How long out of truck before you have to start over? - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

CassAnn · **^ Top** #1 05.02.2008

I have seen time and time again where seasoned drivers have been treated like new students because they chose to get out of trucking for a while and then return. I dont think its fair, but I know it happens. My question is this- How long can you go without driving before most carriers class you as an inexperienced driver again? I am currently pregnant and thinking about taking 6 months off and then coming back after the baby is born but I sure do not want to start at the bottom of the ladder again when I am at the top of my game now.

jlkklj777 · **^ Top** #2 05.02.2008

It depends on the company. At the company I work for the rule is 2 years or more out of a big truck and they want a refresher course. I am not sure if this applies to drivers that have been running local for the past 2 years or means not in a truck job at all for the past 2 years.

Refresher courses are not that expensive and if your having a baby then maybe you should forget about driving for a few years so you can take care of the little one. I hope your man is capable of making enough money to support you both while your playing mommy.

By the way congratulations. I Hope the baby brings you much joy and happiness.

panhandlepat · **^ Top** #3 05.02.2008

i've heard anything over 3 months in most co's

Ohnoo · **^ Top** #4 05.03.2008

For OTR 3 years from personal exp. A lot of companies actually want you to go back though a CDL school after three years. In short its the insurances companies that consider you to be back at newbi status.

CassAnn · **^ Top** #5 05.03.2008

Thanks for the replies guys

JLKK- I dont "have to" stop driving, but am considering it. The place I work now I am very lucky- I have a good boss that knows I am expecting and has bent over backwards to accomodate me. Including new tires and air ride trailers for my loads so I dont bounce. I really like my boss! I can run the local board or take longer stuff if I choose. The man of the house works for the same company I do and thankfully is a good provider. I could find something part time out of trucking and we would still be ok financially. I just am hesitant to give up what I have worked so hard to build, while at the same time trying to juggle family needs. And thanks for the congrats! I was diagnosed 14 years ago as infertile and surprise! We are very happy.

basalganglia · **^ Top** #6 05.03.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CassAnn

I have seen time and time again where seasoned drivers have been treated like new students because they chose to get out of trucking for a while and then return. I dont think its fair, but I know it happens. My question is this- How long can you go without driving before most carriers class you as an inexperienced driver again? I am currently pregnant and thinking about taking 6 months off and then coming back after the baby is born but I sure do not want to start at the bottom of the ladder again when I am at the top of my game now.

I've been told by a company recruiter, for (HrtLnd) no names please, that as of the first of this year a driver who has been out of the seat for 3 or more months, must need verification via notorized documentation as to why,where, and what they have been doing during the leave of absence. This notorized document, - must be signed by a friend(no family allowed) along with all of their personal info. name, address, phone# and, delivered to the transportation company one hopes to secure employment with.

CassAnn · **^ Top** #7 05.03.2008

That's not a big deal for me, but its good to know! I assume they want proof you werent incarcerated during that time?

chief · **^ Top** #8 05.07.2008

most ads I see require experience to be within the last 5 years. I imagine if you stayed out of a truck for 5 years and came back, you would realize it's a whole new ball game.

AfterShock · **^ Top** #9 05.07.2008

CassAnn --- why don't you ask the company what their policy is?

Is it a good idea to be bouncin' in a Big truck when you're with child?

CassAnn · **^ Top** #10 05.08.2008

Aftershock-
My OB assured me that what little bouncing we get in todays commercial trucks is not harmful to an unborn child. They are well cushioned in the amniotic fluid and protected. Its one of the first things I asked at my first appointment. He said that nowadays women jog, exercise, lift weights etc and have perfectly healthy babies. The general rule of thumb he gave me was that if its uncomfortable or causes any pain, then dont do it, and dont take up jogging, weight lifting etc if I wasnt doing it before I got pregnant. Good question tho, and one I was concerned with myself.

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