Considering a CDL, need advice.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by figurehead00, Sep 16, 2014.

  1. figurehead00

    figurehead00 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 16, 2014
    Springfield, Mo
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    Hi everyone. I've recently found myself needing a job, but I'm tired of not having a marketable skill set, and I've been thinking a CDL might be the answer. To be honest, I'm not sure where to start. Ultimately, I don't know that OTR is what I want to do long term, and would like to eventually like to get a regional job so that I would be home more often. That being said, am I right to assume I would need to do at least 1-2 years of OTR to be considered for that kind of work? Also, how would you suggest I start? I live near Springfield, Mo, so Prime's headquarters are right in town. Would that be the place to go?

    Also, while paying those initial OTR dues, after all the training I would much rather drive solo than with someone else, even if it's less money, is that viable?

    Absolutely any other advice you could offer someone like me would be so appreciated. Thank you!
     
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  3. Puppage

    Puppage Road Train Member

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    You'll be hearing from the pros here very shortly. In the meantime, put your location in your profile. It's important and they will ask you that almost immediately.
     
  4. figurehead00

    figurehead00 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 16, 2014
    Springfield, Mo
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    Thanks for the heads up!
     
  5. Midwesttrucker

    Midwesttrucker Light Load Member

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    Im going to assume you have a good driving records so here is my advice. With the driver market so short staffed you very well may not have to do the OTR gig for that year or two you mentioned. Most of the LTL carriers like OD, SAIA, YRC,Conway, ABF, and UPS Freight are in desperate need for drivers. Many of them will train you after you finish driving school. A few short years ago you needed a lot of experience just to get an interview. In todays labor market its all about a clean CDL so you can avoid the Primes and Swifts of the world. Also in LTL you won't be driving with someone else unless you decide to run teams.
     
  6. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    first 6-8 weeks you will be with a trainer.(insist on it an 80k rig is not a good thing to play with) you can make ok money long as you keep up with time mgmt. you can do solo.
     
  7. figurehead00

    figurehead00 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 16, 2014
    Springfield, Mo
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    Thanks for the reply! Yep, driving record is good. I got one speeding ticket when I was 16 (31 now) and that was it. It was removed after traffic probation so my record should be perfect. I'll take a look at the companies you mentioned. Would you say an independent school would be better than sponsored training with a company?
     
  8. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    Get your CDL at a local community college program. It's affordable, and you won't be locked in to a year of slave wages in order to repay the company that trained you through their program.

    And don't buy in to the mentality that you MUST serve 1-2 years OTR before you can find a local / regional job. Your options will be more limited, but the opportunities are there for those who are willing to put in the time to find them.
     
  9. figurehead00

    figurehead00 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 16, 2014
    Springfield, Mo
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    This is all great information and it's really helpful. Thank you!
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Another good choice, considering what you're interested in, is Old Dominion. They hire from certain CDL schools. Home often & big paychecks. Similar type trucking as those companies mentioned by Midwesttrucker. Start a list of this type companies and do some research. They all hire new CDL grads even if the websites say "experience required."
     
  11. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    What was not mentioned about the LTL carriers is that you will likely spend more time on the dock than driving when you start out. And it will probably be 3rd shift. And the docks aren't climate controlled. So you'll freeze in winter, and roast in the summer. You'll also likely start out part-time until you gain some seniority. No regular schedule. And if it's a union outfit, they may cut you loose just before you're eligible to join the union. Things to keep in mind.
     
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