Getting started blues?

[craig2u2006]

My name is Craig and I will try to keep this brief and to the point. Because I have newbie status I hope I get some leniency on stupid thought processes ( dumb questions ARE better than dumb mistakes ) I completed the CDL license process on April,17, 2009. I am now the proud recipient of a Class-A with all but passenger endorsements and just received my TSA background and fingerprint check for the Hazmat STUFF. Here is the problem I am running into...I have a DUI on my record from February of 2005, actually was arrested back in September of 2004 but thanks to the CA court constipation it has kicked me back to 02/2005. On top of that I have no experience. I am not confused as to the DUI thing "its my own fault" and as everybody has been telling me its the insurance company's. Still some company's will take you on at 3 years no DUI but they want experience. I have been turned down every time and I'm getting scared I will never get to drive. All I'm am looking to do is get experience ANYWHERE and don't even care about the pay. I believe that will come in time with the OTR experience. I have never wanted to do something this bad before "a calling if you will" I will bust my ass and listen until somebody with that knowledge tells me to do otherwise. Oh yeah the other thing I am running into is I live in So. Cal. OK I'll move if that would get me a job. I feel I am a good driver and a safe driver but I need tutelage in a bad way and know the trucking skills don't come overnight. So any help or advise would be greatly appreciated and followed. OK so much for brief, I will shut-up now and do that listening thing.

[GMAN]

Insurance companies primarily look at your last 3 years MVR. It is company policy with DUI. There is much liability for most carriers when they hire anyone with a criminal background, whether it is for a DUI or felony. Each company makes their own rules concerning hiring policy. Some will hire after 5 years. At that point you will likely need to take a refresher. I would check with construction companies and perhaps even look at pulling a dump truck or transfer. You may want to keep knocking on doors. The major problem you will run into today is that there are some companies who are only hiring experienced drivers. The economy has put more better qualified drivers into the hiring pool. Carriers have their pick when it comes to finding good drivers. There is much less liability hiring an experience driver than one who is just starting out. Many insurance companies won't cover a driver who has less than 2 years experience. That prohibits many from hiring new drivers. Check with your state employment office. At one time California had a program to take felons out of prison and put them into trucks.

[Phantom433a]

Nothing against you Craig, but I can't believe these "schools" are still cranking out "graduates" and letting them believe theres hope of finding a good job right now. Gman is right about what most companies look for on the insurance side and with all the companies that closed down, all the experienced drivers avalible. BOL on finding something. Most companies have waiting lists of drivers that are wanting a job, the one I'm with does.

[matcat]

Might want to scope out the LA Port, lot of O/O's and small companies doing containers, might get lucky and find someone willing to employ you with no experience, but you would have to get a TWIC card.

[Snowman7]

Had you asked us first we could have warned you before you spent your money. Jobs aren't out there right now. You'll just have to keep trying. DUI is a big deal but in a better economy you could have got around it. Be aware that if someone does hire you it might be because they pay poorly and treat drivers badly which means they cant hire anyone else. When I say "badly" you cant even imagine. Be careful to protect your record and not magnify your problems. Hopefully this wont be the case and it'll work out for you.

[craig2u2006]

Yes, I am learning a lot about this 3 year and 5 year DUI policy and am realizing it might be another 6 mos and a refresher coarse. The disheartening thing for me as far as the DMV printout reads the DUI is the only thing I have. No moving violations, accidents etc. Thank you for the insight I will keep after it. And Yes, the schools out here are pumping out CDL's and the only saving grace is the DMV is not letting anybody slide by without going through "due process" several guys in the COLA-P, Pre-trip testing phase failed one part then missed again during the skills and /or drive test and had to start over again at the written test and cough up all the testing fees. So at least they are trying to produce safe "New Drivers" oxymoron? The LA port is a great idea and I don't care if I wind up hauling dirt (or rubber dog s^!t out of Hong Kong) I'll take it. Thanks Everybody for the input and I hope to keep this thread open for any others who have suggestions.

[Baldy]

Here is a list of jobs available to California residents. This is from the job search function of CAD. No experiece and a recent DUI is going to be a difficult obstacle to overcome. Good luck. Possibly, and I hate to say it, but, England for 6 months and then find a Company that accepts a recent DUI, if you have 6 months experience.

http://www.classadrivers.com/index.p...ing&StateID=CA

[Snowman7]

Here is a list of jobs available to California residents. This is from the job search function of CAD. No experiece and a recent DUI is going to be a difficult obstacle to overcome. Good luck. Possibly, and I hate to say it, but, England for 6 months and then find a Company that accepts a recent DUI, if you have 6 months experience.

http://www.classadrivers.com/index.p...ing&StateID=CA

Given his situation he should jump on an offer from England.

