Question:
Hey drivers I am starting with Werner in the next week or so and was wondering about the average miles that they run semi-newbies at. (what I mean by semi-newbie is that I have already gone through 6 weeks of training on the road untill Burlington (edited) me over and laid me off in the middle of my solo out testing-go figure) anyways I have had a taste of OTR but that was with a trainer so I was wondering what kind of weekly miles I will be looking at when I start solo. Also some tips on budgeting and other things that go with the job. Thanx alot Chevrolet_gt

Answer:
When I was in training with the big blue I ran my a** off. My trainer and I both ran out of hours a couple of times. Although taxing my training went very quick. Even with four days off in the middle my trainer's home time I completed training in about five weeks. I finished up running accross Nebraska and tested out in Denver. I had a blast!
On my own I averaged 2500-2800 mi +/- a week. I was running the 48 and didn't worry about getting home often. It's great to be eager but PACE YOURSELF. At times it could be very draining.
This job requires a lot of patience and understanding. I learned so much in the first year! There were many a time I thought about just saying @#$% it but didn't. I'm glad I didn't. This job isn't for everyone. Experience life, live, learn, stay safe, and find yourself a niche. I'm enjoying myself and can't imagine doing anything else at this stage of my life.
I wish you the very best in all your endeavors.
Drive Safe, Be Safe - The life you save may be your own

Answer:
Just another question about the pay. How often do they raise you cpm? I seen some of them raise you about every 2-6 months 2 or more cents. I couldn't find anything on the web site that gave a number so just wondering how it works. And also having gone through training before they cut of 2 weeks of my training so that puts me 6 weeks with a trainer here at werner do you think that they will raise pay up a cent or 2? thanx

Answer:
Ive been with them for a few weeks. Ive been averaging 2500 miles a week. I like it so far ,logs are a little confusing but im getting it. Good Luck If Ya go with werner. where ya gonna go for orientation?
Answer:
Im going to go to the Springfield terminal in Ohio. It only about an hour away so I don't have to take the bus I hate riding on thim busses especially with some stinky asian guy talking to his wife 3 seats down in some wierd language. Plus my wife can pick me up there and I don't have to worry about leaving my truck at a truck stop or somewhere I have to keep an eye on it 24-7

Answer:
Originally posted by chevrolet_gt:
I hate riding on thim busses especially with some stinky asian guy talking to his wife 3 seats down in some wierd language.
Oh brother!!
No wonder people think truckers are idiots.

Answer:
ok you ride for 8 hours sitting next to some funny smelling guy that won't shut up and is talking very loudly to another person 2 seats down while your trying to get some z's. I can fall asleep with metallica blasting in my ears but this guy was anoying. Then on top of that when you switch busses halfway through you get relieved that that one person left but then some rum smelling loudmouth want to tell you their whole life story and give you advice on everything that won't shut up and keep tipping a bottle of rum every few minutes lady sit next to you for the remaining bus trip. The only time I actually enjoyed a buss trip was the way down to my school when a hot girl my age came and sat next to me....yep the highlight of my bus riding days. Other than the one case I just mentioned the whole thing sucked.(This does not mean I don't like people from other countries just the ones who don't know what deoderant is. I mean come on!!! Living in a truck and going weeks without a shower can make you stink but thats why god invented deoderant....yep)

Answer:
Pappa is actually solo out there. I fell on black ice in our Omaha yard, so home work comp. Last week he ran over 2800 mi, week before he ran 2300 but was down for 2 days, he been doing 27-2900 mi per week solo. I been home since first week in March. There been a few recent changes on the QC for solos(paperless log isues) but overall, Werner not better or worse than anyone else. Hey, I thought Burlington was bought out??
As far as teaming, we have no problems with the miles. We been at Werner since Aug 2002, THIS TIME! , we first drove for them in 1998. We have a total of 3 and half yrs driving for them. We keep goin back, can't be all that bad. Gonna stay now. Tired of changing co's. Loose to much $$ down time, orientation and yadda,yadda....
Calamity jane

Answer:
OK I called them and set myself up for orientation that went fine. I got a nice trainer and did great on the road. My training was over and was in the middle of taking the solo-out tests. Now nothing was said the whole time I was there about them going bankrupt and all. But the guy that gave the orientation came in and said sorry close you books gotta send you home. Go figure the stuff that really got me was they had about 50 -80 people in orientation and about 40-50 people being trained still on the road and about 8 of us taking out tests. What gets me is why would you hire people when you known for a few 3 or 4 months that you might be going bankrupt? Since then I have been totally screwed working for Waste Managenment for a year. I have only 1.5months of class A experience so now I have to go through the whole deal again. My wife is hesatant about letting me go again because of last time but she changed her mind when WM started working me from 5am till 8 or 9pm driving a class B CDL truck she was worried about me being so tired behind the wheel on the way home thats how her step dad died in 2000 so she told me it probably would be better at least I can sleep when Im tired and not pressed to pick up 800 stops in 8-9 hours busting my arss.

Answer:
The pay raises are pased on continuous experience with Drivers Management (the company that actually employs you when you run with WE). At 3,6,9 months and one year are all points when you receive raises in the first year. If you have experience with another carrier you start at other points in the pay grid and if above the first year raises then each raise is on a yearly basis.
Starting is .24. At 3 months it bumps to .245, six .25, nine .26 and one year .27. These rates don't include any bonuses or other extra pay.
I've been very content with Werner both times I've worked for them. Over the years there have been many changes. Even as they have grown they have always been very responsive to my needs. Are they everything to everyone, NO! Some others have had bad experiences and those I cannot dispute not knowing their particular circumstances. Overall for someone starting out or returning to trucking Werner is a great place to be. They are stable, financially sound! and have an organization that takes care of the custormer AND the drivers.
Drive Safe, Be Safe - The life you save may be your own