Wilson Logistics CDL Training-Springfield, MO-May 2020

I will be starting with Wilson on June 14 so I will be definitely following your thread.

Wishing you the best in your journey!

My apologies for the delay in getting back. First, Jeffrey, congrats on getting on the training program. I don’t believe you will have any regrets or issues. Just make sure to come in with an open mind and be a sponge for learning. Make sure you ask any questions you have or concerns while in the program. I am loving every bit of it. I’m sure I will see you sometime during the training. So an update, we delivered Tuesday morning in Atlanta and waited forever to get into the facility because of this COVID. Finally got unloaded and had a load waiting for us in Cartersville, GA. Drove up there to do a drop and hook. Once hooked up to the new loaded trailer, we were bound for Little Rock, AR. Stopped in Birmingham, AL around 1400 to take a quick 10 hr break since there wouldn’t be much parking options outside of Birmingham. We didn’t want to stop in Memphis. Left Birmingham at midnight after we had to get security to move trucks that were illegally parked and blocking us in at the Pilot. Made it to Little Rock about 0645 and was unloaded, by 0830. Took a 10 hr break while waiting for our next load. Picked one up in Jonesboro, AR last night around 2130. We stopped East of Nashville, TN this morning around 0400. This load is going to SC, so we will deliver tonight (drop and hook). So far, I am getting plenty of drive time and my trainer is letting me get the work in. I feel really confident and enjoying it. Been a good week so far. Found out that I test on June 2nd. I’m ready-wish it was here already. Well, just waiting for 1400 to hit so we can take off. Well, everyone be safe!!

Great update Spartan! Sounds like you're enjoying your training and gaining lots of experience along the way. I'm enjoying keeping up with your adventure. Stay safe!

Thanks Tortuga. Well, we made it to SC. Dropped the trailer and had to wait an hour for an empty trailer. Once we got the trailer, noticed the rear driver’s side marker light was out. Went to a TA, got it fixed, and made it south of Atlanta to our next pick up. Dropped our trailer there, picked up the new loaded trailer and shut down. Got back up and left Atlanta area and made it to Orange, TX. We definitely knocked out some miles within a few days. Stopped in Orange, TX at the Flying J around 4 am this morning to do a 34 hour reset since we don’t have to deliver until tomorrow night at 1930. We tried to make it closer into Houston since I live there and my family could come see me. We pushed because my little girl had her birthday party today but we couldn’t due to hours. It’s all good. I know what my goal is with training and getting my CDL. I was still part of her birthday party thanks to FaceTime (haha). So I made sure I am getting plenty of rest and studying here and there today. Just waiting to hit the road tomorrow to get going.

Do you need to obtain your permit before you start their CDL training and what is the starting CPM?

Corey- You must get your permit from your home state before attending the training program. The CPM is .44 but can be up to .49 if you hit your fuel bonus. But to start, just go with the .44 CPM. This is for OTR side. They guarantee up to 2500-3000 miles weekly. Freight is picking up, and we aren’t sitting waiting for loads. That’s where communication with your FM is vital. Communicate daily and let them know your availability. We have had a load waiting for us before we unload. Wilson Logistics training is great. I’ve had no complaints. My trainer is awesome. So just be willing to knock it out.

Thanks for the information. I am also based out of Houston and have been trying to to take my permit test here for a few weeks now but all the DPS offices have been closed. How were you able to get yours during this time?

I was already in the process of getting my permit before all of this mess happened. I was at the mega center on Veterans Memorial off 45 getting it done. I had to wait over 2 hours and then when it was time to take the written test, they were closing. I emailed DPS three times and finally received an email to go to the mega center off of S. Gessner. So I was able to finish it that way now. Gov. Abbott just put out a timeline for DPS offices opening up in phases. (https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/newappointments.htm) It seems Houston/Harris County won’t open until June 2nd or so. That website I posted should help. If you need any other help, let me know.

Well, it was a busy week. We knocked out 3500 miles with a 34 hr reset. Not too bad to finish out my week. Made it back to Springfield Wednesday night and got back to the training facility Thursday and Friday. I was able to get some practice in on both days and help the new students on their skills as well. Been a very busy but productive week. I’m ready to knock out this CDL test. I test Tuesday morning at 0730. So I will have tomorrow to knock out some more practice on the pad just to stay sharp. I already set my appointment up for this week at the DPS office in Houston so I can get my CDL paperwork and license completed. *Advice for those in Texas (May apply to other states), make sure to set your appointment as soon as you can once you know when you will test if this COVID is still causing issues* So after I test Tuesday and pass (I’m confident), I will have some onboarding paperwork and Some other things to take care of. The plan is to leave Tuesday afternoon for Houston, TX. I am ready to see my kiddos. My wife came up Saturday and is staying up here until Tuesday. We will head back together. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I will keep y’all updated.

Awesome! Good luck on your test Tuesday!