Congratulations on making it to the final, and biggest, step of the hiring process – Orientation! This probably isn’t your first, but I guarantee it’ll be the best Orientation experience you’ll have with any company.

I’m Kris Gordon, Director of Recruiting for West Side Transport, and I’ve been here since 2015. In that time I’ve hired plenty of drivers, conducted many orientation classes, and learned a lot from it. One of the first lessons learnt is that no orientation class is ever the same! But we can prepare you for a smooth transition and that’s the purpose of this article.

What to expect, what to bring, and what happens next

Since we pack everything into one day, I can’t stress how important it is to have your Tenstreet User Portal completed, have your Paycom done, and have your Clearinghouse consented too, prior to showing up. That’s the difference between having enough time to start rolling (and earning) that same day, or not. Here’s what to expect:

1. We’ll start the morning off completing some final clerical (more paperwork) tasks, and collect your CDL and SS card or Birth Cert right away because without those we can’t hire you. We also re-explain your job description and pay packages.
2. Road tests are typically done next, the road test itself will assess your skills in proper operation of the tractor-trailer. We will judge dozens of criteria such as checking your mirrors on turns, getting out and looking before backing, various angles of backing, performing a sufficient pre-trip, and generally how safe you can drive.
3. Policy Presentation. I promise we’ve made this least boring as possible. Using game-like software, and competing against other classmates, we have an interactive and engaging presentation for you. Prizes are offered for 1^st place!
4. Truck Inspection. We operate only Freightliner Cascadia’s 2020 and newer, if you’ve never operated one, this is the time to become familiar and ask the questions, our in-house mechanics and Onboarding Coordinators have the answers. The reality of it is you aren’t getting a brand-new truck, not yet. The one you get may have a few hundred thousand miles on the odometer so it won’t be in perfect shape. But it will be road worthy, mechanically fit, and clean. Yes, there will be cosmetic imperfections so please expect as such.
5. Lunch! Can’t learn on an empty stomach so we cater in a quality lunch with a menu of your choosing.
6. Meet your Driver Manager and tour the facility. This is the best time to discuss with your dispatcher how you like to communicate, to establish the working relationship and boundaries, to agree on mutual expectations and also to mention any prior time-off you have scheduled.
7. ELD training and first dispatch explained. We use Isaac Instruments electronic logging device. It’s very user friendly, easy to learn and easy to master. Now this comes last before you are sent off yonder, and by then most folks have had their fill of learning new things. We also offer ride-along training if you feel the need, just let us know!
8. Goodie Bags. You will be given a backpack with some supplies like gloves, hat, padlock, pens, blank logs, seals, and handbooks. The truck will have full jugs of washer, coolant, and oil fluids, breakdown kit, and load straps.

Remember, Orientation is part of the interview process, and your conduct is being assessed by everyone you interact with. Are you paying attention or on your phone? Are you being respectful to us and fellow classmates with a good attitude? Are you listening and understanding our way, or are you comparing everything to ‘how it was done at your last company’? Proper conduct is just as important as being qualified to join the team.

What To Bring

As I wrote above we can’t hire you without your physical CDL and originals of a second form of ID: Social Security card, Birth Certificate, or Passport. If you are an over the road driver (Flex, Regional, Network Fleet) this packing list is essential:

• Toiletries and Bedding – Pillow and Sleeping bag at least. New mattresses are provided.
• Clothing and footwear for all weather conditions
• Some food items, but you will get an opportunity to go shopping as well
• Flashlights and batteries, Clipboard, Extra pens
• Personal GPS – the ELD has trucker navigation too

You will be routed home the weekend after orientation unless you request otherwise, so pack what you need for a few nights on the road especially if you are flying to us and limited on luggage space. If you need a small pay advance please let us know.

What’s Next?

Your first load happens directly out of orientation unless you are doing a ride along. And once that happens you then report to your Driver Manager. But I’m not done with you just yet! Our Onboarding Coordinators will follow up with you the week after class to see how things are going, and you’ll receive a couple follow up surveys in your first month. 

 We hope you find the hiring process easy and transparent and I want to thank you again for trusting your career with West Side Transport.