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-   -   Is my career over already? (https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/new-truck-drivers-get-help-here/36518-my-career-over-already.html)

l2en 12-19-2008 07:17 AM

Is my career over already?
 
So...I started my journey 10/06 graduating a cdl training program. I was hired right out of school by a smallish company doing NE regional work. I worked there until 4/08 when I had to leave for medical reasons. During the time I was there I incurred 2 -5mph over posted speed tickets and two non-preventable accidents.

A month later I took a job as a tri-axle dump truck driver. I was recently layed off due to it being mostly seasonal work. I incurred another accident there as well. Mechanical failure(brake proportioning valve malfunction).

I've applied online at over 80 different companies in the last two weeks since I've been laid off. All have either turned down my application or offered me a 48 state position. No way in hell I'm running OTR with a family.

I'm starting to think I should start applying for yard jockey and forklift jobs at this point =[

dobry4u 12-19-2008 07:23 AM

Dang dude, you are a accident magnet! Insurance companies aren't going to be too keen with those. You could work for Swift as a company driver and NEVER have to worry about getting another speeding ticket.:roll3: But I assume the preventables and tickets are going to prevent you from gaining employment with them.

Good luck with your efforts. I know it must stinks to be unemployed.

Jumbo 12-19-2008 07:37 AM

So basically in just over 2 years you got 2 tickets and have been involved in 3 accidents? I wouldnt say your career is dead but it maybe on life support. You might have to tough it out with a lower tier carrier(if you find one) and keep your nose clean to get a better job. Not an impossible task but daunting none the less. Good luck!

zipy46 12-19-2008 07:44 AM

Yard dogs get home every night...even entertained that thought me self

BigDiesel 12-19-2008 07:55 AM

Carriers now have the option of being picky.... with that record, I would look to other career choices.......

Sealord 12-19-2008 01:16 PM

Career Over
 
I've applied online Maybe you should try to get a driver job the old fashioned way, knock on doors in person. BOL

Uturn2001 12-19-2008 03:56 PM


Originally Posted by BigDiesel (Post 429632)
Carriers now have the option of being picky.... with that record, I would look to other career choices.......

On top of that, with the economy the way it is, even if you find a regional job or took a 48 state job odds are that you may not make enough money to make it worth being out even a week at a time.

cdswans 12-19-2008 09:07 PM


Originally Posted by l2en (Post 429627)
During the time I was there I incurred 2 -5mph over posted speed tickets and two non-preventable accidents . . I incurred another accident there as well.

Sounds like you've got the makings of a fortune 500 CEO. Know anything about building cars? No? Perfect!

GMAN 12-20-2008 01:01 AM

With your record you won't be able to be picky. You state that you aren't willing to run 48 states. If you want to get back into this business you may have little choice. Most insurance companies will allow up to 3 moving violations, depending on the severity. I think the accidents will do more to harm your chances than the speeding tickets. I understand you wanting to be home with the family but it is more important to earn a living for them than be at home. There may be some construction companies that might still be hiring.

Snowman7 12-20-2008 01:44 AM


Originally Posted by BigDiesel (Post 429632)
Carriers now have the option of being picky.... with that record, I would look to other career choices.......

Ouch! Dude, shrink that hideous avatar! Seriously, that's way worse than the lime green leotards!:puke:

Useless 12-20-2008 09:32 AM


Originally Posted by l2en (Post 429627)
So...I started my journey 10/06 graduating a cdl training program. I was hired right out of school by a smallish company doing NE regional work. I worked there until 4/08 when I had to leave for medical reasons. During the time I was there I incurred 2 -5mph over posted speed tickets and two non-preventable accidents.

The two tickets are problematic in that there is the possibility that the LEO downgraded the offenses..... most LEO's would rather wait for bigger fish to come along than bust someone for going 5 MPH over the limit.

The two non-preventables, combined with the two tickets, are serious red flags to any safety dept. or insurer. You did not mentioned the medical conditions that sidelined you..... that could also be a factor holding you back.

A month later I took a job as a tri-axle dump truck driver. I was recently layed off due to it being mostly seasonal work. I incurred another accident there as well. Mechanical failure(brake proportioning valve malfunction).

I've applied online at over 80 different companies in the last two weeks since I've been laid off. All have either turned down my application or offered me a 48 state position. No way in hell I'm running OTR with a family.

Would you rather be gone from home, supporting a family, or home, unable to properly support them?? The OTR life style is a difficult one, but not being able to support your family is even less appealing.

Given the time that you have been in the dump truck, your experience is no longer recent, so that may well mean having to recirculate through a company's training/finishing program; given your record, it would be to your advantage to go theough it anyway; it lasts a few weeks, but it would help you lay a more solid foundation.

Not meaning to rag on you here, 12en, but as G-Man stated, you are really in no position to be pickey; the days when all an applicant needed was a CDL, a pulse, and the ability to pass a drug test, are over now and will be for the forseeable future. Better start thinking about paying your dues, getting back in the cab, and bringing in an income that will support your family.


