Well 55 applications down the road I have conceded that I'm not likly to find that local or regional job I've always wanted. I can only hope that come xmas I'll have better luck when my record falls to two points. Because of my need to eat between now and then I've started applying to other occupations.

My question - lets assume that I flip burgers til new year, will I have any weight left with my 6-month old PTDI certificate at that point? I've read here that companies prefer fresh students (if they accept tham at all.) I don't want to hurt my chances, but I want to do [3 months out 1 day home] OTR even less.

 

Well, I am assuiming you graduated from a ptdi school recently and have applied to 50 or so companies.

Your issue is that no one has offered you a job.

-Do you meet the minimum requirements for who you apply?
-Are you a felon?
-Do you actually have a class A cdl or just a cert from school?medical card?
-Are you authorized to work in US?
-Are you under 21?


You may have to comprimise and go work for a top 5 outfit. You don't have to stay out for 3 months either. 2-3 weeks max. Good luck.

 

The only thing working against me (that I am aware of at least) is the four points sitting on my MVR. I'm licensed, XT endorsed with state issued med card. As for traveling cross country - that was fun when I was 18 and single, now I have things and people at home counting on me.

So now the issue becomes whether or not my certificate counts for anything in six months - if not then I'll need to find another career today. If so then I'll try to get something seasonal and not make any enemies.

 

Your personal reasons for wanting to stayhome are very vaild, but might not be help your job hunt.

Besides that, the only issue(I see) is your MVR.

It really depends on what kind of infraction is there. Speeding over 15, menecining behavior, reckless driving/behavior, or even an accident or something that you don't know is on there so you don't write it down, said company sees it and tears up app for lying.

I think there is an under lying issue, if you have a vaild cdl(not currently/recently suspended) and 55 companys have rejected you.

I think you may want to find other work for now, while you dig deep to find why no one will hire you.

 

While it's not impossible to get a local job right out of school, your MVR is obviously a roadblock. With four points you can get on a OTR carrier. It would only be a short term deal. You get valuable experience and keep your skills fresh. Then when those points fall off you will be a better candidate for a local job.

 

Why would you want to flip burgers till you can get a good job. Also something about those good jobs, they still road test you and if you can't show a pretty decent ability to drive a truck.... Your not going to get the job. If driving for a good company is your goal, make sure your a good driver when you get there. Don't care how good of a school you went too, 6 months experience is no different than 2 weeks.

 

Even a job at a bottom of the barrell company like CR England or CRST will pay you more than flipping burgers or working at your local mall. Right now, you need money, expierence and time to let the points drop from your record. If that means driving otr for 6 months or so than so be it. You and your family will be much better off in the long run.

How good at backing and shifting do you think you will be in January if you do not drive a truck between now and then? If you must wait several more months, you should see if your school offers some kind of free or reduced cost refresher training, because you will probally need it.

 

Hi have you applied for a class B job?

I know a guy that has his class A but drives a local box truck with Air brakes. He say he does not what to go OTR because of his family life. BOL


James

 

I see two things working against you in your job search. First are the points on your MVR. That could really have an impact, especially starting out. Second is that you don't have any over the road experience. Most companies prefer to hire those with a minimum of 1-2 years otr. You may want to start making phone calls and talk to recruiters. Be honest with them concerning your MVR. In fact, you may want to get a copy so that you can intelligently discuss it with those with whom you talk. Your chances of finding a local job will be greatly enhanced with some recent otr experience. You may need to be proactive in your job search. There are some recruiters who frequent this forum. You may want to check with Sheepdancer. He is with J.B. Hunt, etc.,

 

I'm wondering if my previous employer has anything to do with it too. Apparently they've told at least two potentials that I never worked for them. Makes me wonder what else they've said.

I was fired from that job (have Dept of Labor papers saying it was a wrongful termination) and I am in a very bitter lawsuit with them. If new employers *have* to contact them it might be the root of all my problems.