I worked for them for just over a year as my starter company.
1. They sent me to a well respected school that trained me the right way the FIRST time. It was far from a CDL Factory. This was the first first proof that this company cares about safety. Other things that showed me this included booking loads that could safely be run within log book rules (Not a lot of night driving unless the driver prefers it.) and well maintained (only slightly used) comfortable equipment. They never asked me to run a shadey load. They do allow you to idle to be comfortable as long as you don't abuse it. The biggest factor by far was a quality trainer and training program, post school.
2. They filled all promises to me including pay and benefits. You will not get rich at WSE, but a Honest Company with integrity is priceless in this industry as you know. No real layover or detention pay, but they did take care of me during an extended breakdown with hotel and pay during that downtime. They did have some notorious areas in the country where there were more loads going in then out (Like L.A.) where this did become a minor issue. Longest wait, which was over the weekend, was rare. But a day wait was just common enough to gripe under my breath sometimes. All disputes were resolved in a professional manner also.
3. Equipment for company drivers are not Cadillac's of the industry, but they tend to be very comfortable and quality equipment. I believe they are still running Century Condos with all the comforts and Newer International Condo's with auto trans and NICE interiors. There may still be a few visions and XL's, but I doubt it. They tend to run there equipment from new to about 500k-600k at the very high end. They try to insure good maintenance schedules also.
4. Getting paid is quick quick quick now with the Trip Scan. They implemented that about a couple years ago. Tolls always got paid. Lumper's always got paid.
5. No Mexico or Canada, which is good in my book.
6. They knew me by name, not a number. Although they do use a number on the qualcomm. Which by the way, they only use for trip data and communications, not to micromanage.
Plus side:
- Good honest people (RARE in the industry)
- Safe policies, practices, and equipment
- Easy and quick payment methods via tripscan and such
- Fuel partnerships at Flying J, TA, and Pilots
- Work with you to get you home when you want to be home as agreed
- Qualcomm for all the RIGHT reasons not the bad
- Tolls and Lumper's paid (Approved Logical Tolls)
- Comfortable trucks and policies (idling ok and Idle Air paid)
- Care about there drivers as friends and partners
- No Canada or Mexico (I think NYC is not forced too)
Negatives:
- No Pete's or W900's here, sorry
- Pay package "OK" at best
- Frankly, major customers tend to be ones difficult to work with. Tyson, Budweiser, and Walmart to mention a few.
- Trucks capped out at 69. Ok for me though. (Might be 65 now?)
- Trailer fleet is aging and can be a hassle sometimes. I believe that 2007 was suppose to start a major change in that. Maybe its better now.
- No pet's (if thats important to you)
- Rider policy is kinda nuts. A girlfriend or wife can ride with you, but thats about it. A friend, father, or mother can not. So, if I meet a waitress in a greesy diner, I can call back and say my girl wants to ride with me, but if my father wants to do a run, he can't.
email me with any specific questions you might have.
[email protected]