ha. I assume that means double-clutching. I just graduated from my CDL program and they insisted that we double-clutch the entire time because the state tester was going to have to see that method of shifting. Of course, I'll be floating the gears once I'm on the road I'm sure. It seems so much easier on me and the equipment from my limited experimentation with it so far.

Good luck and keep us posted. Phil

Hi Andy,

I would like to know if you are getting better training from W/S than you would from a private school. I am seriously looking at training from W/S.

Re: After Two Days
 

Most trucking companies want to see double clutching when you road test as well. Learn how to do it and do it well. There are times when you are going to have to dbl clutch in order to shift and if you are not good at it you will find yourself doing about 1 mph for a long time.

Re: After Two Days
 

I had assumed most companies preferred for their drivers to float the gears. All I did in school was double clutch, and on the test as well. I won't say I'm good at it by no means, but I have a foundation to build on. I'm told after 100K miles I'll be pretty good at it. :shock:

Hey Brad, We just finished our first week and Iam here to tell you if you go anywhere else you would be missing out on a great learning experience. We were driving the second day and pulling 53 ft trailers by the fourth day . These guys are good I can double clutch up shit down shift up a hill down a hill it does not matter . We just started backing and now Iam doig 45degree and backing to a dock , Go for it this is a great school . Will keep you posted . Andy

Andy, thanks for the information and keep us posted as to how the training is going for you.

Brad

Andy, any updates on the training?

Well finishing up week two . Eileen and I have been having a great time. This week we learned about log books and driving i city. We also worked on our backing skills and down hill shifting. Today we came down a 8% and 6 % grades at 60 mph and down shifting . It was great some of us had some trouble but for the most part we all did verywell. Iam not concerned about hills anymore . Thanks to my instructors.Next week we will be doing Qualcom and going to LA on our student trip . Should be great fun . Talk to you soon Andy

Andy,

How are things going for you and your wife while training at W/S. If you had to rate the 30 day training at W/S how would it rate.

Hey Brad . Well I would rate W/S as a top notch 30 day school . We just completed our 4 day student trip down to Santa Fe Springs CA . from Missoula had a great time drove alot of miles and learned a bunch . LA driving tight docks . bad food lol and not much sleep. But I would not trade it for anything. This week we have been doing more city driving and getting ready for our Road test and DOT backing . It won't be long now . If your considering a school look hard at Watkins and Shepard . Good Luck Andy

Andy,

I am interested to find out if you have graduated from the W/S 30 day class and got your CDL. If you have, did they assign you a truck and send you and your wife out.

Hey Brad, Yep we finished last Monday and we have been on the road for three days now and are working on our third load . Heading to Modesto with a load of Paper. Have a load waiting for us there then it's on to Santa Fe Springs Ca for a load to Iowa . So things are looking good for now. Jusy have to learn how to sleep with the truck moving. Well off to ben later Andy .

Wrightway,

How is your driving career going with Watkins/Shepard. Hope you are getting good miles and enjoying it.

Brad