[GI_James]

Greetings all...

I'm currently a truck driver in the Military. Have been driving truck for 12 years. I have over the road expierence in many countries, flatbed, box, munitions/haz-mat & some tanker experience.

I'm looking to possibly seperate in 6 months to 1 year due to medical reasons. My plan is to use my knowledge of Military Transportation to become a contractor and transport military cargo. Upon seperation, I will purchase a used tractor/trailor to get me started. I was talking with someone who was thinking of doing the same thing, and he mentioned to start off with driving for a Company (OTR), then go off on your own.

I don't mind spending some time away from my family, but I have spent plenty of time away from my family in far away lands behind the wheel of trucks. Would like to try to spend as much time with family as possible. I'm sure spending time with family every week or so is better than missing them for 9 months to 1 year.

Any advice from prior service drivers or anyone would be well appreciated. I'm working on a resume, hope to have it completed soon.

Thanks,
-Strick

[Sealord]

Most US OTR companies will not recognize your experience because you didn't operate under the same rules. In most cases you'll have to go thru a training (retraining?) regimen to earn a CDL before you'll be employable. They will reconize that you'll be at the top of the heap due to work ethic including working without immediate supervision, ability to pass drug tests, a sense of not exceeding the safety envelope, and mission orientation (get-er-done). I was pestered beyond belief by companies when they found out I had in interest in working as a driver and that was before I'd earned a CDL. BOL

[GI_James]

Originally Posted by Sealord

Most US OTR companies will not recognize your experience because you didn't operate under the same rules. In most cases you'll have to go thru a training (retraining?) regimen to earn a CDL before you'll be employable. They will reconize that you'll be at the top of the heap due to work ethic including working without immediate supervision, ability to pass drug tests, a sense of not exceeding the safety envelope, and mission orientation (get-er-done). I was pestered beyond belief by companies when they found out I had in interest in working as a driver and that was before I'd earned a CDL. BOL

I will have a FL Class-A CDL... if that matters...

[Folsom Flash]

For the most part the military experience is worthless in the private sector and you'll be starting as a new driver for both insurance and pay purposes. I know it's hard to swallow and you feel shafted but it's just the way it is. I'm retired military (AF & CG) and it sucked to be starting over but at you'll look like a hero in truck school and your test drive. :lol:

You'll need to work for a company for about a year to become considered a seasoned driver but for most military or government contracts you'll need at least two years and up to five for some cases.

You do look very good to get hired though as you're a proven performer with a track record of getting the job done under crap conditions. You can look at top tier companies instead of the garbage jobs some folks have to start in with this industry.

[GI_James]

Originally Posted by Folsom Flash

For the most part the military experience is worthless in the private sector and you'll be starting as a new driver for both insurance and pay purposes. I know it's hard to swallow and you feel shafted but it's just the way it is. I'm retired military (AF & CG) and it sucked to be starting over but at you'll look like a hero in truck school and your test drive. :lol:

You'll need to work for a company for about a year to become considered a seasoned driver but for most military or government contracts you'll need at least two years and up to five for some cases.

You do look very good to get hired though as you're a proven performer with a track record of getting the job done under crap conditions. You can look at top tier companies instead of the garbage jobs some folks have to start in with this industry.

wow... you're right, I won't like that... I still consider myself very experienced, not only do I drive Tractor trailer, but wrecker, bus & whatever else is needed.

Thanks for the info...

[yoopr]

KBR :P

[repete]

when I got out the people at the NY DMV pretty much laughed when I showed them my mil-license. But not all is lost!! check out the big guys you do have an edge. I know SNI used to take recent exmilitary and had a scaled down training class for them.
BEST OF LUCK & THANK YOU, WELCOME HOME BROTHER!

[GI_James]

Originally Posted by yoopr

KBR :P

Sorry... I drove with KBR in Iraq... Uhh... NO... will not be driving FOR them... (I provided security for them)...

[yoopr]

Originally Posted by GI_James

Sorry... I drove with KBR in Iraq... Uhh... NO... will not be driving FOR them... (I provided security for them)...

Well maybe you were running shotgun with me then. :P I drove for them in '04

[GI_James]

Originally Posted by yoopr

Well maybe you were running shotgun with me then. :P I drove for them in '04

Yup... I was there Sept '04... from Anaconda...