After getting through the CDL factory, I mean school, I got a job with Werner. So far, everything has been straight, except one thing, and that is that the recruiter said it was a six week program, the first three, then paid time off, then then next tree, and if you go all the way through, a $500 bonus after your first paid delivery. Well, anyways, it isn't exactly 3 weeks, it's 270 hours drive time. It can be done in less, but most are out closer to 6 and even 12 weeks. I just think that is a descrepancy that should have been brought out. Another thing, how can someone be a qualified trainer with less than six months out of training themselves?

I am in my third week, with just over 100hours.

My first trainer liked to drive too much, and I got no more than eight hours a day, usually less. I asked him why and he said "it isn't always big money every week once on your own, so why do you care" which was the stupidest answer I have ever heard. I at least want the oppertunity to make the money, or at least more than $325 a week. He got suspended for log violations, so I got another trainer. I get more
time driving with him 4 days a week than I did my past tariner 7 days a week. I like being able to be home 3 days a week, that is why I haven't switched trainers.

 

I thought Werners training program was a total of 270 hours of behind the wheel, which would take 4-6 weeks to complete. Least ways that is what some people I know who work for Werner have told me in the past.

 

Took my buddy about 8 weeks to get his 270, but his trainer was on a dedicated run, so he was off every other weekend I believe? Werner put my buddy up in a hotel each time his trainer was on hometime, as he chose to do his training straight through, instead of taking the week off in the middle. After he tested out, He then had to complete a solo load to get the bonus. Then he took a week off, and went back out with his partner as a team with team Werner. They stayed a year, and then left for greener ( $$$ ) pastures...

 

Yeah, the thing about the bonus is it is listed as a bonus and taxed at a higher rate, that is what my trainer said. He told me I would only see about $280 of it, so I'm taking the break.

I need 140hrs of behnd the wheel training before I can take the break. All I know is I better be off for christmas, or I'll be po'd.

Yeah, they put me in a hotel, but I rented a car and drove 330miles home, need to be heading back soon.

 

when i first started with werner it was the same I went all the way through and got the bonus it was not taxed any different than anything else

 

Most students are on the truck around 8 weeks. It just depends on how much the student drives. When I trained, I let my student drive as often as possible. Some of the "trainers" out there care about one thing and one thing only, MONEY. The training program is based on hrs driven. When I trained it was 270 hrs. As far as the bonus, it is better to just take the PTO and gets a weeks worth of rest then to take the bonus. It takes about as long to complete the training no matter which way you go. That is just my experience as a former trainer with Werner. BOL

 

I understand you concerns over the training pay/money issue, but just remember that it's not how long you spend in training that counts; what does count is the quality of the training that you receive.

I had an excellent trainer (did not drive for Werner), but because we ran so hard as a team, the vast majority of my time was spent driving. Due to the fact that I trained in late Summer, I did not receive adequate training for driving in inclimate weather.

That's why I opted to drive teams through my first Winter.

BOL2U!!

 

I did it in 5 weeks, BUT I had a great trainer, and that was before the no student driving after midnight the first two weeks....the week off in the middle pays just as much as the $500 bonus because they take 40% tax out of ALL bonus pay......hang in, hope for the best and stick with it, though it seems you will never get er done....stick it out and before ya know you will be assigned a truck and then YOU will be in the drivers seat!

 

40% withheld for taxes????

Man, even with FICA w/h and possibly state income taxes, that seems awfully high!!!

Do you know why the rate is so high??

 

at the most with held I would think about 25%