Watkins Shepard is not your run-of-the-mill trucking company. Not only does the company hold the highest in delivery standards, but they also provide the perfect atmosphere and opportunity for job seekers.
Known for their famous Watkins Shepard Trucking School, the company has a deep history.
Watkins Shepard Company History
Founded in 1976, the company names itself a pioneer in the industry. Watkins & Shepard is known for their logistics planning, technology implementation and their unequivocal drivers. The company deals with:
- Flatbed
- Truckload
- LTL (Beverage, Carpet & Flooring and Furniture)
- Brokerage
With a myriad of locations, truckers all over the United States will have the opportunity to work with this highly experienced team.
There are terminals in the following locations:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Utah
- Washington
California, Montana and Washington all have 2 or more terminals where potential drivers can pick up loads. The logistics and operations as well as the truckload and flatbed divisions all run out of the company’s main offices in Montana.
Immediate CDL Opportunities
Opportunities to work for the company are available immediately. There are two main driving opportunities available within the company:
Company Drivers
Are you an experienced driver or a recent graduate? Company drivers are also able to work in teams and make up a large portion of Watkins Shepard’s workforce.
Experienced Drivers
If you have experience driving, you’ll be on the fast track to consistent work within the company.
For your years of experience, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best benefits the company has to offer, including:
- Steady work with frequent home time (perfect for families)
- Fuel bonuses
- Weekly base pay
- Layover pay
- $20 stop pay
- Full benefits
- Bonuses for safe driving
- Paid orientation
There are also some routes that have dedicated runs available, meaning you’ll have a clear picture of your work day. Unfortunately, these routes will be taken quickly. You’ll also receive a $4,000 sign on bonus.
Recent Grads
So, you don’t have experience, but you just received your CDL?
There are plenty of great opportunities that await you. Please note, you will need a safe driving record as well as a Class A CDL license to be considered as a recent grad.
If you meet these requires, you will enjoy:
- 2 weeks of on-site training
- Full benefits
- Fuel bonus
- Regular home time
- $20 stop pay
- Layover pay
- Weekly pay
- Paid orientation
- Breakdown pay
You’ll even receive a $1,500 sign on bonus and won’t need to drive for weeks with a stranger looking over your shoulder every second.
Teams
Want to work in a team? These professionals receive immense compensation for their time, including:
- Planned home time
- Second seat driver (no experience required)
- $100 for every week over two on the road
- Productivity bonus
- Tiered fuel bonuses based on miles
- Safety bonuses
- Up to 3 cents a mile as a productivity bonus
Every member of the team will receive a $4,000 bonus.
While working with the company, you will never have to deal with hazardous materials. Electronic logs are kept at all times for the utmost in tracking, and GPS mapping is used. The company always adds new trucks to their fleet and ensures the utmost in maintenance for all trucks that are on the road.
Owner-Operator
Watkins Shepard pay scale is much higher for an owner-operator.
If you have your own truck, you’ll take on increased responsibilities, but you’ll also be able to earn more money in the process.
Flatbed / Stepdeck Owner
As a flatbed or step-deck owner, you’ll receive a $4,000 sign up bonus and average 10,000 miles a month with the company. You’ll also benefit from:
- 82% line haul
- 100% fuel surcharge and tarping
- Choose your own loads
- Planned home time
- Discounts on parts, tires and shop repairs
- Weekly pay
Your second seat driver doesn’t even need any experience, so you can bring a friend or spouse along with you while you’re on the road.
O/O 53’ Van
If you own a 53’ van, you’ll be happy to hear Watkins Shepard’s recent announcement. The company’s owner-operators will average $212,000 in 2015 alone. These substantial earnings also come with the following:
- All miles paid (loaded and empty)
- Premiums for specific loads (up to $320)
- Fuel discounts
- $25 for loading, unloading, stopping, and drop and hook
- $1.00 fuel surcharge on miles east of the Mississippi
- $0.01 per mile for safety and productivity
- $0.94 for loads past the Mississippi
- Discounts on tires, parts and truck maintenance
- Average of 11,000 miles a month
You’ll be able to choose your loads, and you will receive a $4,000 sign on bonus from the company.
Team
When you’re a team that owns a truck, you will earn a lot of money.
How much? The company states that the average team will earn $324,000 in 2015.
Working with Watkins Shepard, you’ll benefit from:
- All miles paid (loaded and empty)
- Premiums for specific loads (up to $320)
- Fuel discounts
- $25 for loading, unloading, stopping, and drop and hook
- $1.00 fuel surcharge on miles east of the Mississippi
- $0.01 per mile for safety and productivity
- $0.94 for loads past the Mississippi
- Discounts on tires, parts and truck maintenance
- Average of 23,000 miles a month
The main difference with a team is that your miles go from 11,000 a month to a staggering 23,000 miles a month.
You’ll be driving over 700 miles on a daily basis if you don’t take a day off. Otherwise, team members will switch to cover 1,000 miles a day in some instances.
Reviews for the company are positive with many drivers voicing their experience working with the company.
If you’re an experienced driver or fresh out of driving school, you’ll find that being a member of Watkins Shepard leads to immense career opportunities.