yeah, heres the course i took so you have an idea...

Northland CDL

 

To Funny.....

 

Hey Timberwolf. If you don't mind me asking, who do you work for? Is it local? Are they looking for more drivers by chance? Feel free to PM me if you don't wanna broadcast all that. Thanks for the info in advance though.

 

I think T-wolf pulls for Florida Rock and Tank, but I could be wrong. Sounds like he went through the FSCJ (FCCJ) driving course at Cecil Field or a similar program. BOL

 

I pull for Florida Rock & Tank,
As far as if they are looking for drivers I could not tell you about the Tampa Terminal, I know in Orlando we are good to go for now. The best thing to do is go to the web site follow the instructions for applying and then continue to call them and let them know you want to drive for them.

I went to school at Mid Florida Tech in Orlando it was a great 8 week program that only cost me $1800 and some change.

Timberwolf

 

Hey Cumminscrazed, welcome to the industry. There is no substitute for hands on experience. Getting the CDL is like being born.... you still have to learn to walk then run. Unfortunately, trucking is one of those career/lifestyle that you have to "pay your dues" in. Forget the local cement job and just take the plunge and get on with a carrier. TMC is a decent choice if that is where you have your mind set. Your could do worse, that's for sure. The bigger opportunities, even local, will probably not come your way until you put in at least 1 year or more out on the road. You have to build up a track record for yourself and it gives you time to learn what part of the industry you want to be in. There is good and bad with any type of trucking (tank, flat, van, refer, etc). Find what works for you.

To get to the level of pulling trains for someone, you will have to really build up your experience. Most of the carriers that pull doubles/triples do not put anyone in front of that setup until they have a few years experience. Tank carriers (with the exception of some local fuel haulers) want several years experience as well.

Good luck in your future. Take your time and learn. The career is what you make it.

 

I called Florida Rock last week. They were hiring in Tampa 3 weeks ago but not atm. I'll keep on them though. Thanks for the info. Now back to the original post topic:

 

I took a 8 week course 10 years ago to get my first CDL. I got out of the OTR business and let my CDL laps. I am planning to go back to driving for a few years and found a school that only does 3 week courses. 10 years is a long time between driving job's but because I already have OTR experience, the 3 week course won't be too much of a issues for me, I only wonder how it is for people that never drove before.

 

I am sure that you will find a carrier who will take you on as long as you have a clean MVR and work history. Most do want previous otr experience, there are some carriers who will take a chance on a new driver. Some may require you to work with a trainer for a few weeks or months, but you need to start somewhere.