Newbie Needing The Straight & Narrow

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MackDaddyMark, Oct 22, 2010.

  1. MackDaddyMark

    MackDaddyMark Medium Load Member

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    Jun 14, 2010
    Elizabeth, New Jersey
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    Morning, Guys


    I've mainly been lurking on this website for a few months now, the vast amount of information available from here by just reading past threads is very very impressive. Thanks to all of the "Older Hands" for passing down this information. Now on to me, I'm 23 currently employed by a major airline as a Flight Attendant going on my 4th year with this position.

    My dream is one day to become an Airline Pilot I have my private but my current job doesn't allow the flexibility nor the pay in order for me to finish my training. I came up with a 4-5 year plan which consisted of me leaving my job becoming a trucker putting my stuff in storage and working as hard as I could saving my money earned to be able to pay for pilot school. I currently have my CDL. I was lucky enough to have a good friend who owns 3 trucks leased on to an LTL outfit here in NJ that let me beat the living hell outta his older Pete 378 for about 2 months while I learned. I saved alot of money by not paying for a school thanks to him!

    My problem is that when I was younger I was an idiot when it came to being responsible behind the wheel. I have 1 speeding ticket for 15 Over, 2 charges of Driving while unlicensed, 1 Red light Ticket (Camera), and 2 Charges of not having proper documents (Insurance Card was Expired brought current 1 to court) The oldest charge is the Driving while unlicensed and thats roughly 3 years ago. The speeding ticket I paid online and never went to court for adding 2 points to my license. Are there any companies that would hire a person in my position? -Or- Am I better off waiting another year or so while keeping my nose clean and then try again to get on with a carrier? Any suggestions Guys?



    Again Im not making excuses for my past. I commented the offense and I know it will follow Me. I've learned and Im a much more mature young man now.

    Forgot to mention no Criminal History what so ever. I also have my Haz-Mat endorsment as well as Tankers n DBL/Trp
    I figure if I can pass the 10year FAA Background to be a Flight Crewmember I'll be ok with the background check for a Trucker.
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2010
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  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Any driving record with points will be a hindurance. But not impossible. You have to remember, there are tons of applicants with perfect records.
     
  4. celticwolf

    celticwolf Road Train Member

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    Oct 10, 2010
    Kittrell, NC
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    The new CSA 2010 rules require 3 years. They will show up especially if you got all that with a CDL.

    My DL was checked back 3 years even though I don't have a CDL yet.. keyword YET.
     
  5. MackDaddyMark

    MackDaddyMark Medium Load Member

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    Jun 14, 2010
    Elizabeth, New Jersey
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    Understood I received my CDL just recently back in Sept all the offenses were done with a regular class D license.
     
  6. celticwolf

    celticwolf Road Train Member

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    Oct 10, 2010
    Kittrell, NC
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    All I know if my license (Class D) was checked back three years. Insurance company requirement I reckon.
     
  7. Rocky64

    Rocky64 Medium Load Member

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    Oct 3, 2010
    Greater Chattanooga
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    If you dont mind driving for a "not so good" company, I think you can get hired with that record. I'll bet CRST, CR England and Covenant Transport will both hire you to drive. They may require some of their in house training, but, you'll be in a truck, and the rest will be up to you.

    If you dont do well hearing "NO" then dont apply, just inquire here. But, if you,ve got thick "trucker" skin, go to their website and click "apply". You will get phone calls in about 2 days. On the phone, they will ask about criminal history, driving record and stuff. Be upfront. I bet you'll be suprised at the outcome.
     
  8. MackDaddyMark

    MackDaddyMark Medium Load Member

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    Jun 14, 2010
    Elizabeth, New Jersey
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    Rocky..thanks I dont mind paying my dues # a ###### company untill I get hired somewhere decent. Would rather not drive Teams so no CRST. Thanks for all of the advice guys!
     
  9. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    You can probably make the same if not more as a flight attendant. Unless you just want to be a trucker. Freight is getting ready to be real strong, but come January it stops. Plus, what if you decide you love trucking? That would ruin your dreams of being a pilot!:Journey: Another thing to consider is that because you did not go to school most of the major carriers are not going to hire you. It's an insurance thing! You may have to aim at the smaller mom and pop companies, especially with the points you have. Is there an option to drive for your friend who let you borrow the truck? Good luck to you!
     
  10. MackDaddyMark

    MackDaddyMark Medium Load Member

    311
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    Jun 14, 2010
    Elizabeth, New Jersey
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    The money as FA sucks...My airline is going through a merger and hours are way way way down. I'm barely surviving paying all my bills. Thats the reason I decided to give trucking a try. I figured Not going to school would hurt but I didnt have $3,000+ for a school nor did I want to take out an loan for one. Im going to keep trying with the mom n pop companies and see what happens. The Company my friend is leased on to they're losing accounts left n right due to a new term manager, therefore he is busy trying to find another place to go with his truck. I'm trying to talk him into getting his own authority and pulling off of different load boards but he's set in his ways and doesnt want to try anything new in this economy, Which I dont blame him for. Perhaps if I could get hired on with a smaller company that may be better for me! Thanks for your advice Chompi
     
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