I'm starting to think I should start applying for yard jockey and forklift jobs at this point =[

12en:

Yard doggin' or forklifting may be decent work if you can find it, but there is no shoratge of experienced applicants, with records that are far better than yours, lined up waiting for those jobs. Down my way here in Texas, experienced yard dogs and forklift operators are a dime a dozen. When lay-off notices are issued, they are often the first to go. The economy up in the NE is far worse than it is down my way.

I'm currently in Oklahoma, I have not been home in over a month, and it 'slooking more and more like I'm going to be stuck out here on Chistmas Day!!.......hoping to make it home for New Year, but even for me, there are no guaranteed right now. No point in complaining to the boss about it, since I am the boss!! (My wife and daughter, as well as her two puppies, are back in Texas, so right now, here in Oklahoma, then By God, what I say goes!!):D

I know how difficult it is being gone for weeks at a time with a family at home. I've been in your shoes, and my time as a driver was somewhat "recreational"..... I wasn't doing it for the money. Still, I paid my dues and I saluted, said "Yes, Sir!! (or, Yes, Ma'am"), and I rolled the freight without complaining.

As the economy worsens, those who have the best chances of surviving will be the ones who "cowboy up", get the job done, get it done properly, and get it done without complaining. "Sealord" hit the nail on the head; get the phone lines burning!!

I'm getting more and more resumes, phone calls, and walk-ins from good, experienced people, looking for any kind of work they can find. As much a I would love to help them, I'm currently fighting to keep from having to lay off my own people, and because we carry no debt, we are in a far better position than many other companies in the real estate and oil/gas industries. If one of the coolie carriers will take you, then I'd suggest that you jump on it as quickly as possible. There is no guarantee that those offers will be there three months from now!!

BOL2U

Orangetxguy 12-20-2008 12:11 PM


Originally Posted by Snowman7 (Post 429729)
Ouch! Dude, shrink that hideous avatar! Seriously, that's way worse than the lime green leotards!:puke:

+1

God lord...couldn't Big D find something better than Rosie O for an avatar???

Hideous...simply hideous!!

vavega 12-20-2008 01:03 PM


Originally Posted by Snowman7 (Post 429729)
Ouch! Dude, shrink that hideous avatar! Seriously, that's way worse than the lime green leotards!:puke:


there's no shrinking that mouth! :eek1: :p :D

Useless 12-20-2008 01:12 PM


Originally Posted by Orangetxguy (Post 429787)
+1

God lord...couldn't Big D find something better than Rosie O for an avatar???

Hideous...simply hideous!!

BigD:

With an Avitar like that, you shoudl have SOME type of caption.

"Danger: Oversized Load"

"The Petro Lunch Buffet.....Look what it did for me!!!"

"I went Head-0n with a KW..... Guess who won??

boneebone 12-20-2008 02:30 PM


Originally Posted by Orangetxguy (Post 429787)
+1

God lord...couldn't Big D find something better than Rosie O for an avatar???

Hideous...simply hideous!!


He's in love with her.

dobry4u 12-20-2008 03:32 PM


Originally Posted by boneebone (Post 429807)
He's in love with her.

Actually I was thinking he was getting in touch with his feminine side :rofl:

BigDiesel 12-20-2008 10:00 PM


Originally Posted by Orangetxguy (Post 429787)
+1

God lord...couldn't Big D find something better than Rosie O for an avatar???

Hideous...simply hideous!!

:lol::lol::lol:

jd112488 12-21-2008 02:45 AM

not too sure that your carear never got started!!!

Windwalker 12-21-2008 05:00 AM


Originally Posted by dobry4u (Post 429813)
Actually I was thinking he was getting in touch with his feminine side :rofl:

I believe I heard, or read, somewhere that she's a "Lezzy". If that 's true, and he's going to immortalize her as an avatar, what does that say about him???
I believe I would have a bit more self-respect than to do that.:D:lol:

b00m 12-21-2008 07:43 AM


Originally Posted by BigDiesel (Post 429827)
:lol::lol::lol:

Big D,

If i may,


I suppose that's your new girlfriend????...and you're so happy with her that u just can't let it go!

Musicman 12-23-2008 05:15 PM


Originally Posted by l2en (Post 429627)
I'm starting to think I should start applying for yard jockey and forklift jobs at this point =[

Those might be better options for you. Look at it this way; trucking is perhaps one of the sue-happiest industries out there. There are entire law firms that do nothing except sue trucking companies. Often, when a truck is involved in an accident, even if the truck driver is not at fault, the trucking company will get sued for millions, and very often have to offer a large settlement or risk losing in court. When drivers with a clean MVR and no tickets are a dime a dozen, would you take the risk of hiring you? No way in hell you’d get in one of my trucks.


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