Do It.

Hey Man,

Glad you got the chance to come out.

At least you can say you made it, and on your own terms at that.

Wish you the best in your new job. Hope it's everything you've been looking for.

If you do ever get the itch, you could always do a ride along.........but, then again......would't be the same.

PEACE Brotha!
:smt023

 

It's great it's worked for you but not all are the same. I advise everyone before or during school to sit down and make a list of what you what. Do you like flatbeds or cargo, or would you like to try tankers? I do not think it's wise to go into a career blind not knowing where you'll end up. The school trucking industry is set up to direct you to the mega carriers for a reason. At most of those companies you're just a seat filler and can be replace at the drop of a dime.

I believe you've learned too much to be herded into the masses of drivers all waiting to finish their time with the low company and move on. Why not look for a career from the start? I know if I was to start all over again I would want to know I did all there was in looking for a company. If you just go along with what those recruiters tell at the schools you'll be in that bunch because recruiters work for the companies and not you.

When you get close to the end of your school start applying at the companies you like. Now here's where the big disagreement starts. Some will say filling an on-line application is the only way. I disagree. even if you go into the company and they tell you this. You'll still have a moment of time so they can match your face with the application. I believe I would break it down in three phases. First I'd have all my paperwork including recommendations (if you can get one) and go out and talk face to face with the companies. Go to all of them you like. Go to all even the ones that want experience. I'll explain why in a minute that I believe this is the best way. Second, you go home and use the phone and third you apply on-line.

There's few reasons I believe you should go in person first. The best is they get to know you and it's your chance to stand above the stack of on-line applications. Put yourself in their place when reviewing applications for a job. They have no idea what that person is like unless there's a bad mark on the record. That's more the reason to go in person. You can get to the companies that do not advertise. Some don't because they are small and others have no need to since drivers are on a waiting list. You also do not know when they need a driver. They may have a driver that just quit and they are tried and will give you a shot out of convenience. I've seen this before more than once. You get a chance to check out their operations too. Maybe you can talk with a few drivers just to find out what type of company you're at. Ask them do they have drivers that retire. A person to person interview is you chance to persuade them how much you want the job. Just don't go overboard and ask a million questions. Dress neat and clean and believe me you'll have a better chance of getting what you want than to go to the companies that force you to go there.

The more work you put into the job application process the better off you'll be. You'll get a chance to see all different types of trucking. But when it comes down to the choice for a job it will be yours because you took the time to research and have a better look than just a computer web sites. It will also allow you to get your wife (if you have one)involved because our way of life effects her more than new drivers think. Good luck.

 

Hi Gas Hauler, excellent advice. I've done the same thing, went in, in person, and DID get jobs when the company didn't even advertise. I know one company that stopped advertising, and are going on a "word of mouth" system, because they just got tired of people coming in that couldn't tie their own shoes. Great advice.

 

Not many feel the way you do about this profession,glad you enjoyed it.How long did you drive before you got that other job?

 

Love the Old school truck

 

You still have your CDL if you choose to come back.

 

I will advise. Never, EVER, give up that CDL. You earned it, and is valuable for life if you keep it clean. With it, even if after 10-20 years you want to come back out, you could probably just do a refresher and be back out on the road in no time. Give it up and you have to start over from the very beginning.

The CDL costs more than a regular license at renewal, but it's worth every penny to keep it!

 

You now have to Include the cost of your physical every two years as it and the CDL are now married.