Well, I am finally finished my driver training program (not on the best note, but I digress), got my CDL, and am ready to work. However, it seems like with the recent economic downturn (and don't kid yourself, we are not out of this recession yet), it feels like that becoming a 'trucker' is now the "in" thing and there seems to be quite a few newbies getting their license, as well as experienced truckers looking for work.
My question is, what can I do to stand out? What attributes/skills are companies looking for when they take on new drivers. I know experience really counts for this career (and in my mind this is a career change), but is there anything else I can work on or bring to the table?
Standing out among the crowd
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by drdoc, Sep 3, 2009.
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Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
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Dress well.
Maintain your overall appearance.
Be reliable.
Be articulate and well spoken/professional.
Be helpful and willing to assist people when/where you can.
Never be late for anything without a valid excuse.
Don't have any accidents.
Avoid complaining.
Display interest and enthusiasm.
Just a few basic things...
J.Hitman, Beechvtail, Baack and 2 others Thank this. -
Lose the piercings/tattoos/baggy shorts/flip flops/pajama bottoms etc. Always have 2 pens in your pockets and carry a clipboard/notebook type thingy to take notes with. Don't mumble your words/slouch in the chair/reek of cig smoke. You're not applying for a job, you're selling you. Make sense?
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Get all the endorsements you can : doubles and triples, tanker and especially hazmat. Find a company you want to work for and be persistent. Reserarch what vehicles they drive, the area they cover, the kind of loads they haul and just sound knowledgeable when you speak to the recruiter.
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Thanks for all the advice. I am still putting resume's out there, and am looking to get my first aid, and perhaps my forklift ticket.
That being said, it appears I have a bit of an uphill battle. I just contacted Bison Transport (one of the larger carrier's in Canada), and because of the two minor fender-benders I had a year and a half ago, they turned me down for their recruitment. I still want to pursue this line of work as a career, but I am also looking at a contingency plan -
ouch...........................eh.......
may be a bit tough with that record, try the smaller companies, Good Luck...... -
"Avoid complaining"
I dont go to New York!
I dont go to the west coast
I dont go to Canada
I dont go north of I40 in the winter
I dont do this
I dont do that
I wont do this
I wont do that
And then they wonder why theyre sitting waiting for a load. -
lol... N of I40 Got stuck out in Gallup, NM for something like 12 hours last winter.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.