I am wondering if my inabilty to get work is due to my poor communication skills

Just go in and put your hand on your hip and say "Wouldn't you hire a Handsome Hunk like me if you had the chance? And then pause and then say "Well I'm available for most any transportation position you may have, I catch on pretty quickly and am in need of some training!" If that don't work! Tell them you need a freakin job and you are right there right now and they need to get going on the hiring paperwork!

 

reading is fundamental

 

I was in to interview with one employer when I overheard his secretary mention a Fast & Furious reference on the phone.

When he asked me why I wanted to work for him, I smiled and said, "My pockets are empty, cuz." Guy lost it and I got the job.

It doesn't hurt to get to know a little about the interviewer.

 

You don't need a resume for a truck driving job. Just fill out the applications. Even if you went to a crummy CDL school, there are companies that will hire you and give your further training. It's no big deal; all you're looking for is a career change. Nothing negative, just a career change. Keep it simple. If no terminal near you, do an online application. You will have a job by Monday morning if you keep it simple.

R.E. West (online or nearest terminal in El Paso)

Millis Transfer (apply online for their school in Burleson,TX - check "Student" on the application)

Western Express(you have a CDL & they will train OJT)
Raider Express (OJT training program in Ft. Worth)

Paschall Truck Lines(you have a CDL & they train OJT. They have a yard around Houston, but will ship you to Murray, KY for orientation and further training)

Fill out these applications and you'll have a job by Monday.

 

I don't know much about how big companies hire drivers, I guess they hire everyone and see who sticks. I have a hot shot car carrier business and I have interviewed hundreds of prospective drivers, with their own trucks or to lease purchase mine. When I post on Craig's List that I'm looking for a driver, I include my phone #, but still get lots of drivers who send me a resume via e mail. I don't read them. if you can't bother to call me, I can't bother to read you resume.

The one thing most drivers looking to work with me never say is what I most want to hear: " I feel proud when I do the job right, and If you hire me, I will do a good job" or something to that effect. I don't care about qualifications as much as I do the desire to do a good job. If someone fills out his log book neatly and legibly, same with BOLs, has a neat appearance and speaks politely and respectfully.
I always ask to look at the car they came in when they meet me. That says volumes. Remember, when you go to work for a small company,you are representing the owner's life work. As a carrier, the only thing I can offer customers is to meet or exceed their expectations. I always look for personnel who express a desire to do the same.

One thing that veteran truckers looking for a new direction should avoid is the "I would be doing you a favor to work for you" attitude. That only gets a "Thanks for calling, have a nice day" , at least from me.

 

Depending upon where you live, there are many companies hiring. Get a class B, and I might be interested.