[craig2u2006]

O.K. hears a quick question? Whats the wrap on C.R. England I of course would take anything a company like that would offer but why do some companys come with hesitation from experienced drivers. I am not trying to get off topic, but understand future pitfalls I might encounter: confused:

[Snowman7]

O.K. hears a quick question? Whats the wrap on C.R. England I of course would take anything a company like that would offer but why do some companys come with hesitation from experienced drivers. I am not trying to get off topic, but understand future pitfalls I might encounter: confused:

They're just a bottom feeder amongst name recognizable Mega carriers. But at least they're not a no name outlaw company with questionable equipment and unscrupulous owners. You could do worse then England in your situation. Its a job.

[craig2u2006]

That, I understand. Should I receive any offers I will be posting the company name for feed back as not to further jeopardize my chances of making this a intelligent career move, Thanks again!

[Baldy]

The important thing to remember with England is that you have to look at it as a stepping stone. Something that you need to use to obtain experience and a track record. To establish yourself in order to take the next step. DO NOT, EVER, CONSIDER THEIR LEASE PROGRAM. Just obtain a company driver position and do your time and get out after you have another job offer.

Oh yeah, did I mention that you should, NEVER CONSIDER LEASING ONE OF THEIR TRUCKS? NEVER DO THE LEASE OPTION. It really does bear repeating. There is plenty of information available. Use the search function on CAD.

Basically the Lease allows you to pay for all of the expenses of the truck as if you were an O/O. Towards the end of the lease, they starve you out for loads and you can't afford to pay for the truck and they reposses it from you leaving you owning nothing. Then they find another sap to pay for the truck and the whole process repeats itself.

[Baldy]

I just looked over that list and Prime is also worth considering. 3 year DUI and no experience required for a driving school graduate.

The same advice regarding England applies for Prime. Never do the lease deal. If you ever do lease to a carrier, don't obtain the truck from the carrier.

[Orangetxguy]

I sure see a lot of "Proud" bill payers driving those new Cascadia's that say "Leased to" on the doors, for Prime and CREngland, these days.

Hey...at least they have apu's on them, and a working microwave.

[Syncrosonix]

they have microwaves?! chit, i NEED to give them a call!

[GMAN]

My suggestion would be to find something with most anyone who would give you an opportunity to drive until you gain some experience and the DUI fades further into your background. Whether it appears on your MVR or not won't prevent any carrier from finding it. Although the insurance company checks the last 3 years many carriers will routinely do a criminal background check. You can work for some of these carriers who offer a lease purchase program but I would caution you about participating in one of them. You need experience but also need to earn a decent living. You don't want to get into one of these where you are basically working for nothing.

[craig2u2006]

I hadn't really explored the O/O or lease program some company's offer due to the fact I know I am not ready to drive unsupervised or without a trainer. I am confident in my ability's as a new driver but far from the realities of being OTR especially in unfamiliar territory. I applied with Prime approx. 6 weeks ago just prior to completing the school and after doing a background check and calling my previous employers both of which appeared not to be an issue the recruiter said Prime is not hiring any drivers from the southern California area. Should I follow up or re-apply?
The funny thing is, the recruiter didn't seem real clear about any of the process even going as far as telling me call back on two occasions then not remembering who I was or why I was calling in less than a 24hr time period.

[boneebone]

I sure see a lot of "Proud" bill payers driving those new Cascadia's that say "Leased to" on the doors, for Prime and CREngland, these days.

Hey...at least they have apu's on them, and a working microwave.

Hey...at least they have apu's on them, and a working microwave

They should cause they will never afford to go home.

[GMAN]

I hadn't really explored the O/O or lease program some company's offer due to the fact I know I am not ready to drive unsupervised or without a trainer. I am confident in my ability's as a new driver but far from the realities of being OTR especially in unfamiliar territory. I applied with Prime approx. 6 weeks ago just prior to completing the school and after doing a background check and calling my previous employers both of which appeared not to be an issue the recruiter said Prime is not hiring any drivers from the southern California area. Should I follow up or re-apply?
The funny thing is, the recruiter didn't seem real clear about any of the process even going as far as telling me call back on two occasions then not remembering who I was or why I was calling in less than a 24hr time period.

If you live in Southern California and the company isn't hiring in Southern California then I would not waste my time. Instead go to the next company who is hiring in your area. I am not surprised the recruiter didn't remember you. They get hundreds of calls. It is difficult to remember any of them.