Another 'Can I get hired' thread

[Schlemazel]

Morning all, well this is my first post but I have been reading ALOT... Anyhow after working my entire working life in cubicles in front of computers I am looking for a change. I am aware of the tolls that OTR driving entails, as my grandfather and uncle drove 30+ years. I do have a few questions though of hurdles that may or may not be able to be overcome:

1) The worst hurdle will be that I plead guilty to a Felony. I plead guilty in 2001 to Federal Tax Fraud. I did no prison time and paid my fines years ago. My stupidity, yes, but it is something I have learned to live with but don't know if it will eliminate any chances of me getting into driving. If it helps I have a temporary Canadian Ministry pass and was told by the consulate that I should get it upgraded to permanent within the next 6 months.

2) I was pulled over for speeding in 2006, the trooper cut me a break and issued me a ticket for not having my emergency flashers on when he pulled me over. I sent in payment to the wrong court and my license was suspended without my knowledge (unpaid ticket). I found out about this during renewal and rectified the situation immediately.

3) Last ding for me is my personal credit. My previous employer took me to the cleaners using my credit cards to keep HIS business afloat. He has since left the country....I did try for 5 months to start my own business but came to the realization that you may need a little more than $10000 to really get into the used car business.

Anyhow, I am an entrepreneur at heart. I have always had some small business (legally) to supplement my primary income. I love the area I live in but day jobs here just plain suck. My grandfather made a very nice living for himself and I would like to do something that would allow me to experience this thing they call "daylight". Any advice on what I should do would be appreciated. I just don't want to spend $8000 for school to have a CDL that is worthless to me. Thanks!

[DaveinKC]

I think most companies are 10 years on felonies, some are around 5-7, then the rest are none.

I think TransAm Trucking is 5 yrs (depending on what it is). That's whom I'm going with. I don't have a felony BTW.

I had problem with my license too. It's only been valid since Sept. 06. It was suspended for almost 6 years for Failure To Maintain Ins.(though I had insurance, but never sent proof to the capital) I didn't even know it was suspended, considering I hadn't been pulled over in 10 yrs.

[Schlemazel]

Thank you. What about the license situation? Will that be a problem? The posts I have managed to read through only address points suspensions or reckless driving suspensions. Thanks again.

[DaveinKC]

I know I ran into trouble getting prehires, because of my license situation too. However, after I graduated from a 6 wk driving school, I was able to get 12 prehires; basically everyone I applied to. All I had to do from there was pick n' chose where I wanted to go.


Companies that hire graduates should have a list of schools they recruit from. So, you might want to call and ask if your school is approved. A good school will go a long way.

Did you get a copy of your background from USIS? Just wondering what your suspension sais on your MVR

[im6under]

If going to school make sure its a PTDI (professional truck driving institute) approved course.

GOOGLE ptdi for schools near you...

does it make a difference????????

90% of the time, yes it does...

average cost 2500-3500 out of your pocket.

[Schlemazel]

The school I am looking at is PTDI, but it is also $8000! That is more than I paid for an entire year of college... including dorming and books! PTDI has only 2 schools certified in NYS. I was thinking of perhaps going out of state for schooling, any advice? If I am going out of state, I might as well go with the best, so who would that be? Thanks again!

[pathfinder]

Just another thought, you could go to a company school. Schneider is supposed to have a very good training program. Also, $8000 seems very high, I paid 4800 at a votech. I know its a different state but thats a lot of money. Also, by going to a company school you should know before you start if you will be hired. Otherwise why would they pay for your school? When I was looking for schools I came to the conclusion that getting the training on my own was best for me, but I did look hard at the company schools too. I was actually pre-hired with my current company before school even started, and they are re-imbursing me for most of the tuition. Tuition re-imbursement would be one of the questions I asked prospective employers. Most have requirements on hours etc. to qualify. Hope this helps a bit!

[chief]

$4800, $8000 for truck driving school?!?!!? jesus freaking christ!!!!! who the devil wants to get into trucking THAT bad???

[Lurchgs]

Originally Posted by chief

$4800, $8000 for truck driving school?!?!!? jesus freaking christ!!!!! who the devil wants to get into trucking THAT bad???

no kidding! I paid (well, WIA paid) $4000 for my school, and I thought that was steep.

for $8000 they ought to provide a 5-star hotel for lodging and gourmet meals every day. Not to mention a nightly massage and unlimited time in the truck.

Not to mention a host of other things I'm not going to mention on a family board

[Schlemazel]

Schneider was first on my list to contact, but apparently they are not hiring out of the Buffalo area at the moment. I have been doing some research on schools, is there a ranking of schools or such?

I agree, $8000 is a crock. The salesperson was trying to sell me on the idea that it really isn't bad because I can get $5000 in Federal Student loans AND sign a $3000 note with a private lender. I agree that $8K should not only get me luxurious accommodations and a nightly massage with a happy ending, j/k.

At first it wasn't really the money part that put a bad taste in my mouth but the presentation of their "Partner Companies".... Swift, Werner, and CR England. He (school salesman) tried to even sell me on CRE's Lease Program and told me I could easily make $100K a year. I wonder if these places pay commissions to the school to feed this #####????