Employment gaps.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by exit #4, Jan 29, 2015.

  1. exit #4

    exit #4 Bobtail Member

    21
    14
    Oct 20, 2007
    Delray Beach, Florida
    0
    I am considering a second career in truck driving(plan to enroll at Mid Florida Tech). I retired from construction in Jan. 2011, and took my 30 year pension. From Jan. 2011 'til March 2012 I applied for jobs, but wasn't hired 'til March 2012. I worked 'til Nov.2013, then quit to move to Florida. From Dec. 2013 to current, I applied for jobs but no luck. Will this be a problem with trucking companies wanting to know about gaps in work history? I'd hate to spend the money for school and then be turned away because of these gaps. It's not like I didn't want to work; I need to get out of the apartment and make some money to supplement my fixed income. Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

    4,519
    12,844
    Sep 10, 2013
    S.W. Florida
    0
    I have the same problem i sold the business 10 years ago and between that and having a rich girlfriend up until now did not really need to work. Did spend time remodeling 2 houses though for my dad and my ex and was paid cash.

    So what is the big deal with employment gaps.

    I have read somewhere on here where it has to do with the government wanting to know.

    So my next question is what if i go get my TWIC card 1st before i apply. this will clear me by the government and company's should have no problem right?
     
  4. UKJ

    UKJ Heavy Load Member

    781
    576
    Dec 28, 2014
    0
    Some companies are less strict about that than others. Prime will want a CIA investigation for each gap in employment lol but I don't think Swift is as picky for example. Chinatown knows the scoop on all these places he should be able to tell which companies are best for your situation.
     
  5. brsims

    brsims Road Train Member

    5,295
    6,512
    Aug 8, 2009
    Meadville, PA
    0
    I believe it's a DOT reg that carriers have to be able to account for all periods of unemployment for their employees for 10 years prior to employment with the carrier. Some carriers also look to see if the possible employee took unemployment compensation during that time (risk management deal). Others are more understanding.
     
    exit #4 Thanks this.
  6. Tony_N

    Tony_N Bobtail Member

    40
    23
    Dec 11, 2012
    Warner Robins, GA
    0
    Some companies this will not be a problem. I've been driving for about two years now and been with three different companies personally. Although while I've been a driver for two years i had a very large employment gap from 2009 to 2012. This was partly due to an injury (I had a made tare in my left hamstring) and they rest was due to the fact i became a full time student. Most companies look at this as unemployment yet have not reacted poorly to my specific gap. Many recuriters will allow you to explain any gaps in your employment history so you should be good to go for the most part. Hope this helps.
     
    exit #4 Thanks this.
  7. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    9,966
    41,250
    Jan 13, 2013
    SW Arkansas
    0
    I had a three year employment gap right before I started driving. I had received an inheiritance and wanted to kind of retire while I was young enough to enjoy it, Planned on one year but ended up being three. All I had to do was provide names and phone numbers of people who could verify that I was doing nothing illegal or in jail. That's all the FMCSA requires.
     
  8. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

    4,519
    12,844
    Sep 10, 2013
    S.W. Florida
    0
    From what i have read it is 3 years for verification if you have never had a job drivng and 10 years if you have had a driving job before.

    So my next question is this, I can verify the 3 but should i mention that i used to have a class c chauffeurs license 25 years ago because i drove for coca cola doing a route 25 years ago.

    I no longer have a the class c on my licence i don't know when it expired. So i would like to go for Prime should mention that i used to drive for 3 months 25 years ago?
    I want to be honest with them but don't want to create more work for the 2 of us by mentioning it than having to verify 10 years.
     
  9. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

    4,564
    5,952
    Dec 10, 2014
    0
    Only required 10 years back, period.
     
  10. White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

    3,161
    3,803
    Feb 11, 2008
    Iowa
    0
    The 10 years is ONLY if a perspective employee has driven truck...the law requires 3 years previous history (driving or not).

    Two letters of recommendation should suffice for explanation of a gap.

    I do not recommend that you use: "I'm a Mamma's boy, and she didn't mind my spongy ***". Or, "I'm a lazy ***** and my girlfriend had deep pockets".
    Get creative and say you were taking care of your parents on their death bed, and you lived on funds from them or something similar and have two Schmucks back you up.
     
    double yellow Thanks this.
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,034
    142,285
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    exit #4 : You were retired, nothing more to explain. Some companies may want to see your tax returns to prove it, but that's no big deal.
    You won't have any problem at all finding a job. In fact you can start applying within a week before CDL school starts and see what job offers roll in, and they will. Start studying now by scrolling to the top of this page and click on "CDL Practice Tests" and study for the endorsements also on the same page.
    Here's a few companies to consider & prepare for the online job applications. All these companies hire from your area and also hire new CDL graduates. submit lots of applications:

    Trimac Transportation
    CTL Transportation
    Purdy Bros. Trucking
    Sunstate Carriers
    Midwest-coast Transport
    Schneider Bulk-tankers
    SVTN
    Superior Carriers
    Tidewater Transit
    Groendyke Transport
    Shaffer Trucking
    Melton Truck Lines
    TransAm

    Some websites may have "experience required", but ignore that and apply anyway. Many companies bend their own hiring rules for a good applicant.
     
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2015
    Selva, UKJ and exit #4 Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.