I have had a class A CDL for about 2.5 years and I owned my own dump truck and backhoe business and drove my 10 speed dump with 37' backhoe trailer consistently. I no longer have the truck or backhoe and am interested in getting a "PART TIME" driving job, from Joplin area to KC or something like that. Will my dumptruck experience count with recruiters or do I need to go to a driving school or even a driving refresher school such as what Crowder College offers.

Thanks

 

The larger carriers will likely not count your experience in a dump truck. A smaller carrier might allow you more leeway. Insurance companies will check to see how long you have had your CDL. As long as you have had your CDL for at least a couple of years that is as far as they will take it. The only experience the larger carriers will consider is over the road experience. If you have not been accustomed to pulling at least a 48' trailer many carriers, regardless of size, may not count your experience. About the only similarity between driving a dump truck and a road tractor is the engine and transmission. Unless you can find a smaller carrier who is willing to give you an opportunity you will probably need to think about going to a CDL school. I would check around. There are a lot of carriers listed in the company listings section on this forum. I would check with several of them and see what they think you should do.

 

GMAN, Kind of what I was expecting, but I didn't know what others thought. I just hate to spend lots of money on a school for something for supplemental income.

 

you might want to check into the availability of part time jobs in that area before you go to the trouble of a refresher course or school. they're few and far between, usually because once a company outlays a significant amount of money for the truck, insurance, and taxes they need to recoup as much as possible. that means miles and time.

check into some of the contract mail carriers. one is MCA that is always hiring for part time or casual work. apply even if there isn't an opening, see if they call you and then explain your situation. think of it as a cheap way of finding out what they think.

hth