To Team or Not (Newbie)

[jeepjeff]

Howdy Kids! I am new to the forum and am in the process of getting my CDL, looking for a driving position and all the goodies that come with it. First off I want to say that my options are limited due to a DWI I recieved back in 04/2005 which was a major life changing event for me - because it caused me too also lose my previous career which was very lucrative. The best thing about it is that on June 21st, 2005 I became sober for the first time in 20+ years and have been completely alcohol free since that day. It also gave me a chance to start my handyman business which I am in the process of closing down due to the economy here in Michigan.

I've always wanted to drive OTR since second seating back in the mid 80's for a trip to CA and back (BTW I'm 49 yrs old). Well, now is the time for me to act and thus my question. I have a company interested in hiring me but the company runs mostly teams. I am not sure about this aspect of OTR so I would appreciate any insight you could give good or bad. I have been doing a lot of research via the net and found this forum so I thought where else to get the scoop then from the people who actually have the experience......

Lastly, the section about "New Drivers" in this forum is great!

Thanks in advance, JeepJeff

[SickRick]

Howdy Kids! I am new to the forum and am in the process of getting my CDL, looking for a driving position and all the goodies that come with it. First off I want to say that my options are limited due to a DWI I recieved back in 04/2005 which was a major life changing event for me - because it caused me too also lose my previous career which was very lucrative. The best thing about it is that on June 21st, 2005 I became sober for the first time in 20+ years and have been completely alcohol free since that day. It also gave me a chance to start my handyman business which I am in the process of closing down due to the economy here in Michigan.

I've always wanted to drive OTR since second seating back in the mid 80's for a trip to CA and back (BTW I'm 49 yrs old). Well, now is the time for me to act and thus my question. I have a company interested in hiring me but the company runs mostly teams. I am not sure about this aspect of OTR so I would appreciate any insight you could give good or bad. I have been doing a lot of research via the net and found this forum so I thought where else to get the scoop then from the people who actually have the experience......

Lastly, the section about "New Drivers" in this forum is great!

Thanks in advance, JeepJeff

Congrats on your recent 4 your anniversary - keep coming back.

Unfortunately - a DWI less than 7 years old is probably going to be a HUGE IMPEDIMENT in getting a hire in todays economy.

Despite what the marketing department(s) of CDL schools is/are telling everyone about the "huge shortage of drivers" - what they're NOT telling everyone about is the HUGE SHORTAGE OF FREIGHT.

And while a lot of companies are going to teams to maximize revenues per truck - they have much more latitude to pick only people with unblemished pasts - meaning those with less than perfect driving records, criminal convictions (including dui's) and similar issues are getting PASSED OVER for hires - while companies can now pick and choose from a crop of "prime candidates".

Unfortunately, I haven't heard of a CDL School that was honest enough to TURN AWAY a paying $tudent - because they had a poor chance of getting a job after graduation - after all, their job is to get you a CDL - NOT A JOB...

IF you have a company interested in hiring you - ESPECIALLY if they know of your past indiscretions - and they run teams, personally I'd jump on it. At least it gets your foot in the door. As long as you maintain a good record with them and get a year or two under your belt - it will tend to "minimize the impact" of your past when you go looking for your next employer/adventure.

Rick

[jeepjeff]

Oh yah, I'm well aware of the restriction (no pun intended) the DWI is on my choice to drive for a living. That is the main reason I have waited this long before applying. I have been working with a local training company, CDI Truck Driving School, specifically a lady there who has been a great source of "real" information. She doesn't even care any more if I get my schooling and trianing there or not. She is the one who set me up with this company which I won't mention until I am more sure of their intent.

Thanks for your words of advice and no matter what happens I'll update you kids as things progress. I find it hard not to get excited because I know how close I'm getting to doing this yet I am experienced enough to know that the shorter the fall the less chance of getting hurt - so I am staying grounded until I see that first direct deposit.

[BHG0069]

IMO if you have a DWI/DUI conviction you have no right to drive professionally, especially with one as recient as yours.

You will have a 1 in a 10,000 chance of being hired. No one wants a former or current alcoholic behind the wheel of a big truck. Sorry for being so blunt, but thats the way it is.

