I think I can, I think I can...

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by virginwidow, Sep 22, 2014.

  1. virginwidow

    virginwidow Bobtail Member

    27
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    Sep 21, 2014
    East TN
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    Hi Folks --

    About 6 months ago I met a rooky driver who'd been disabled and had gone to school under Voc Rehab... I wish I'd known that was possible before I let VR put me through 20 months in trade school, and no hope of a job almost a year afterward...

    So I am Thinking very CAREFULLY about asking for CDL training -- thing is, I WANT TO WORK when I'm done.

    I'm sure I can learn, and eventually become good at trucking. I've looked up the regs, the medicals even (I do have a disability, but it's not disqualifying) and I can get a LICENSE. "License" doesn't mean HIRED, working, productive, meaningful. The last thing I want is another license rotting in my pocket AND NO JOB.

    The good is I've got a totally clean background, and a pretty good MVR only 2 violations in about 20 years, no accidents etc.

    The "challenge" is having been disabled. As in "was" past tense. What disabled me 18 years ago was "cerebral hypoxia" which is resolved... I still have the complex PTSD, adhd etc. but NOTHING on the "Squawk list" My medicines all Dr. Prescibed and he's willing to issue a CYA letter (same Dr. 11 years)

    But there's this big gaping 18 year hole in my "Resume" where I've been busting my butt recovering from this mess. Can't hide that any more than my age.

    I've heard there are some companies more flexible when it comes to (hard working, ethical) recruits with health HISTORY? How do you tell which ones?

    Thanks in Advance

    VW
     
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  3. bigdogpile

    bigdogpile Road Train Member

    1,931
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    May 16, 2010
    fontana ca
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    I suppose you just have to ask each one your considering to drive for...Even a non- disqualifying disability can be a high hurddle to jump,some companies just wont want to "deal" with it..They see you as a liability somewhere down the line..good luck
     
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  4. jsprocket

    jsprocket Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 4, 2013
    Columbus, GA
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    Darn, I was expecting to see a train.
     
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  5. virginwidow

    virginwidow Bobtail Member

    27
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    Sep 21, 2014
    East TN
    0
    The "hurdle" thing, that's what I'm hoping to "scale"... I dont think it's the COMPANY so much as the insurance carrier that will be what tells the tale here. (?) I've looked at several websites of some companies which train recent CDL grads -- and there are differing criteria. Some say "No DUI's ever" some say "None in the past 10 years" some only 5. Same with felonies some say none ever, other companys state "May be considered" ...

    Not sure if this has to do with insurance carrier (per company) or type of freight they haul - or both.

    I know the lady I met this year HAD gone thru Voc-Rehab, had a Psychiatric Dx, seemed to be doing good working for CR England -- never asked did the employer know? How could they not know with Physicals etc?

    I don't know anything about the company, they might be bottom feeders. or not?

    Thanks
    VW
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,036
    142,291
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Put your location on your profile.
    Paschall Truck Lines hires and no physical required if you have a good DOT medical card & CDL. They just do a urine test. They're just Eastern half of USA.
     
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  7. virginwidow

    virginwidow Bobtail Member

    27
    6
    Sep 21, 2014
    East TN
    0
    Thanks for the input Chinatown, I will look at their website. I'm hoping to find a company I can STICK with for at least a year. I'm not adverse to driving team etc, it would seem better miles & safer. For that matter, an outfit that will give me a chance and a fair deal (not "game show prize" just livable) I might just stick with PERIOD. I figure best to learn wether there's a real chance of getting a "seat" before I figure how to make my 18 year old able to care for the house and critters while I'm gone 3 months :)

    Thanks in Advance (again)
    VW
     
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,036
    142,291
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Paschall is a pretty good dry van company. They let you run solo or teams. Eastern half of USA w/lots of Texas freight and down to Laredo, TX. Trucks have APU's.

    There's some cheap CDL schools in East Tennessee.

    I'll contact wd40 & jungledrums about the schools. They're from your area.
     
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  9. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

    1,773
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    Dec 24, 2009
    Cherokee County, Alabama
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    gaping holes aren't a worry in trucking. just get what you need and come on.


    welcome to trucking in advance.you'll work as much,or as little,as you desire.
     
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  10. virginwidow

    virginwidow Bobtail Member

    27
    6
    Sep 21, 2014
    East TN
    0
    Thank you sir. They look like a pretty decent outfit, no frills bells or whistles... I especially liked the absense of game-show promises. There were some company newsletters viewable. They have a drop-yard in my town.

    There's a state CDL school here, TN Tech. Chance is good Voc-Rehab will spring for it. There will have to be "negotiations" They've already put me through aircraft mechanics... So yeah, I've already sweated blood for a very fancy license (& background check) NO JOBS. The big difference now is that I want a good "Reality Check" before I get the training :)

    I'll see if there's someone I can visit with at the school. See what their placement rate is, what they think my chances are. That opinion could easily change the first time they see this old hen attempt to aim a trailer backwards.

    Thanks for the good tip I'll see what they have to say from the school.

    VW
     
  11. virginwidow

    virginwidow Bobtail Member

    27
    6
    Sep 21, 2014
    East TN
    0
    I wanted to ask about the "holes" is there a rule or something that requires 3 or 5 years history?

    With pay stubs and etc.

    In my case, the only pay stubs are (thank you God) a weekend gig mowing an airstrip for the summer... I've done volunteer work since I got outa school (silly me thought get EXPERIENCE even if I cant get paid, yet.) and about 18 years of social security :-(

    So I'm thinkin, I'm gonna get to the "gaping hole" part of the Orientation and just say "Hey, anyone remember Humpty Dumpty, with all the kings horses, and all the kings men.... " ???

    no, I'm NOT blonde nor cute that will not work. Is there a (DOT) rule about employment history, for a certain number of years?

    Thanks again
    VW
     
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