Am I screwed?
 

Ok here it is. I went through a driving school with a "mega" company back in the spring of 07.

Shortly after finishing training I got into some personall trouble (nothing professional) and was unable to go to work. I kept my DM informed all the time. I eventually got fired and since then I now have a bad mark on my DAC.

Since all of this has happened the only work I can find is a local gig and it sucks.

I have a years experience but it is not OTR and no one wants to even talk to me.

Any ideas on how I can gat back on the road.

BTW. My MVR is spotlessM

First off, i dont claim to be an expert......but i did stay at a holiday inn express last night.

seriously, the first question i have is were you actually given a driver code?? just going thru schooling dont get you 'hired', i dont think. some companies might, but not sure in your situation. Unless you were actually 'hired', and given a driver code, they should not have an excuse to put anything on your DAC.

correct me if i am wrong, someone.....

and it all depends on what kind of 'personal trouble' you were in. If it were a bar fight, and you were charged with attempted murder......yeah, i wouldnt hire you either. LOL

Yes I was given a driver code.

And as far as the personall trouble, I'm kinda embarrased to say to tell you the truth. It was a misdemeanor but because of having to go to court and all I was not avaiulable to drive.

well no need to air anyone's dirty laundry....we all have loads of dirty clothes that needs washed.

Seeing how you were given a driver code, etc. i'd hate to say, but the DAC info will probably stick.

You have a year experience driving local. Many OTR companies do not count that. To them, you have zero experience. I know, it sucks. Even if they over look the DAC, they still see you as having no experience. With so many drivers fighting for jobs right now, they are going to take the guy with one year OTR over your one year local.

Try some local compaines in your area(if there are anymore). To them, you have one year experience.

I know that local time doesn't count as far as experience goes (for OTR jobs). But there HAS to be some way that I can get back on the road.

Just keep applying at companies. You may get lucky and catch a break. Try some small companies in your area that do OTR, small fleets leased to big carriers, private carriers, etc.

As the others have said there are hundreds of VERY experienced drivers out there looking for jobs and the companies are loving it. Keep watching the ads in your area and keep applying, but it is not likely that you will find something until the economy picks up. Also if you can hang with your current job I would do it because they are forecasting the freight to get much worse in the next few months and being at the bottom of the seniority pile is not a place to be when job cuts start happening.

go local, they dont even deal with that dac crap plus u can make real money

You know, you might try JB Hunt.

They only require 3 months of tractor/trailer when I got hired.

I will advise you that you should be careful of what you ask for... You might just get it.

Good luck. ;)