I'm looking to get back in.
I have been thinking about how I could get back into full time professional driving. I started driving hot shots and straight trucks in 1978 at age 21. Before that I operated farming equipment from the age of 13. From 1978 through 1996 I drove regional KS, NE, OK, MO, IA, CO. Pulling tanker (Ag chemicals and fuel), Dry van, pneumatic, Hopper, Hopper/Tanker combination.
In 1996 I returned home from a run and my wife said it was time for me to get off the road. We had 2 small boys, one a baby the other 3 years old at that time. So I quit driving and got a 8 to 5 job doing maintenance. About 4 years ago I started a new job, it was primarily plant maintenance but because of of my past driving experience I had the opportunity to go over the road part time when needed. I have since left that job and returned back to my old employer of 1996. My oldest boy is now out on his own and my youngest will be going off to college next fall. I am still married to my wife of 24 years by the way.
My question is, how do I get back in to driving? From what I have been reading on the internet is that trucking companies want reacent experience. Do all the years of experience I have count for nothing? Do I need to go to a trucking driving school and start from square one? That seems silly. Does anyone have any Ideas to help me? I have always loved driving! I have held my CDL for 34 years. Had one layover in 1986.
Last edited by gordie; 04-15-2013 at 12:45 PM.
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