Profile For Harold B.

Thanks Old School J appreciate the help

Hi everyone, I am hoping someone can give me some info regarding Western Express. I just noticed that the orientation email says to bring you DOT physical long form and medical card. I am taking that as meaning they do not give you a new physical when you get there.

This is a brain fart on me for not paying closer attention to the information and here it is the day before I am supposed to leave for Nashville.

If I have to get my own I will have time on Monday once I am there and I was also wondering where the hotel was they put you into as there is a Concentra about 8 miles from the terminal.

Thanks Harold

Hello everyone,

Just got a call from Western Express and I will be starting there next Tuesday the 25th to go flat bedding. I really have appreciated the information on this website and the positive attitudes and reinforcement that has been given to myself and others.

I know that old school drives for Western Express and if you read this maybe I could get some tips from time to time. I won't have access to a computer or smart phone when I first get started so I am going to go ahead and change my status to driver in training while I have a chance.

Again, Thank you very much for this site and all the information and I look forward to seeing everyone out on the road soon.

Thanks for the reply Guyjax and Justin, I appreciate your responses as I always thought you needed to be on a truck to get any advances as well. I needed to make sure as I just don't want to take anymore away from the home money than I have to to survive on the road training.

Be safe, Harold

Just wondering if anyone on here is a current or recent employee for CR England. I ask because I have spoken to a recruiter with them and I have an opportunity to go to there ten day refresher and wanted to make sure I was getting the right information.

My main question was if I would be able to take small advances on pay during the 10 refresher, the recruiter says I can but I don't want to get to Texas from Michigan and find out this is not accurate. I want to make sure I will have enough money to eat until I can get on the truck and get an actual paycheck.

If anyone can clarify this I would greatly appreciate it.

Be safe. Harold

Thank you Old School, Starcar and Charlie H.. I have been studying this all weekend and you guys are correct that this is not the opportunity I am looking for and I really appreciate your honest and helpful responses..

Be safe, Harold

Hello everyone,

I have an opportunity to drive for a small fleet owner that runs for Panther expedited. My question is after a month of training I would be getting 26 % of ever 1.36 the truck makes and out of this I would be responsible for half of the fuel cost, workmans comp, insurance on vehicle and one other 17.00 charge I can't remember at the moment. I would be a 1099 independent contractor.

This is a team driving position in a straight truck tractor class B and I was wondering if this sounds even close to a good idea. I know I would be considered new but 26% does not sound very good considering the costs I would be responsible to pay.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Just to clarify,

These transmissions are actually auto shifted manual gear boxes not the regular automatic transmissions with a torque converter. If you get a chance go to youtube and look up the test drive of the Volvo I-shift truck it's pretty interesting, of course anything can be made to look good, but, if these transmissions are capable of the fuel numbers they are claiming I would think that trucking companies would look to go in that direction if they can prove the durability and an actual savings overall.

Hello everyone,

I talked with a Swift employee at there Canton Michigan terminal last week and the subject of the types of equipment came up. The person I was speaking with worked in the office at the terminal and during the conversation it was mentioned that Swift will be converting there fleet over to the automated manual tractors like the Volvo I-shift in the next 2 to 2 1/2 years. My question was why would they move away from manual transmissions and was told that the wear and tear from newer drivers was the main reason.

Now I am not trying to start any rumors but I was wondering if any Swift drivers on this site had heard this same thing.

Guyjax, Your are right and I don't blame Werner or even the trainer. I didn't handle the situation the right way and speak up. Instead I let frustration and anger guide my decisions and I made the wrong one. I have had plenty of time to realize what I should have done and I can guarantee I won't make the seam mistakes twice.

I appreciate your honesty in your reply and I plan on posting some updates as I start this journey again.