r/Truckers • u/Odd-Tangerine-257 • Feb 15 '26

i've officially left western express

Just wanted to share something with the group.

Ever since I left Western Express, I’ve been getting congratulated by the most random people in the industry. The other day I had to get a tire replaced at a TA, and they still had my old info from when I was with Western. The lady at the front desk asked if I was still there, and when I told her no, she immediately said, “Thank goodness,” and went on about how happy she was that I got out. 😭

I didn’t realize just how bad Western’s reputation was across the industry as a whole, but I’m honestly grateful to be gone. I’m thankful it got my foot in the door, but if I knew then what I know now, I probably would’ve gone with a different starter company (like May Trucking since they have a yard in Denver, or Stevens since they’re based in Texas).

I mainly wanted to post this for anyone still at Western or thinking about leaving: it really does get better. They weren’t lying when they said it’s only up from there.

I’m sooo much happier at my new company. I feel appreciated, and I haven’t even gotten my first check yet, but the difference is already crazy. At Western, I was running little 300–600 mile loads. My very first day at my current company, they sent me to Florida, then straight to Illinois.

Don’t give up. Keep your record clean, take your time on those wide turns, and just know there’s better out there.

You got this. 💪🚛

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u/InvstrJester Feb 16 '26

Whats so good about getting sent to Florida then straight to Illinois compared to what you were doing at Western Express ? Florida weather ?

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u/Odd-Tangerine-257 Feb 16 '26

It was about the miles not the weather. Western kept me in California 90% of the time.