Trucking companies in West Texas

[BlooMoose]

I left trucking to go into environmental after bad experience with Werner. I have been out for a while. I got back in in Jan with Heath Trucking (refrigerated) and was terminated for "insubordination" - basically I would continue to drive a truck that leaned because it had previously been rolled (driver had a diabetic seizure and the troopers had to shoot out the tires to get it stopped...or so I was told). It was unsafe. I lost a wheel in Friona and did some minor damage but it didn't go on my record because the cops watched the whole thing and it was written up as equipment failure. I didn't want to drive that specific truck anymore because I didn't feel that it was safe. They said they didn't have any others available. Regardless, I got 7 months exp with them and am now looking for work again. Everyone I call says they want a minimum 1-yr verifiable current.

Does anyone know any companies in this area (Lubbock/Midland/Odessa Texas area) that don't have that requirement? I have a clean driving record, no felonies, can pass a drug test any time because I don't use...apparently that is a miracle in this area...yet I cannot get a job. I don't know what to do. Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.

ETA: I have hazmat and tanker endorsement but no exp in that area.

[GMAN]

It is difficult to find a driving job without current experience. Essentially, you don't have any experience as far as many of the major carriers are concerned. You didn't mention how long you it has been since you last drove, so I assume that it has been at least a year or more.

You might check out some of the oil companies. If you live close to Odessa or Midland there should be some of them who need drivers. You may consider finding a job driving a straight truck. It isn't an 18 wheeler, but it will help to you get started while you continue to look around. There are some companies that have straight trucks and 18 wheelers. Just because you start with a straight truck doesn't necessarily mean that it is a lifetime commitment. There may also be some local or regional delivery jobs. Local soft drink and beer distributors need local delivery drivers. There may also be a need for help on some of the ranches. Ranchers and farmers will often need someone to drive a truck. You just need to use a little imagination. If there are some truck stops near you check the drivers lounge or board. Sometimes carriers or owner operators post job openings. The biggest problem you will find is getting an insurance company to cover you without sufficient experience. If these don't work I would get with some of the major carriers who train drivers and see if you can ride with one of their trainers for a couple of weeks or so until you can get in a truck. Once you get in a truck stick with it for at least a year or two. Once you get a couple of years experience you should be able to go pretty much anywhere you want as long as you keep your MVR clean. Good luck.

[BlooMoose]

Thank you very much. It does seem to be the insurance issue that is getting me. I have been out of the truck since asbout 2000 so it has been a while. I drove out of CA back then. I put in an application at Artic Ice yesterday in Lubbock - we'll see if that pans out. In the meantime, I'll go check some of the truckers lounges. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me those suggestions. Thanks again.

[GMAN]

You are welcome. Let us know how things turn out.

[BlooMoose]

Well, I subbed out to sit a rig (drilling) yesterday, installing a well (I am a geologist). I love that work but I hate the "sitting at a desk" part, I want to be outside! I'll keep you posted.

[Orangetxguy]

Well, I subbed out to sit a rig (drilling) yesterday, installing a well (I am a geologist). I love that work but I hate the "sitting at a desk" part, I want to be outside! I'll keep you posted.

Poor guy. Sniff...Sniff......I feel so bad for you.



:P :P :P

[BlooMoose]

I'm not a guy!

[GMAN]

I just thought of some other places where you might check, BlooMoose. You may want to check with some of the truck dealers. They may at least be able to suggest some companies in the area who have trucks. I know your options are somewhat limited due to the lack of industry in that area. I get some drivers referred to me by the local state employment office. If you are not registered with them, you may want to do so. Most states have computers where you can check state and national listings for companies and job requirements. Without experience you may need to start with a company such as Swift or other carrier who works with new or inexperienced drivers. I would look around while you are driving to see what companies service your area.

[BlooMoose]

I will definitely talk to them. As a matter of fact, I was heading that direction in a bit, anyway!

I had awful luck with Werner (twice) and have shied away from Swift because of it. It's not that I don't want to do my "time", as necessary - I figure that's what I'll have to do in order to get back OTR.

I think I am at a crossroads here...I submitted my resume to an environmental company in Irving and they want to schedule an interview. I would love to go there but I wouldn't have the help with my kids that I do here (my family is great). I don't mind staying in Lubbock - but there is just no good money to be made unless you are in the medical field or in retail. You are right...there's not much industry here. When I talked to the company out of Irving, I requested a salary that would be sufficient to cover daycare/after school care and they didn't seem to suck a lot of air over the figure...and they offer a relocation package. Although I really do not want an office job anymore, taking it WILL support my family. I am not seeing enough offered here running local to do that. I could see ending up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area eventually. At this point in time, my kids are really my first priority. *sigh*