[ToolMaker]

Well, after being in the manufacturing industry for the last 11 years, my company closed it's doors at the end of June. I was working as a ToolMaker and making decent money, but I honestly never liked it, it never felt right to me. I guess I fell into that rut of having a decent job that made me miserable, but couldn't (or didn't have the nerve) to leave it due to financial responsibilities.

Driving was something that has always appealed to me...it may be one of the few things that I've always enjoyed doing, whether it be a car, truck, or motorcycle. Since my company actually closed it's doors and moved, I was eligible for paid training through the State of CT....I opted to attend NETTTS in Somers CT.

Fast forward to now.....I've gotten my CDL-A and I am in the process of looking for a job.....now here's the hard part. It seems that every local job I see or apply to requires a minimum of 1 years experience....I have no desire to be gone for long periods of time.....don't get me wrong, being out for 5 days and then being home on weekends would be tolerable, but I would prefer being home every night. Is going OTR the only way I can "pay my dues"? The thought of being OTR with a trainer for several weeks, living in the truck with a stranger is very unappealing. I am relatively young (34), have a clean DMV record, solid employment history, zero criminal/drug history, etc Doesn't that count for anything? Thanks for your time..........jeff

[larryh31]

Getting a local class "b" job driving tow trucks, dump trucks, school buses, etc without experience is pretty easy. Getting a class "a" job driving a tractor trailer without experience is going to very difficult to do. It's possible, but you will be competing for the job against other people with 1 or more years experience OTR.

If you don't mind a little lifting, check with food and beverage companies like coke, miller brewing, etc. They tend to have higher turnover rates than most companies due to all the lifting involved. And therefore may take a chance on a new driver.

[ToolMaker]

Originally Posted by larryh31

Getting a local class "b" job driving tow trucks, dump trucks, school buses, etc without experience is pretty easy. Getting a class "a" job driving a tractor trailer without experience is going to very difficult to do. It's possible, but you will be competing for the job against other people with 1 or more years experience OTR.

If you don't mind a little lifting, check with food and beverage companies like coke, miller brewing, etc. They tend to have higher turnover rates than most companies due to all the lifting involved. And therefore may take a chance on a new driver.

thanks...I sppreciate the advice, I will look into that further. wish me luck

[mike3fan]

TMC has local NE work,and they hire newbies,if you don't mind flat bed work

[ToolMaker]

Originally Posted by mike3fan

TMC has local NE work,and they hire newbies,if you don't mind flat bed work

That does look promising....however, I believe I would still have to spend 6 weeks with a driver trainer, though.

[mike3fan]

pretty small price in the overall scheme of things,six weeks to be able to be home every night or at least every other night,plus be guaranteed over 1k a week.......anyone wanna buy a truck?

[ToolMaker]

Originally Posted by mike3fan

pretty small price in the overall scheme of things,six weeks to be able to be home every night or at least every other night,plus be guaranteed over 1k a week.......anyone wanna buy a truck?

you're right. I didn't mean to sound like that much of a weenie!!

[Deus]

Food service is your best bet without experience. Just keep in mind once you're local you're kinda stuck local. Most of the LTL/foodservice companies say "Required 1/2 yrs. tractor trailer experience", if you look at the OTR companies though they require OTR experience. So OTR can transfer to LTL but not the other way around.

[classicxl]

what kind of truck are you selling

Originally Posted by ToolMaker

I am relatively young (34), have a clean DMV record, solid employment history, zero criminal/drug history, etc Doesn't that count for anything?

It would help greatly if you have proficiency in any language BUT English. An adverse allergic reaction to deodorant, toothpaste, and soap is also considered a plus. You get extra points for a towel around your head and/or deported from your war-ravaged homeland. Recently paroled with a rap sheet a mile long will get the red carpet rolled out for you.

Better yet, tell em' you'll work for three hots and a cot!! That'll get your foot in the door for sure!