How long away is too long?
 

Howdy to those of you who remember me.

For those who don't, in a nutshell, I hung it up last June after driving for 11 years, and went back to punching a timeclock.

I'm kind of at a turning point in my new life. Some things are better, some things are worse. I'm going up against some ridiculously good candidates for the promotion I want, and these guys are here because they have absolutely no choice.

I'm more or less trying to figure out if I still do. I've been out of the seat for eight months. I'd really like to know the truth on the ground of just how long out of a truck without recent experience is too long in the real world? Especially these days, with this apparent surplus of drivers in what CAD is calling an employer's market.

Basically, I'd like to gamble another six months where I am, but I'm worried that if I don't get back in the driver's seat soon, I'm not going to have that option unless I go all the way back to CDL school for a "refresher" course.

What do y'all think?

I would say no longer than a year out of the seat at this point if a driver has at least 2 years of experience. Before it was 2 years out (ie 1 year of experience in the last 3) but as you mentioned with the change in the job market I would think anything more than a year out and you will start facing additional challenges. I wouldn't wait more than 18 months out though. After that and you may find yourself back to newbie status trying to get back in.

What seems to be playing a bigger factor however, based on postings around the net, is a driver's overall work and safety record.

The only way to know for sure is to contact the company you want to drive for. Major carriers will want less time away from the wheel than the smaller companies. I was away from the wheel over 15 years and went to work at the first company I applied to. Small company, 185 trucks but takes care of the drivers.

Thanks for your take on this, Uturn. I can live with these odds. I'm going to stay where I am and listen to the people who are telling me not to get discouraged, knowing I can probably pull off getting a driving job if things don't pan out after all. I have 11 years, over a million miles, and a laundry list of happy customers, happy dispatchers, and unhappy DOT cops who couldn't get me for anything. :)

I'm not worried about companies wanting to hire me. I'm just worried about paper pushers at the insurance companies.

Thanks!