Old Experience Equals No Experience

Discussion in 'Trucking Jobs' started by wisemagic, May 28, 2010.

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  1. wisemagic

    wisemagic Bobtail Member

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    May 28, 2010
    New Iberia Louisiana
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    Hello everybody,
    OK, here is my situation... Started driving OTR in 1992 with Builders Transport out of Dallas terminal. Made a few company changes, but never left trucking until 2002 when I bought my own truck and a 26' dump trailer. Ran local, (south Louisiana), hauling for the sugar mills and some gravel and dirt. Things were well for a while and then the sugar mills began installing incinerators and using waste product to power the mill. I can understand the savings they were making, but it cut my business a good 50%. I finally gave in and sold the equipment. Have worked some machine shops and various things, but want to go back to OTR. What I have found out is that most companies won't talk to me, since I have no real company driving that I can prove, in the last 3 years. It is like I am worse than a student driver. I still have friends in trucking and on occasion make a few runs for them but it is under the table money for me.

    Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get back on the road, or can anyone advise me on which companies I should talk to? I talked to 2 companies so far, but they are not real enthused with my situation.

    Thanks guys.....
     
    Last edited: May 29, 2010
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  3. virgil tatro

    virgil tatro Medium Load Member

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    Mar 26, 2010
    columbus montana
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    Does any of your friends have there own authority dot numbers etc? if they do you can use them for a reference, have them say you drove for them. when they are called to verify employment they may be asked for a dot number to make sure its an actual legitimate company... I went through the same situation and my brother had his own authority and i used him for a reference...I know its lying but mama always said a little white lie never hurt anyone...and if your an experienced driver who basically just took a break, big deal a little has changed but a little time and you will have it figured out...
     
  4. wisemagic

    wisemagic Bobtail Member

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    May 28, 2010
    New Iberia Louisiana
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    Hi, and thanks. I have thought about that, just didn't want to get anyone in trouble. Trying to do the right thing here. I am beginning to wonder if it is really worth the hassel. I never had any accidents or speeding or anything on my record. I did get 2 over weight violations, and I could not slide tandems to correct them. I never had a dot logbook violation. I did my best to keep everything on the up and up. I have applied with 2 companies that say the do "refresher driver" courses, but there are some things that are flakey about both. I'll post about them later, when I am more familiar with the site.

    Thanks again.
     
  5. Emulsified

    Emulsified Road Train Member

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    May 6, 2010
    Dallas, TX
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    Mine is a similar situation. I started driving in 1972, got out, got in, got out,... Retired in 2005 and decided to tour the country in my RV with my wife. Got bored and decided to come back and drive.
    I found out like you that if you're away more than 2 years, most companies consider you untrained.
    I went to a CDL school for a 'refresher' course and then hired on with a training company where I am today. Even after the refresher course, most companies wouldn't consider me since I had no experience.
    One thing I'd advise, no matter what you do...be honest. They WILL find out the truth and most companies require you to prove your last three years with tax returns or pertinent data.
     
  6. wisemagic

    wisemagic Bobtail Member

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    May 28, 2010
    New Iberia Louisiana
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    I agree. Don't want anything like a falsified application on my DAC. I don't have anything bad in my past, and that is why it is so frustrating to be turned down like this.
     
  7. BIG RIGGER

    BIG RIGGER Road Train Member

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    Feb 25, 2010
    Fargo,ND.
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    I quit for five years once to dispatch when I started back I found a real prick to drive for and stuck it out for one of the longest years of my life.
     
    jerryy123 Thanks this.
  8. ChromeDome

    ChromeDome Road Train Member

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    Jun 10, 2007
    Lakeland, FL
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    I know that Heartland started doing a refresher program again. But I am not sure if they will want at least some experience in the last 3 years.
    Also I do not think they charge for there's like some company's do.
     
  9. wisemagic

    wisemagic Bobtail Member

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    May 28, 2010
    New Iberia Louisiana
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    Hi ChromeDome. I did talk to Heartland. And must have 1 year within the last 3 years.
     
  10. curious driver

    curious driver Bobtail Member

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    May 29, 2010
    baltimore md
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    i have a similar situation with no answer.I have 24 years driving. otr first two years then was lucky enough to land a local driving job for the past 22 years but i also am being told by otr companies that i dont have enough exp. they would rather take a student out of school 3 months and hire them over me.i run local also in a four state radius.couldsomeone explain to me please
     
  11. ronss

    ronss Light Load Member

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    May 23, 2010
    phoenix,az
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    i have 15 yrs exp, and have not driven since 95..its was not my decision to quit in 95...might try it again..not sure if its changed much...trucks seem to be rolling..not sure about a job..though i have my sites on an outfit...they are refrigerated, thats mostly what i have done beside a bit of flatbed.....the will give me an answer tuesday if i had my cdl if they would consider me....not going to school for nothing...jobs got to be there when i get out....or no schooling.
     
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