Time in between getting CDL and starting a career

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by cdsc1416, Mar 31, 2015.

  1. cdsc1416

    cdsc1416 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 5, 2013
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    I have a question about the time in between graduating from driving school and getting a job. My situation is that I am leaving my current career to go into driving. My plan is to get my CDL the end of summer/beginning of fall while still employed.I'll accomplish this thanks to the Post 9/11 GI Bill. I need to get to January of 2016 till I can "retire"/quit for several reasons. The main one being I will have saved enough time between vacations and other days accrued where I can be on the books for a couple of months and still have health insurance. Also I will have a credit of 14 years on the books the middle of December which will help the small pension I will receive.


    So my question is will companies look at me funny if I graduate in October/November but not able to start till January?

    Thanks!
     
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  3. AL_Dutch

    AL_Dutch Bobtail Member

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    I done the same thing. Got my license in sept, and didnt start otr for about 4 months. Check with companies you would like to drive for, most require graduation from cdl school in the last 6 months. But some companies have different requirements.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Depends on the company; some won't care and some will act like the world is coming to an end.
    90 days is usually the limit before most companies want a refresher course. Some will just give you a road test and put you with another driver for awhile to make sure you're OK, without a refresher course.
     
  5. warhippy

    warhippy Medium Load Member

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    Colorado Springs, CO
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    Not an issue! Also look into Military Apprenticeship programs. I "retired" in Dec 2012. Piddled around with different jobs and did some voluteer work. Drove a bus in Breckenridge Colorado because I love skiing. Didn't make any real money but had a blast! I found out I don't like the work ethic of most people so started thinking of something else to do. A co-driver in Breck suggested truck driving. I was skeptical at first but the more I researched the more I thought this could be something I would enjoy. Mentioned it to my son who was a USMC vet and bored with college and he said "I'm in"!. We started CDL school in the end of May/beginning of June. Finished June 20 something and started orientation 1 July.

    Orientation can be from 3 weeks to 3 months but ours was the shorter of the orientations. Got our first load 19 July. From then until the end of December we made 25,000 each! Gross was around $1100 a week and take home around $800 a week. VA pays GI bill for the first year for some companies until you learn the system. 100% for 6 months, 80% for 3 months and 60% for the last three months. When you add that to what we were already making it adds up to around 60K a year for the first year. Not bad for entry level.

    We run team so our pay is higher than solo. We have had 4 pay raises since starting so far in 10 months.

    I would say we are the exception, not the rule, but it can be done. Use the skills you learned in the military such as Self-discipline, Safety, maintenance and time management and you will do fine. Once you have a year with a starter company you can find better opportunities. This isn't an easy job but for military I think it's a great fit.

    One footnote-Be careful which company you start with. Some will try and force you into a lease which is a bad idea. Do your research! This site is a good one to start with. Talk with drivers at truck stops...they can be a great source.

    Good Luck!
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  6. Chaps

    Chaps Light Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2014
    South Carolina
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    Yeah like everyone said check with the company you are thinking about. The company I went with said they wouldn't hire a newbie after 30 days of completing school, so if you have one in mind make sure. Good luck and do plenty of research before choosing.
     
  7. Rondata

    Rondata Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2014
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    that is very true.i just graduated from school Friday 3/27/15 and seems like the better companies require fresh grads with in a month of graduation. or at least from what i have gather.
     
  8. cdsc1416

    cdsc1416 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 5, 2013
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    Thanks everyone. Ive been on this site for about a year doing research. I was at MATTS last week and a recruiter mentioned to me about the time spent after graduation and actually getting started driving. Thats why I asked here, You all are doing the work day in and day out.

    My story is I have over 20 years in the Army Reserve with a couple of deployments. Ive also been in Law Enforcement for 13 1/2 years. I just cant do L.E anymore. After a couple of deployments and police work.........Im no longer a people person. Ive also had a burning desire to drive a truck since I was young but was pushed into the whole "go to college and get a degree". Well Im finally doing it. With some of the research I have done here, I gross about the same as some new drivers and make less after taxes and other withholdings. Also My kids are in their teens and live with their mom. I have the time to spend a year away from home and get the experience I need to go on to bigger and better things in the trucking industry. I also have no desire to Lease Purchase right away. I want to do a year either flatbedding or Tanking and learn the basics of my new profession.

    Thanks again everyone
     
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  9. heyns57

    heyns57 Road Train Member

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    near Kalamazoo Speedway
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    I realize my experience does not apply to today's hiring practices. Nevertheless, I served a three-year hitch in the US Army between driver school and first driving job. After a year over-the-road for a manufacturer with one truck, I sought a union job and then a team job coast-to-coast. Team driving with seasoned professionals was as valuable as either driving school or a year of solo experience. The gap between training and employment meant nothing.
     
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