Hey all.

I'm very, VERY green to the trucking industry. I got my CDL-A from Pike Electric back in 2000... they road tested me in a bucket truck/pole trailer. Since then, the only trucks I've been behind the wheel of were buckets and diggers, a Ford L9000/120' crane, Army 5-tons, and a Mack roll-off truck. Oh, and I backed my uncle's low-boy about 20' one time during then... probably not enough experience for most, eh?

Anywho, are there companies who take folks like myself, show'em the ropes of trucking, and put'em on the road? I've tried Roehl, they won't take me without 6 months experience. Maverick just put a freeze on hiring students, and the few others I've looked at I've gathered reports of questionable practices. Make no mistake, I understand I'll pay my dues like the next one if I can do this... but with a wife and 4 1/2-month old son to provide for, I need to be better educated in the who/what/where/when/why/howto so as to make the best decisions for my family and me.

Any tips/advice is greatly appreciated, y'all. Till next time, keep it 'tween the ditches and smile for the cameras.

I can't tell you where to go, but wherever you end up you'll be treated like you have never driven before. About five years ago when I first thought about driving OTR I already had several years of local tractor trailer experience, but all the companies I talked to wanted to treat me as a student. I ended up with Roehl, they treated me decent. I did have to do three days on the road with a trainer, but that was no big deal. If this is the industry you want to be in you might just have to settle with whoever will hire and get some experience, then go where you really want to go. The economy is slower right now and companies are not sure exactlly what to do. When things start to get rolling again it will be easier for a driver to get in with the company they want.

Thanks a lot, AC. It looks like I may suck it up and give Schneider a call, just to get the experience needed for a better company to look at me. I might have a shot at a law enforcement since we just elected a new sheriff... would prefer it, but I can't wait around to get onboard while we lose our house because I ain't working.

Would've never guessed trucking was slow. I figure that if you didn't mine it, grow it, catch it, or kill it, then it came to the store you bought it from on a truck.

Yeah, most 'starter companies' are pretty much the same. Many will put you back in school if you don't have any recent or verifiable experience.

I actually got OUT of law enforcement because I got tired of dealing with stupid people.

The initial pay WHERE EVER you go will probably suck. Try USA Truck, it ain't horrible, and we still have freight, though not as much as 6 months ago.

Yeah when all you deal with are stupid people who try to get out of trouble by doing MORE wrong, it'd work on your mind afterwhile. May try fire dept. instead... lots easier to get cats out of trees than cuff drunk folks.

Thanks to both of you.

check CT Transportation in Savannah. they'll hire students. they're a good company to start out with. and they also have people who have driven for them for 20+ years.