Any ideas?

The last outfit I worked for had 2 or 3 part timers. They all drove the tow boom or low boy. When a truck broke down, was in a wreck or some jack ### abandoned a truck, they would go out and back. Every once in a while dispatch would dream up some multi-stop 3 card truck monte, but for the most part out and back. Sometimes they would even rent a car one way or fly them to retrieve a truck.

 

I was a trainer for Schneider Bulk and I had a few guys in your position come through. If they were good and they all were I usually passed them along after 4 or 5 days. Usually I would have passed them at day 2 but it was timing, you have to be close to a terminal to test out and usually we weren't. Most though didn't even get to me, they mainly went with local trainers, I only got them when they had no one else. Schneider is a good company, great way to get back in the business.

 

Hi China,
I've only written once before and am very green. I got my CDL A on my own Aug 6, 2014 - with no training and just working for a grain company in Nebraska since May 2014. I asked before if there were any company's that would take on someone in my situation. You made some super suggestions and I followed up on them. However, my wife is not supportive of me going to a company paid school now, then driving for at least 6 months, which would put me smack dab in the middle of winter in most of the USA.
That being said, we are moving back to Wisconsin in the next few weeks and will be going back to secure work for her and our new apartment next week. I am scheduled to meet with a few small company's that need local Class A or B drivers and am hoping 1 of them will take a chance on me.
I didn't know if you had any other suggestions for around Madison, Wisconsin for this situation. I've called nearly all of the big company's around that area and they all say I need at least 6 months to 2 years experience before they would hire me.
Based on what I've read here in various topics, did I make a mistake by getting my Class A on my own without going to a certified school??
Thanks in advance for any advice and this is an awesome website to get tons of great info. Keep up the great work - its very much appreciated.
I don't think I can get private messages yet, so if you want to e-mail me personally - reach me at sap6369@gmail.com. Thanks.

 

Hi sap, let me be the 1st to welcome you to this crummy state (kidding, kind of) Check CL, there were 157 transport openings on Milwaukee CL the other day, I'm sure you shouldn't have much problem finding work here. Another thing, winter does suck, but it's not like Ice Road Truckers or anything. Last winter was kind of nasty, cold mostly, but the plows do a pretty good job of keeping the roads clear, and everybody realizes, when it's cold or snowy, you get there when you get there. Wisconsin can be ok, I guess, lot's of nice things to see, as opposed to say Iowa, (sorry patty), just be careful, lot of drunks, #1 in the nation for drunk driving, so watch out for that. Madison is a cool place, I live in Milwaukee, not so cool.