Been out of the truck awhile, want to get back in

[River_Rat]

Hello everyone, I have a question and I hope someone can help me out with some answers. I have a Class A CDL with double/triple and tanker endorsements. I got it back in 2002 and drove in 2002 and 2003 but then walked away and went back to my previous career (no I was not in jail). Now, I want to get back in a truck and I need to know what kind of traing I will need to go thru and if there are any companies that offer refresher courses or what I will need to get back on the road? Any help and info is greatly appreciated.

[Roadhog]

There are plenty of CDL schools that offer a refresher course. Some of the large companies have their own refresher course.
You've been out of the truck for a long time, for some companies to even consider you qualified with a refresher.

If you have some companies in mind you want to work for, call and ask them where you stand with them, and if they offer a refresher course.
The courses are generally a week long, and cost $500-800.

Use the links at the top of the site to get company contact information.

Only other thing I can suggest, is some smaller companies might send you out with a trainer for a few weeks, and give more consideration for your past experience.
Either way, you will be starting over as a rookie.

[Tonup]

There are a few companies out there that will count your experience and not make you take a refresher or go through a school again, but they will make you go out with a trainer. Time length with a trainer will depend on company. Call every company that you might be interested in.

I can't speak for any of the van companies, but in March '08, Maverick took me on, and I'd not driven since Oct '98. Went through their 4 1/2 day orientation (recent exp. drivers did 3 days) and securement training for a for a few days, then went out with a trainer. With Mav, trainer decides when you are ready. I left with my trainer on a Friday afternoon, we were back on Wed. AM, he said I was good to go.

Swift, I know, makes you go with a trainer for 6 weeks, no exceptions.

So there are possibilities, just have to check them out.

Good luck.

[jonp]

Hi River Rat. It might be a good idea to sit down first and beat yourself in the head with a hammer. You'll have as much fun and at least you will be home doing it.

[freebirdrfd]

Hi River Rat. It might be a good idea to sit down first and beat yourself in the head with a hammer. You'll have as much fun and at least you will be home doing it.

Why do people keep coming into a career that already has a waiting list 10 miles long???

[bentstrider]

Why do people keep coming into a career that already has a waiting list 10 miles long???

What career does not?

[Ronin]

What career does not?

Point and match.

[jonp]

Bomb Disposal Specialist?

[jonp]

Hello everyone, I have a question and I hope someone can help me out with some answers. I have a Class A CDL with double/triple and tanker endorsements. I got it back in 2002 and drove in 2002 and 2003 but then walked away and went back to my previous career (no I was not in jail). Now, I want to get back in a truck and I need to know what kind of traing I will need to go thru and if there are any companies that offer refresher courses or what I will need to get back on the road? Any help and info is greatly appreciated.

A new hire that I took out for training last week hadn't driven a semi for 2 years. 7 yrs is probably a little long so I am pretty sure you will have to go out with a trainer for a few weeks no matter the company. I'd look to companies that hire new drivers out of schools as that is essentially what you are, all previous driving granted.

[bentstrider]

Bomb Disposal Specialist?

That's a cool job right there.

[jonp]

Yeah but it can get a little noisy.

[Roadhog]

Checking for duds is okay work.

[Ronin]

Hey John is that round any *BOOM* .... guess it wasn't a dud after all.

[Fredog]

Hey John is that round any *BOOM* .... guess it wasn't a dud after all.

[Orangetxguy]

Dave....that one was just to good!! I had a frickin good laugh!

[redrock03]

That was too funny.