Truck Driving Jobs

fyafighter · #1 12-10-2006, 07:29 PM

Hello all

I’ve been reading these forums for sometime now, and have decided that driving full time is what I want to do. So here is my dilemma and question

I have had a Class B license for aprox 10 years (don’t ask me why I didn’t go ahead and get the A then, wish I had). Well I decided to take a look at driving full time so I went to the DMV took the a test passed set up my road test passed.

Well now im looking around a companies but no one will talk to me B/C I didn’t go to school to get my CDL, I don’t mind going to a school if that’s what it takes, it just really scares me to have to Quit the Job I have now to go to school with no guarantee that I will have a job with a decent company.

I was Hoping that someone here has been thru something similar and might be able to offer a suggestion on what companies to talk too that might be willing to help me out

Thanks

larryh31 · #2 12-10-2006, 07:38 PM

When you say that you want to drive full time are you talking about local work or OTR?

If you want to go OTR, there are plenty of companies that are hiring.

Do you have any issues like tickets, accidents, felonies, etc. that may prevent you from being hired?

DesertRat · #3 12-10-2006, 07:43 PM

You will find that virtually every major carrier is going to want you to have experience or have recently graduated from a driving school. It's a pretty standard requirement dictated by the insurance companies I believe.

You might have some luck if you look at an owner operator or small fleet. Often they will take a driver that the big carriers won't. Less technicalities and corporate mumbo jumbo involved when it's just you the driver talking direct to the owner. Often times, the pay is better too (though the benefits tend to be much worse.)

fyafighter · #4 12-10-2006, 07:47 PM

Im sorry for not being more speciffic, I meant OTR or Regional.
I have a clean driving record max positive points on my license and no criminal record at all.
I guess what im worried about is that the companies tell me
"Well without the at least 3-9 months (depends on who im talking to) OTR experience or a recent Driving School Grad We have nothing for you".

Now im not saying that no company has been willing to take me on but they are the three I have read the most Horror Stories on this and other sites about.

larryh31 · #5 12-10-2006, 08:09 PM

Going to school is going to be a must for you in order to get hired by a large company.

Have you applied at some of the better companies including:
CFI, MAVERICK, TMC, ROEHL?

Once you get several "pre-hires" you can then choose the one that fits your needs best when it comes to pay, home-time, etc.

fyafighter · #6 12-10-2006, 08:16 PM

Ive already tried TMC, among about 30 others

and acctually applied to CFI, MAVERICK, ROEHL in the last few days but havent heard anything back yet, Im Gonna keep trying cause i have this set in my mind as what i want to do.

was just hoping that someone might have something i havent tried yet or thought of.

and larry
thanks for the reply's

fyafighter · #7 12-10-2006, 08:19 PM

DesertRat
thanks for the reply

im talking to a couple of local guys now, some seem more intersted then others, but ill see what happens. keep letting then know how interested i am, never know might get some where

glasman2 · #8 12-10-2006, 08:46 PM

I don't drive yet, nor have I gone to school yet.
But in my surfing around looking at driving schools, I've found a few that did weekend classes and some that did night classes. These are not options for me in my case, but something for you to think about.... It will take longer, but it will get done. Also what I've found out ( and correct me if I'm wrong guys/gals ) the school should be at least 160 hours. I prefer longer, the school I'm looking at I think is 270+ hour course.

Bigmon · #9 12-10-2006, 08:59 PM

Those 160-270 courses have a lot of the time studying for the written test. It's not 160-270 driving. You should find out the breakdown.

glasman2 · #10 12-10-2006, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigmon

Those 160-270 courses have a lot of the time studying for the written test. It's not 160-270 driving. You should find out the breakdown.

more research on my part.... Unclear about what your saying..
Been reading most companies want "at least 160 hours" are you saying drive time should be 160?