A Cautionary Tale About Wilson Logistics...

We recommend that you apply to multiple carriers and speak with multiple carriers before accepting a position. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees unless it's in writing.

Nathan, the situation is worse than you know. Even if they had brought you into class, you're still not officially hired. They still have more background checks to do and you must pass the DOT physical and drug test first. They don't do thorough background checks until people arrive because they're so time-consuming and expensive.

So it's not uncommon to get sent home within a few days of arriving at school because of problems with your physical, drug test, or background checks.

Getting started in trucking can be a tough process. You just have to gut it out.

Even before orientation you can get sent home. I first went through a companies "Get Your CDL" program and while at the school there were people who were sent home for various reasons(not meeting DOT physical standards, having a birth certificate that was too damaged, not having the RIGHT birth certificate, etc). When you're just looking to get your CDL there's so many things that need to be PERFECT and any one of them can disqualify you at the moment. It's not JUST DOT, it's also the BMV , school, medical examiners....it's a rough road to get started and a lot rougher for some than it is for others.

I'm still VERY new, but I had a rough start myself. Got my CDL fine, got through orientation, but in training I had a very unfortunate incident that could've ended my driving career. Instead I did, what I call, an application blast. I applied to something like 30 companies in 1 night on my phone. Woke up to 15 calls the next morning. Got turned down by a few of them, and almost got hired by 1. Got to the day before I was going to pick up my rental car. Company had already paid for it and given me the information. Then I got a call from my recruiter saying they were pulling the offer. So, with some help, encouragement, and advice from the people here on this forum, I applied and got in with my current company and I love it. I'm now 6weeks solo and having a blast.

Point is, don't back down and don't give up. I'm working proof that it can all work out.

I'm applying everywhere and I WILL find a place. I appreciate the feedback and after reading so many of the replies I realize now that even though I had consistent conversations with WL that I wasn't actually cleared. I was not aware of the way recruiters and companies worked. I didn't think someone would waste so much time on someone if they weren't pre-qualified to come aboard. I realize I didn't ask the "right" questions and I'm NOT making that mistake now with the new companies. Thanks for all the feedback and information this site has provided as I search for my new company.

We recommend that you apply to multiple carriers and speak with multiple carriers before accepting a position. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees unless it's in writing.

Nathan, the situation is worse than you know. Even if they had brought you into orientation, you're still not officially hired. They still have more background checks to do and you must pass the DOT physical and drug test first. They don't do thorough background checks until people arrive because they're so time-consuming and expensive.

So it's not uncommon to get sent home within a few days of arriving at orientation due to problems with your physical, drug test, or background checks.

Getting started in trucking can be a tough process. You just have to gut it out.

I guess this is more common than I realized. I have no family in trucking so I am about as a newbie as one can be. I had no idea that the hiring practices in the trucking industry are so...unprofessional. I'm used to the corporate world where things are overly watered down and vanilla..lol. I'm happy to hear you found someplace to call home and that in the end, it all worked out for you.

Even before orientation you can get sent home. I first went through a companies "Get Your CDL" program and while at the school there were people who were sent home for various reasons(not meeting DOT physical standards, having a birth certificate that was too damaged, not having the RIGHT birth certificate, etc). When you're just looking to get your CDL there's so many things that need to be PERFECT and any one of them can disqualify you at the moment. It's not JUST DOT, it's also the BMV , school, medical examiners....it's a rough road to get started and a lot rougher for some than it is for others.

I'm still VERY new, but I had a rough start myself. Got my CDL fine, got through orientation, but in training I had a very unfortunate incident that could've ended my driving career. Instead I did, what I call, an application blast. I applied to something like 30 companies in 1 night on my phone. Woke up to 15 calls the next morning. Got turned down by a few of them, and almost got hired by 1. Got to the day before I was going to pick up my rental car. Company had already paid for it and given me the information. Then I got a call from my recruiter saying they were pulling the offer. So, with some help, encouragement, and advice from the people here on this forum, I applied and got in with my current company and I love it. I'm now 6weeks solo and having a blast.

Point is, don't back down and don't give up. I'm working proof that it can all work out.

I guess this is more common than I realized. I have no family in trucking so I am about as a newbie as one can be. I had no idea that the hiring practices in the trucking industry are so...unprofessional. I'm used to the corporate world where things are overly watered down and vanilla..lol. I'm happy to hear you found someplace to call home and that in the end, it all worked out for you.

