Is it possible to get a local or regional driving job without going otr?

With the mega carriers I'd say no, as they go to the people who have been
there awhile and have put in the time.

But, it is possible to land a local gig right out of school. You'd have a better shot
at that by staying away from the mega fleets.

 

If you want to be local there is no reason not to apply with any of the local beer, soda, ltl or food service companies,...Most of these type of jobs will require very good customer service skills,....If you can demonstrate that ability many of them will train you,....

 

It's not impossible but keep in mind, you have a long line of very experienced drivers that all want to be home driving locally. Most companies like to have the experienced guys first. Maybe you might have a friend our relative that could hook you up though. I definitely wouldn't spend money on school with the thoughts of landing a local job though. Worst comes to worst put your year or so in over the road. You can really stash away some money while getting some good experience. You will also get to see this wonderful country! Welcome to the forum and good luck to you!

 

There are local jobs that will take new drivers.. Mind you they are not always the best but they get you started.. Places like: Trash hauling (roll on/roll offs), cement trucks, container hauling (if your near a port or rail yard), coke, pepsi, or beer companies, grocery warehouses, hardware store warehouses, mattress co., US Mail contractor's.. ect. Just hit the web and search your area for everything.. You might find someone willing to take you under their wing and teach you driving a dump truck doing asphault or somthing?

I would pound the pavement trying to find somthing.. (I worked for a driver leasing company. There I was assigned jobs all over, everything from running a box truck delivering hospital supplies to driving a tri-axle dump truck doing asphault.. They were temp. jobs but got you a lot of experiance without your resume looking like you job hopped a lot).

 

When I got out of school in the 70's ( yes they had truck driving schools WAY back then too) I couldn't get a job for the life of me. Everywhere it was either have the experience or know someone. I finally landed a job doing of all things hauling cars. I didn't have a clue on what I was doing driving a truck yet alone all of these ramps and chains ETC. In my interview with the TM he told me he only hired guys right out of school. He told me you don't know crap and you'll do what I tell you to do.

So in answer to your question, YES you can get a local or regional job. You have to keep after it and get used to being told no without getting discouraged.

There are probably lots of companies that DO REQUIRE OTR experience. BUT... There are just as many that will look at OTR experience as hindrance to getting the local work done.

Good Luck and be safe.

 

How do you find those types of companies?

 

Im searching for the same thing.i had gotten my CDL through my job as a heavy wheel mechanic for the department of defense.I drove in the Army Reserves for over 10 years,and also a 5k fuel tanker in Iraq.Im hoping it will be enough to get me in with one of the local companies.Sorta tough up here in New England only cause not many companies are located up here.

 

where are you located?
I Live in North East Florida and I was able to get a job with C.C.C. right out of school, the pay is not great, and the hours are long. but I am home every night and every weekend, and I am getting good experience.I already have 3 months under my belt,and soon I will be able to get a better job.
Conway hires with 3 months experience, and I hear they are a good company to work for.
do a search for LTL companies in your are, they usually run day cabs, and you will be able to be home every night.
I am sure there are companies like that in your area.