Hello,i am new to this site but have been lurking for a while now.I have learned alot reading daily on these boards but have one question.I am very interested in obtaining a cdl from a local training school that i would pay for myself,but my job history isnt very good.I have been in plumbing for about 9 total years since 1997.Problem is i have many plumbing jobs and some other jobs in there also and the longest held was from 97-00.With plumbing there are always layoffs or slow periods which force me to leave the company to continue to support my family.This has happened enough and want to go for the cdl and do either some local or get my 1-2 years OTR then go for tanker work-gas is what i would like.Now with a family i like roehl and the 7-7 etc program but with my history would they even consider me or would i have to go local out of school(if possible) or go with a less desirable company?Thank you for any replies,troy.

 

never hurts to try, my history is not that great either but am doing good now. the worst they can tell you is now...like we haven't heard that in the bar before?

 

Staying employed and jumping around is a lot better than gaps with unemploment. Also, having a reference from each jo (ie: not being fired a alot) helps.

Once you begin trucking, try to keep the switches down from carrier to carrier. Its ok to switch, but every few months over and over again will look bad on you.

I think you'll be fine :wink:

 

It doesn't make much sense to me that anyone working in plumbing has a problem with layoffs. Around here, I don't recall hearing about a plumber being laid off. In any case, having more than 2 or 3 jobs over a 2 year period will limit you on some of the driving jobs you may be able to get. You may have to settle for something less than you really want. With some companies it may not make as much difference with the layoffs taking place before entering the business. In talking with other carriers, the better ones want to see more stability. There are some who will hire you as long as you are breathing and have a decent MVR. As BanditsCousin stated, it is better to have had several jobs and been employed rather than not being employed or having gaps in employment. If you are concerned about it, I suggest talking to some companies you are interested or address your question to some of the recruiters who frequent this board.

 

Just make sure that you can cover all your time for the last ten years. Get all your information together, fill out a application on CAD and see who responds then do your research on those companies and pick the one that meets your needs the best...Do not fall into the trap of just looking at cpm's, get the whole picture on benefits, and home time. all the money in the world will not make you happy if you cannot get home to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

Thank you for all the responses.Yeah it gets slow around here and then if a company cant afford to keep me i get let go.The last job i had i was on commission and would maybe get 1-2 calls per week since november so i had no choice but to leave that place and currently am still looking for work.So yeah i do have employment gaps but hopefully wont be much of a problem.The biggest problem i may have is how accurate do i have to be for the 10 year history?I had several gaps and cannot remember exact dates of them.I do remember all my jobs but not exact start dates either.I guess i can always call them all up to get exact dates but for unemployment that wont be easy.