Calling all trucks...need advice/input from wise drivers!

[tbrown]

Okay, I have tried here and there to get advice on a situation and got great advice from some (thank you Windwalker, and others). At that time, we hadn't realized what the biggest hurdle might be.

My husband has 2 years previous experience - both van and flatbed - but had been off the road from 8/09 until starting back out with GTI in 4/11. He was terminated from GTI due to an accident - preventable.

In regard to his termination, we have counseling letter, termination letter and police report - none mentioned anything more than $3000 in damage. GTI is now stating cost is going up because other party is suiing (everyone walked away, everyone drove away, the ambulance was there and everyone stated they were not hurt). GTI stated an one poiint that he was in excess speeds going down hills but once he got all of the paperwork, that factor was not mentioned anywhere. Whichever the situation, he assumes responsibility for his part. It's confusing in regard to the preventable as most companies appear to allow more than one in the last 3-5 years - perhaps because he was terminated. We are still waiting on his recent DAC.

It appears from the feedback he's getting from companies that it's the lack of recent experience that's hurting him much more than the accident. In the past 3 years he has only 2 months from the period of 6/08-8/08 and 2 months from the recent time with GTI 4/11-6/11. He was not cited for the accident and does not have any tickets within last 3 years. Does anyone believe that attending a refresher course would be helpful? Also, what (hopefully decent) companies may consider him - we're in San Diego... (Melton was a recent suggestion but they don't hire out of San Diego).

Sorry to be so longwinded...

[Fozzy]

Depending on the equipment that GTI was using.. ALL was known to them and they used ALL available to take a look at what kind of risk he was placing on the company. All of of this (limited recent experience, over-speed etc) was probably not the factor that got him terminated and it probably wasn't even the accident. U-turns are forbidden at a LOT of trucking companies and even bobtailing, any mention, sight of or report of a U-turn is an instant "do not pass go" termination. The accident was preventable as determined by a safety committee at the company using the same old industry standard. It is completely possible to be involved in an accident where the other driver is 100% at fault and the accident still be preventable.

Your husband needs to get out the phone book, get some addresses and numbers, CALL the companies in the area and find out what the companies use as their requirements. If they balk only at the experience level and time away, then a refresher is the quickest way for him to get to work. If no one wants to accept him, he may consider just giving the career a rest for a few years and then doing the refresher and start over after the preventable drops off. Now that the CSA2010 standards are out there.. any and all tickets and accidents will go on the driver's record also.

You husband cannot waste any time and frankly, the internet really isn't much help! Try the local P&D companies, they pay the best and they may have openings for at least casual work.

[Bigmon]

A while back Von's would hire anyone that had a CDL for 18 months regardless of exp. They give a road test. It's reefer work.

[GMAN]

Check with your local state employment office. Many list driving jobs with them. He might try filling out some online applications such as on this website. Another thing would be to take a ride to Fontana and check with some of the drivers who are running the area. There are several truck stops in Fontana and Ontario. Truck Town is off of Cherry Avenue and there are a couple of TA's in Ontario. Truck Town used to have a bulletin board where area driving jobs could be posted. It may take some leg work to find what your husband needs to get started again.