wel companies

I have been with WEL 21 months, and just switched to Midwest regional about a month ago. All I can say to the complainers is that, if you want a career, you need to talk to your dm, or manager about issues instead of walking away. I have had very few issues, but every time I did, I took it to the folks in the office and I was taken care of every time.

That includes miles, where you run and home time. I was getting low miles (1800-2000) about a year ago, sent a message in about it and it was immediately solved. I told them I like to run hard, so they would send me east out of DePere, Wi to there terminal in Allentown, PA, then run me out to L.A. from there with an LTL. By the time I hit L.A. my 70 Hour was nearly cooked, so the 2 days of deliveries on the truck would allow my hours to catch up, and I would be off and running again. Great miles.

I did have a run once that picked up in Salt Lake City on a Thursday morn and delivered in Seattle on the following Monday. I arrived in SLC Friday morning, called my DM, told him I couldn't deliver early, so they paid me $120 detention per day for 3 days. All I had to do was ask.

I could go on, but you get the picture. Whining and complaint gets you no where, but ask for fairness and you will get it. Most times it comes naturally.

My only complaint as of lately is they have switched my DM 3 times since I went to regional, and I was pretty happy with the first one, but they are making some changes in office structure, so hopefully things will settle soon.

 

I have been here 2 years and still have no problems. I am a trainer and to the guy who said you don't get by a terminal to turn in paper work. Its because you don't go. I'm by a terminal a couple times a week. It is a good company but like all companies you won't run 4000 miles a week every week but people think you will. I make really good money and I'm currently sitting in irving texas waiting to pick up a load tomorrow. I say if you don't like the company you work for then leave so we don't have to hear you whine and complain all the time. Go find a job that suits you better like mcdonalds if you can make more money there. I'm done. Kick your tires. I'm out........

 

Ok, been with WEL for about 45 days now. That being said I still don't know how good everything will work out in the long run, but so far so good. My pay checks have been running in the 750 to 1000 dollar range since I finished orientation, and that is take home at 35 cents per mile. Equipment is in good shape, have hauled mostly new trailers.
I have had a small issue or two, but that comes with the territory of starting with a new company in any proffesion. I have needed small repairs on my tractor twice and both times it was handled very quickly on the road. Just call breakdown and they get it fixed for you. I have been out running 3 weeks at a time give or take and so far they have had me home on time or really close to it each time. Only the once was I a day late and that was not WEL's fault but a reciever that totally screwed up my schedule.
It is taking a minute to get into a flow with my dm but that is to be expected. Just like other posters have mentioned you are not just a truck number to anyone in the offices. You say your name and they pretty much know who you are. Everyone treats you with respect and at least appears genuinely concerned with your well being on the road.
Now I don't have a lot of experience in this industry so far, only about a year, but so far this company has treated me pretty good. I get the miles when I have hours to run, all of my questions and concerns are addressed quickly and fairly.
There are those drivers with WEL that have complaints like not getting enough miles and such, but I have learned that those same drivers tend to refuse loads because they don't pike where they are going and such and then in the same breath make the complaint about not enough miles. Can't have it both ways.
With this company it seems if you just get out there and do your job your gonna be fine.
I will update again at some point in the future but like I said, so far so good. I am happy with my choice to come to WEL.

 

Theysucked

 

I've worked for WEL for 2 years now. They have one of the best pay packages, allow dogs, pwr inverters (1500) the driver managers work with you. I have been dispatched 9800 miles in the last 20 days....the DM's are tasked with getting their drivers 3000 miles a week. (doesn't always happen...it is trucking) They have always been respectful to me and there for me if I need them to be in regards to my family and personal needs. They are very good at getting you home on time. I love my truck and they have Pete's and KW's and keep them in great shape maintenance wise. You should definitely call them if you are looking for a change. If you are new to trucking, the training program is very good...(maybe a little biased as I am a trainer for the company also) Your success at WEL, as with any other job, will naturally depend on your abilities, attitude and performance. But the company does everything in it's power to make sure you will succeed.

 

I have read this entire forum and I have to say it has been one hell of a ride. From what I gather WEL seems to do their best to suit 500 plus drivers and not everyone is going to be or has been happy. I'm dealing with one of their recruiter TJ right now and I'm signed on for orientation in De Pere, WI for January 2nd. I've decided I'm just going to have to see for myself and make my own choices (obviously). However I still have a few questions...How is the orientation structured? Are you definitely going out with a trainer that same week? I ask that question because my recruiter has never mentioned Ill be gone for 6 weeks straight immediately following orientation and I find that to be important information as I have a 6 year old I see on weekends who would need to know. Also, being a fresh graduate from New England Tractor Trailer Training School, and having chose WEL over 2 other pre-hires, I'm just curious as to whether or not I may be allowed a little more time to learn. I'm not saying I have zero skill as I did just graduate a 22 week program less than 3 months ago, but I would like to not be sent hom in a matter of 3 days because I grinded gears or took a turn a little too quick. That's about it. All the rest I know I will learn and grasp hands-on, and need not read other people pros and cons to make my mind any further of a mush in which it is right now haha. thank you for your time and responses and happy and SAFE holidays to you all!

 

Also, what I meant by structure is are we told when we get there what days we will be doing what? I have a pretty good idea of what I will be doing, but will I know when I will be doing it? I.e. physicals, drug test, driving test, paper work, etc. just want an idea of the time structure. Thanks again.

 

Well lets see here You will meet in the loby of the motel mon morning and go get physical and drug test then leave there and go to terminal and do the agillity test. then fill out alot of paper work . I cant remember but i think its like 7:30 to 4:30 or so. Then the same time the next couple days then i think thursday you head over to the main office and meet your dm and maintance, Get your truck if going on your own , If you need training i think they will send you back to the motel and be there through the weekend until Monday and then you will train there local with a trainer could be up to 2 of you in the same truck ,Then after i think a week or when that trainer says so you go out with an OTR trainer. Maybe that will help you . Oh just make sure you don't do anything thats not safe during that time with the local trainer. Because he will send you packing and at the cost of you . Wel will not pay for you to get back home if you fail out. Im not trying to scare you just telling you the facts . Im sure you will do fine . GOOD LUCK OH and i hope you love pizza because thats gonna be lunch everyday . Man i was so sick of that stuff LOL

 

Thanks a lot for that quick response. I'm sure I'll be fine, I'm just a little nervous as I'm making a MAJOR career change from cooking in restaurants to trucking. However, I couldn't be any more excited about the opportunity and if it doesn't work with WEL then oh well I'll just try someplace else. This is my first shot at it and I'm not going to have any regrets to take from this. If anyone sees this and is also going to be at the January 2nd orientation lemme know. Facebook me my name is Bill Zero. Thanks again.

 

Does the driver pay for inverter installation, or do their mechanics install it for free?