Even before orientation you can get sent home. I first went through a companies "Get Your CDL" program and while at the school there were people who were sent home for various reasons(not meeting DOT physical standards, having a birth certificate that was too damaged, not having the RIGHT birth certificate, etc). When you're just looking to get your CDL there's so many things that need to be PERFECT and any one of them can disqualify you at the moment. It's not JUST DOT, it's also the BMV , school, medical examiners....it's a rough road to get started and a lot rougher for some than it is for others.

I'm still VERY new, but I had a rough start myself. Got my CDL fine, got through orientation, but in training I had a very unfortunate incident that could've ended my driving career. Instead I did, what I call, an application blast. I applied to something like 30 companies in 1 night on my phone. Woke up to 15 calls the next morning. Got turned down by a few of them, and almost got hired by 1. Got to the day before I was going to pick up my rental car. Company had already paid for it and given me the information. Then I got a call from my recruiter saying they were pulling the offer. So, with some help, encouragement, and advice from the people here on this forum, I applied and got in with my current company and I love it. I'm now 6weeks solo and having a blast.

Point is, don't back down and don't give up. I'm working proof that it can all work out.

Nathan;

In case he didn't mention, Optical is with Dutch Maid Logistics here in Ohio; which my husband and I mentioned to him. They are a reefer hauler in Willard Ohio, not far from one of my other half's yards; he speaks to them often & they sound like a good place. We helped another guy get in w/them too, Optical's friend, Luc.

You can check them out, as well. Not sure if they are on Trucking Truth (yet) but you could go to their website. Also, their terminal isn't too far from you.

CFI was a no go ?

Did you use the link(s) on HERE, to apply to multiples, as well ?!? (Like O/S suggested...)

Wish you well;

~ Anne ~

I had no idea that the hiring practices in the trucking industry are so...unprofessional.

I could easily say the same about you. I had no idea someone from corporate couldn't understand that having a license in 2 states is a felony in some.places and therefore should fix his issues before expecting to get hired. in NJ it is a felony to have a duplicate copy! Seriously, I had one in my wallet and one on a secured location in case I lost it on the road. Same number and dates, same endorsements....but illegal. Go figure.

You need to truly consider if you know enough about trucking to even try this. Find someone for a ride along so you can see what the lifestyle is first hand.

Whenever I hear someone make a statement like that, I guess they will last six months tops. We have seen it here over and over.

Fact is.....no company is going to be able to deal with your situation until you correct the MI issue. It isn't just WL. Perhaps you conveyed to the recruiter that you would have that cleared up before attending? I don't know.

When people enter trucking with their own ideas of reality, they fall flat. They criticize everything from the trucking company to the trainers to the laws. One guy came on here horrified that companies did not provide trucks with RV like bathrooms or hotel rooms every night. Another woman assumed there were sinks and stoves in the trucks. One former professor claimed the evil company turned their back on him when he quit and they wanted the $7000 he agreed to pay if he didn't stay the 150k required miles.

If you think this is unprofessional....i cannot even imagine how you would react to waiting in a dock for a few hours to get unloaded or not having the next load assignment right away.

I suggested you read some of our blog articles to get a better feel.

Good luck

I don’t hold 2 licenses. I properly surrendered my Michigan license when I took residence in Louisville, KY within 30 days per state law. Nothing illegal. As per returning to Michigan I surrendered my KY license to obtain a MI one.

I had no idea that the hiring practices in the trucking industry are so...unprofessional.

I could easily say the same about you. I had no idea someone from corporate couldn't understand that having a license in 2 states is a felony in some.places and therefore should fix his issues before expecting to get hired. in NJ it is a felony to have a duplicate copy! Seriously, I had one in my wallet and one on a secured location in case I lost it on the road. Same number and dates, same endorsements....but illegal. Go figure.

You need to truly consider if you know enough about trucking to even try this. Find someone for a ride along so you can see what the lifestyle is first hand.

Whenever I hear someone make a statement like that, I guess they will last six months tops. We have seen it here over and over.

Fact is.....no company is going to be able to deal with your situation until you correct the MI issue. It isn't just WL. Perhaps you conveyed to the recruiter that you would have that cleared up before attending? I don't know.