Plus, any company that would hire you will be the lowest of the bottem feeders. You will not be happy working there and will not be making anything close to good money. Also running team is miserable even with a good company. Add in the fact that you will be working for a bottem feeder and running team, its destined for failure.

The CDL school will gladly take your money and guarentee you a job, but you will find out the hard way thats not the case.

Why do you insist on calling the professional drivers here "kids"?

[jeepjeff]

IMO if you have a DWI/DUI conviction you have no right to drive professionally, especially with one as recient as yours.

You will have a 1 in a 10,000 chance of being hired. No one wants a former or current alcoholic behind the wheel of a big truck. Sorry for being so blunt, but thats the way it is.

Plus, any company that would hire you will be the lowest of the bottem feeders. You will not be happy working there and will not be making anything close to good money. Also running team is miserable even with a good company. Add in the fact that you will be working for a bottem feeder and running team, its destined for failure.

The CDL school will gladly take your money and guarentee you a job, but you will find out the hard way thats not the case.

Why do you insist on calling the professional drivers here "kids"?

Wow, what a refreshing point of view and attitude you have there BHG! Personally, I'd much rather have a "former alcoholic" to use your words around me on the road driving than one of the many people who never got caught and still drink and get behind the wheel of their vehicles. No problem about you being blunt since I prefer the straight forward, honest and real approach. I asked for opinions and I thank you for yours.

I'm not looking to get rich here, just make a living on the road. I already own my home, vehicle, tools and everything else I have outright thanks to my sobriety, work ethic and financial management skills. Nothing was given to me so I don't expect to receive anything other than a chance to prove myself as a dedicated, safe and profitable driver for both myself and the company that hires me. Bottom line, if I fail it will not be because I didn't give it my best shot.

I'm following the rules as dictated by the insurance and trucking companies, DOT and other entities to do this so if anybody has an issue with it then I would strongly suggest they take it up with the proper authorities to get the rules changed. Until that time I will continue moving forward with this.

Finally, I thought about using Ladies and Gentlemen to address my original message but didn't want to come across as too formal or spend that much time finding the letters on my keyboard. I'm a three finger typer so kids is a nice shortcut for me (the letters are right next to each other)......

[wimpy]

JeepJeff, well I'll be positive I'll at least try to be, anyways congratulations on your sobriety! I cant say I know what it's like but I can only imagine it isnt easy. Also I just wanna say good luck on whatever and whoever you decide to pursue company wise. Dont let people and their comments frustrate you or make you second think your decisions, your an adult and if trucking is what you think you wanna do or wanna try and do, then go for it. If in the future it isnt for you then oh well at least you can say you tried it and move on to the next thing. Again good luck and do what you think is right for you.

[jeepjeff]

Just an update. The position I was considering fell through. I did put an appeal on the driver for hire forum so we'll see what happens. Thanks again, Jeff

[Bumper]

The only thing I will add is this. Know who the heck your teaming with! Remember that when your in the bunk sleeping he has YOUR life in his hands.

The only other thing breathing in my truck is my Terrier and he dont drive.....

[geargrinder]

I don't know what hose Superior jammed up BHG's rear end, but it is definitely a 3-incher.

I didn't grow up in a Mormon Commune, so pretty much everyone I know did or does drink, and at some point have gotten or should have gotten a DUI. None of them would ever consider getting behind the wheel of their rig if there was any possibility their BAC was above 0.000.

Your first couple years driving are gonna blow. After that the economy will have picked, you will have a couple years of safe driving under your belt. Then you will be able to get a job worth keeping for a couple years.

Good luck and keep plugging away.

[rapatorr]

Unfortunately, I haven't heard of a CDL School that was honest enough to TURN AWAY a paying $tudent -

WTF does the government let stuff like this happen??
A lot of ex con's and people dealing with addiction go to driving schools, through government programs that helps them pay for school, when they(the school and the govt) know that is gonna be damn near impossible for these people to find any kind of driving jobs.
I mean it doesn't make sense, honestly, I went to school, I have a clean record(both criminal and driving) have my CDL with al my endorsements and can't find s***, what makes people with records think they could fare any better??