I was in the Marine Corps for 20 years. Retired in 1996. Went to work as a vet tech for a couple years after that. I quit that job in 1998 because I did not want to work there anymore. Since then I have been working on our 62 acre farm. Am I going to have a problem getting a job with that big of a gap in employment history? At least I am consistent. I gave 20 years to the Corps and 10 + years to the farm.

 

I was and still am self employeed and all I had to do was show 1099,s for past three years and had to get a notorized form from a person that knew me for any period that I could not show a 1099 for. . I got a job with Maverick but decided I wanted to do something else.

 

You are going to need some of your friends, neighbors, pastors, etc. to write letters stating that you where working on the farm for that time period. Also try to dig up any records that you may have from that time period like tax returns, school records, etc.. The companies just want to make sure that you wasn’t in jail, strung out on dope or something for 10 years.

 

As long as you can document your time, there should not be a problem. Carriers are required to check the last 3 years employment and gather information for the last 10 years. I recently interviewed an individual who applied for a driving position that I have available and he told me that he had several years experience. I could only confirm 2 1/2 months. I told him that if he could produce log books or w-2's, etc., to document his time that I would hire him. However, I won't hire someone with only 2 1/2 months experience. That has been about 2 weeks ago. I am still waiting. It is unfortunate, because he seemed like a nice fellow. Carriers want to know what you have been doing with your time. Just make sure that you are truthful with whomever you apply. It really doesn't matter what you have been doing as long as you can document your time. If you don't have 1099's, perhaps you have copies of tax returns. If someone has been doing your taxes then they could write a notarized letter accounting for your time. Some carriers may require more than one person to document your time.

 

Thank you all, for your help. Having these forums to get answers to so many questions is great. What a mess we newbies would be in without all your help.

Hey, GMAN, I see you are from Tennessee. That is my state. Does your company hire rookies? Are you allowed to tell me who your company is?

 

Verifying your work history is going to be mostly formality, since you have no prior driving related experience. This area is not going to trip you up at all, as you will be a new hire with no experience, anyway. Your history does speak very highly of you, and will set you apart.

You will be in a beginning position, after graduation, and be placed with a trainer, and need to prove yourself. You will be a lot less of a risk, any employer will clearly see. Don't sell yourself short. Pick the BEST company that you feel is right for you.

God Bless, and thank you for your service to this Country.

 

Unfortunately, my insurance company requires at least 2 years experience. They usually go by how long you have had your CDL. There have been a couple of drivers whom I have interviewed in the last year or two that I would liked to have hired, but the insurance people would not approve them due to lack of experience. If I changed insurance companies I might be able to take on less experienced drivers, but my premiums would escalate dramatically. I have such good rates, relatively speaking, that I would hate to give that up. I am sure there are some inexperienced drivers who would be careful, but most will need to go with larger carriers due to the insurance underwriters. Some of the larger carriers self insure so lack of experience isn't as much of an issue. I am not sure it would be appropriate for me to put my company name on the forum at this point. What part of Tennessee do you live?

 

I am from Dover, up by the Land Between the Lakes.

I am interested in several companies. Deboer, Averitt, Roehl, CFI, Transport America. Where ever I go I will start at the bottom. That is OK. I would like to get with a company where I won't have too many problems getting home when I do get time off. Dover is a pretty small town, about 30 miles from Clarksville.

 

There are a lot of carriers based in Tennessee. Averitt is a good company, as far as I know. They are a bit rigid in their rules. I think Millis also has a decent training program. I am sure you will find a good fit with one of those carriers.

 

Hey marine trucker, I'm just across the river from you in Benton County.
Milan Exp has a terminal in Paris. I don't know if they hire rookies. Good luck.