When people enter trucking with their own ideas of reality, they fall flat. They criticize everything from the trucking company to the trainers to the laws. One guy came on here horrified that companies did not provide trucks with RV like bathrooms or hotel rooms every night. Another woman assumed there were sinks and stoves in the trucks. One former professor claimed the evil company turned their back on him when he quit and they wanted the $7000 he agreed to pay if he didn't stay the 150k required miles.

If you think this is unprofessional....i cannot even imagine how you would react to waiting in a dock for a few hours to get unloaded or not having the next load assignment right away.

I suggested you read some of our blog articles to get a better feel.

Good luck

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and HELPFUL post on this thread. Truth be told..Wilson Logistics had a very very low level of internet commentary in relationship to other companies. They have a good rep which is great. I wanted to show a side that I felt was personally crappy. Not to hurt them but to help others. Some people on here don’t seem to understand that we have opinions and this happens to be mine!

As for CFI I’m accepted!!!! Headed to trucking school on May 9th then off to Joplin MO for orientation. Excited to start my new journey in May.

I guess this is more common than I realized. I have no family in trucking so I am about as a newbie as one can be. I had no idea that the hiring practices in the trucking industry are so...unprofessional. I'm used to the corporate world where things are overly watered down and vanilla..lol. I'm happy to hear you found someplace to call home and that in the end, it all worked out for you.

Even before orientation you can get sent home. I first went through a companies "Get Your CDL" program and while at the school there were people who were sent home for various reasons(not meeting DOT physical standards, having a birth certificate that was too damaged, not having the RIGHT birth certificate, etc). When you're just looking to get your CDL there's so many things that need to be PERFECT and any one of them can disqualify you at the moment. It's not JUST DOT, it's also the BMV , school, medical examiners....it's a rough road to get started and a lot rougher for some than it is for others.

I'm still VERY new, but I had a rough start myself. Got my CDL fine, got through orientation, but in training I had a very unfortunate incident that could've ended my driving career. Instead I did, what I call, an application blast. I applied to something like 30 companies in 1 night on my phone. Woke up to 15 calls the next morning. Got turned down by a few of them, and almost got hired by 1. Got to the day before I was going to pick up my rental car. Company had already paid for it and given me the information. Then I got a call from my recruiter saying they were pulling the offer. So, with some help, encouragement, and advice from the people here on this forum, I applied and got in with my current company and I love it. I'm now 6weeks solo and having a blast.

Point is, don't back down and don't give up. I'm working proof that it can all work out.

Nathan;

In case he didn't mention, Optical is with Dutch Maid Logistics here in Ohio; which my husband and I mentioned to him. They are a reefer hauler in Willard Ohio, not far from one of my other half's yards; he speaks to them often & they sound like a good place. We helped another guy get in w/them too, Optical's friend, Luc.

You can check them out, as well. Not sure if they are on Trucking Truth (yet) but you could go to their website. Also, their terminal isn't too far from you.

CFI was a no go ?

Did you use the link(s) on HERE, to apply to multiples, as well ?!? (Like O/S suggested...)

Wish you well;

~ Anne ~

Yeah many companies have all kinds of goofy rules that can get you sent home. At the driving school I was sent to there was a guy sent home on day 2 because he failed to mention the pesky murder in the first degree charge he was facing. He was in a motorcycle "club", one of the 1%er style. Nice guy though. He was awaiting his court appearance, out on bail. Who'd a thunk something so trivial would 1, be found out and 2, get him sent home. However he didn't give warnings against the school or the driving company that sent him home, just accepted that HE screwed up and carried on without blaming the company for not sending him home prior to his going to the CDL school.

Some people on here don’t seem to understand that we have opinions and this happens to be mine!

Nathan, it's obvious that you don't understand what it is we do here. We do our best to provide the truth for people who are trying to enter this industry. That's why we call it "Trucking Truth." Your "opinions" don't really mean anything because you don't really know anything about this business. Random opinions like yours are not helpful at all. We tried to help you understand how your experience is common. You had an issue that caught up with you. It's not a big deal, you just keep on trying. It looks like the truth that we shared with you turned out to be helpful. You got on with another carrier - Congratulations!

Stick with the truth Nathan. Don't go paying attention to random opinions. They are the worst thing for undermining your future trucking career. If you want some help, we are always available. We will help you understand things. We will tell you how it is, not how we think it should be. That kind of information is very helpful.