what happens to my cdl if I

[Bengalman]

I got my CDL 2 mohths ago I only worked 1 month for a company( did not work out) my doctor put me on long term disability which I just got aproved I think I have 2 years of pay.(I worked in a paint plant for 17 years the last 2 years I would get sick all the time I missed more work then I was there my doctor said I had to get away from the fumes well I have not been sick since I left there) Question if I stay home with the girls for 2 years will my cdl still be good and will a company hire me and go with a trainer again. I can bring home around 350.a week pluss not pay a sitter 170 a week=520 to stay home and be stay at home dad.What do you guys and girls think. Thanks

[rubberducky]

sure your cdl will still be valid but most companies will say refresher course. There are exceptions. When I was going through orientation at maverick my roommate had only been to cdl school 8 yrs previously but never hired on with anyone and they took him so you never know.

[Tonup]

Two years without driving and you'll have to go to school again (worst case) or at least take a refresher course. The Insurance companies are the ones who dictate that. They won't insure a driver for a company if he or she doesn't have recent (within last 2 years) experience.

I've just run into this, after being off the road for several years. Because I did have 4 years driving back then, I've found a company that will hire me without going back for any schooling, but will have to go with a trainer for a few weeks (which I expected)

If you can provide for the girls by staying at home, then tha would be my choice. Family first. After 2 years, get whatever school you need, get on with a decent company for a year or better, then look for a good local job.

Just my thoughts.

[Tonup]

Hey rubberducky, you still with Maverick? That's who I've been talking to.

[all18wheels]

i graduated from truck school in sept 07 worked for ABF from november 07-january 08 (just didnt work out) i never actually got a chance to drive. i was always on the dock. when i went to go find another job, i was turned down by Watkins shepard and conway truckload (CFI) becuase i was out of school so long and did not drive at ABF.
i will never understand why, but luckily i was able to find a place that didnt care about that. unfortunately, they arent even hiring new drivers anymore. i was the last. lucky me

[rubberducky]

tonup, no I am no longer with Maverick I am driving local now. But if you can get on with them go for it they are a very good company.

[Sheepdancer]

Here is another problem that no one brought up yet....two years home as a stay at home dad is going to be counted as unemployment even with disability. And that would limit your choices greatly.

[dle]

Your CDL is issued by each state, with an expiration date. The companies don't have a say on when your CDL expires. Keep your medical up to date and when it comes time to come back a company will probably require you to have a refresher course.

[Cluggy619]

Well, the 350 per week isn't much of a reason to stay home. And no, just because you don't have to pay the sitter the 170 doesn't mean you can add it to your income.....it's still going to be 350 per week.

The average wage of a truck driver is around $800 per week.

So if you take the $800 - $520 = $280 income not realized.

However, you are in a pretty good position to look for a good job, and not to settle for the first one at a lower wage. And it wouldn't hurt to take alittle time off to be with your family. Around 3 months. After that, I would try to get into a local gig.

Either way, good luck. :wink:

[Bengalman]

That is what im thinking but I have boyd brothers and averitt both running my checks so I am going to have to make a decision.

[bigdaddyjollyrob]

Bengalman, You can wait it out because jobs will start hiring in april or may after the winter and black ice season. This is what I'm being told by the companies. Keep putting in applications locally, look for refrigerated,aggregate and/or 10 wheel dump or straight flatbed. They will start popping up. Just keep active locally and you will find something that will keep you close to home. Best of Luck