[steverb1]

I passed my road test 1 month ago and so far all the reputable companies will only hire experienced drivers. I had one offer from a company that said I would have to go out accompanied with another driver on a 6 to 7 day run unpaid. If he said I could drive good enough then I would be hired but if not I would have just wasted 1 week for nothing.

I thought that I would hold out for a decent company but now I'm starting to wonder if waiting would be a mistake given the time between passing the road test and getting behind the wheel again. Any suggestions?

[yoopr]

Check out Yanke or Bison-Both of them a little east of you though-Not sure if they have terminals in B.C
Yanke driver Chris("Yanke Driver") works for them and likes them.

[steverb1]

THanks Yoopr, but Yanke only hires drivers with 2 years experience and Bison's closest terminal is in Calgary and I would prefer to stay in Vancouver area. There doesn't seem to be many if at all any companies here that have driver trainers available for new drivers. I will try one more on Monday and if I don't get any other leads I will have to go with the only offer I've had and hope for the best. Not what I had hoped for and without a mentor I won't be looking forward to next winter.

[yoopr]

I'm not doubting you about experience required for Yanke but I don't think Yanke driver on here had 2 yrs experience when he got on with them.
I hope he shows up on the board so he can let you know for sure.

[wot i life]

Canadian haulage companies must have a huge problem with a driver shortage; they,re advertising over here in Scotland at the moment. Should find a job no problem :wink:

Here in Canada unemployment is high. The companies advertise for new drivers because they pay and benefits are terrible. Most new drivers quit in the first year.

There to many cdl holders, it would be nice if the government would cut out subsidizing the cdl schools and let see a real demand for drivers.

[Shebear]

I know what you've come up against. It's too bad that your school (and many others) doesn't give the students a TRUE PICTURE of job prospects. You would have been better off getting a heavy equipment operator license, for realistic employment opportunities where you live.

Now Alberta has a lot of trucking companies, particularly in the oil patch. To pay your dues, you'll easily get a job way north. They hire new CDLs, no question. It would be worth it to you, if you can room with 4 other drivers, since the rents up there are atrocious. Save your money, then sign on with a cross-Canada company when you've got your year's experience under your belt.

There are a few companies in New Brunswick that hire new drivers. Also in Ontario, Challenger Motor Freight seems like a good employer.

But if you want to stay in the Vancouver area, it will be tough.

Best of luck to you.

[jjcasper]

Hi Shebear, Could you or anybody give me a couple of companies in New Bruswick? I would be interested in relocating there in the future.

Thanks in-advance

[steverb1]

Thanks Shebear but there are lots of local jobs advertised. The problem is they say their insurance companies won't allow them to hire new drivers. One said the last recruiter hired new drivers and the damage they caused to eqipment and or property took away all of the profit delivering the load.

I applied to Schneider but they sent a nice letter saying that I don't qualify. I think it was either my work history ( been in Asia the last 13 years ) or my age ( 53 ). Anyway I have an interview with Butterworth's Transport tomorrow. They have already told me they need drivers for local container or long haul flatdeck and they know I recently got my class 1.

I wonder what kind of reception other older graduates receive.

I sent an application to Challenger. They acknowledged my application and said they will call me after it's processed.

I'm not too keen on going up to the oil fields to find work. 40 degrees below zero is not my kind of weather. :shock:

[eastern ontario]

i met with Schneider (Cdn div) 2wks ago, they seem to be then........
BOL