Newbie in Florida - Truckers' Trucking Forum

moodttone · **^ Top** #1 10.15.2009

After a lifetime of wanting to be a trucker I finally got to a point of being able to afford to learn how and get my CDL with all the endorsements, I find out that not only the economy is such that there are few jobs out there for a newbie but that I happen to live in one of the worst places a newbie could live (Florida). Is this justice? I ask you. None the less I will not give up and pray I will still be able to live out a dream.
You may ask WTF does this guy want? Nothing just venting as my family doesn't want to hear it any more..LOL

onetime42 · **^ Top** #2 4 Weeks Ago

If you're in Winter Haven call Oakley Transport. I think that they are still hiring local drivers to run just the state of Florida. Contact Dale. He's the dispatcher for the local guys. I worked for him two years ago and he's a good guy. I don't think that you need any experience to run local but don't quote me. If I were you I would stop by and have a face to face with Dale. Showing your face to them might just get you that job! Best of luck to you.

unhappyotr · **^ Top** #3 4 Weeks Ago

Just a word of advice. Either you love this job or you hate it. Make sure this is really what you want to do. Its not all its cracked up to be. I also always wanted to at least try trucking so I had the opportunity after being laid off from an office job. I have since lost 2 cars and had to move out of 2 apartments. Now I live in the truck, have no home to go home to and I can't make enough to get out of this business. I'm still trying and will never give up! Paychecks are different every week. There is no guarantee that you'll even get one if freight is slow. Anyway, I do wish you luck. Again, its not for everybody and you may just be one of the lucky few that loves it! I wish you the best.

94nole · **^ Top** #4 4 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by unhappyotr

Just a word of advice. Either you love this job or you hate it. Make sure this is really what you want to do. Its not all its cracked up to be. I also always wanted to at least try trucking so I had the opportunity after being laid off from an office job. I have since lost 2 cars and had to move out of 2 apartments. Now I live in the truck, have no home to go home to and I can't make enough to get out of this business. I'm still trying and will never give up! Paychecks are different every week. There is no guarantee that you'll even get one if freight is slow. Anyway, I do wish you luck. Again, its not for everybody and you may just be one of the lucky few that loves it! I wish you the best.

unhappyotr,

who do you drive for? If I may ask?

jtrnr1951 · **^ Top** #5 4 Weeks Ago

unhappy,
Sorry to hear that, hope things pick-up for you!! Yes, its a harsh reality once you get there alone.

Taino · **^ Top** #6 3 Weeks Ago

# modettone
I am right their with you. I will graduate on the 30th and I am hoping too find a OTR/Local Truck Driving Job. But as you stated we live in the Great Suckie Sun Shine State [Florida]. Not may Truck Companies will or do hire out of Florida. Just keep your head up [like I am] and hopefully we will find some thing out here.

Oh, Oakley Transport in Lake Whales are only hiring Experience Drivers. From what their website states.

onetime42 · **^ Top** #7 3 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taino

# modettone
I am right their with you. I will graduate on the 30th and I am hoping too find a OTR/Local Truck Driving Job. But as you stated we live in the Great Suckie Sun Shine State [Florida]. Not may Truck Companies will or do hire out of Florida. Just keep your head up [like I am] and hopefully we will find some thing out here.

Oh, Oakley Transport in Lake Whales are only hiring Experience Drivers. From what their website states.

Their website is about as accurate as what the weather man tells you everyday. Just go to the terminal...go upstairs, open the door, turn to your left and the balding guy that will be sitting there talking on the phone is the dude you want to talk to. His name is Dale Self. Decent guy too. Tell him that you need a job 'yesterday'! One of my friends that works there just told me that they have another boat coming in from South America in a few weeks. When I finished my orientation there on a Friday I jumped in my truck and headed straight to the port. The loads at that time paid about $86 each and within 4 days I managed to do 15 of them. If I were in need of a job I would run my a@# over there. Oh...make sure to follow the instructions that I provided for you.

Taino · **^ Top** #8 3 Weeks Ago

# onetime42
Your right, I should have realized that going in person in any place it will give you a better chance of getting a JOB.

Thanks!

jtrnr1951 · **^ Top** #9 3 Weeks Ago

That's the best advice I've heard all day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And oh so TRUE !!

Taino · **^ Top** #10 2 Weeks Ago

The one thing that is a down side to that would be if your hrs away from the terminal. But again if their close to you it is best to go in person.

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