Standing out among the crowd

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by drdoc, Sep 3, 2009.

  1. drdoc

    drdoc Bobtail Member

    20
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    May 13, 2009
    0
    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?
     
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  3. JasonL

    JasonL Light Load Member

    110
    34
    Sep 1, 2009
    El Paso, TX
    0
    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.
  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,354
    11,162
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    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?
     
  5. calbassman

    calbassman Bobtail Member

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    Oct 12, 2008
    tucson, arizona
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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.
     
  6. drdoc

    drdoc Bobtail Member

    20
    1
    May 13, 2009
    0
    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
     
  7. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    ouch...........................eh.......
    may be a bit tough with that record, try the smaller companies, Good Luck......
     
  8. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

    17,737
    124,498
    Apr 10, 2009
    Copied in Hell
    0
    "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.
     
  9. Darkschneidr

    Darkschneidr Light Load Member

    296
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    Jan 31, 2009
    Phoenix, AZ
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    lol... N of I40 :) Got stuck out in Gallup, NM for something like 12 hours last winter.
     
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