One last comment about the O/O, then we'll put it to rest. You have to put yourself in the O/O's position. That truck of his pays the mortgage, the bill, puts food on the table for his family. He/she is going to be very reluctant to put that truck in the hands of someone with little or no experience. What's your answer to a friend when has asks, "Hey, dude! Let me borrow your wheels. Man, I'll take real good care of it!" What's your answer? Now, take a vehicle (the O/O's truck) and magnify the value by a factor of 100 times the value of your car (tractor and trailer) and then imagine what his answer is when YOU ask, "Sir, can I drive your truck? I have no experience; but, you won't have to pay me." I think you get the picture.

About the teamsters. That may be your route. There is another option to joining. You can get a permit. A permit cost about $75.00-$100 a month, maybe less, I'm a little vague on how much they charge. The permit allows you to work out of the hiring hall for a month, just like any member. It's true what you hear about the economy; but, when working out of a hall, a poor economy benefits you. You see, companies are laying off full-time drivers, because of the slow down. But, this often leaves them short-handed; so they call the union a say, "I need two Class A drivers for three days." They look on the list and the top two get dispatched. If they like your work, they may extend you a few days, or more. If they work you more than 30 days straight, they are required, by contract, to hire you full-time. More likely, you'll work the three days, get a check, and it's back to the hall where you go to the bottom of the list. Most unions dispatch by phone. So you get a call around 6:30 or 7:00 in the AM and they give you an address to report to for work. You generally have about 1 hour to get there, so you need to have transportation. This is a good way for you to get a broad range of experience with various types of equipment. One day your running reefers, the next, flatbeds, and the next dry vans. Don't worry about your lack of experience, The worst thing that can happen is you get to the job site, you do a lousy job because you've never strapped down a load on a flatbed. So the company puts in a "Do Not Send" notice to the union, this means for the next 30 days you can't be given a dispatch to that particular company. After 30 days, the Teamster will send you again, maybe you'll do better, maybe not. Either way, you get paid for the day. Understand, the Teamsters will be in your corner 100%. They'll tell you not to sweat the Do Not Send orders. You are their bread and butter, they want to see that you make it because they want you to be a dues paying member for the rest of your life. Many locals also have free truck schools and also offer courses to upgrade skills; like HazMat courses, fork lift certification, etc. So, call a local, any local, they'll tell you what you need to know. Work of a permit so you can get a feel for how you'll do, at a later date to join, or not. You can't lose. But, don't think all dispatches will be Class A driving; sometimes it may be the company needs a B driver, or even a C drivers. The important thing is that you in the mix and you'll get plenty of opportunities for A driver hires; also, now you are a functioning commercial driver and you will soon see that recruiters will take you more seriously. Good luck. Let me say lastly; I have not worked out of a Teamsters Hall in a long time, some of my information my be dated; but, it's well within the ballpark. This is where someone with more experience should feel free to jump in with better information than that which I am offering. Again, good luck and don't let any grass grow under your feet, get on the horn and give them a call, it's all fine and dandy to cut it up on this forum; but, you really need to be cutting it up with the Teamsters.

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I wanted to mention something else. And by the way, if I'm being a little long-winded in my replies it's because I admire your determination to do this. I've read way too many posts from newbies that whine and snivvel about how unfair it is, and how nobody will give them a chance to drive. If you want to do this, you have to make it happen. Actually, back when I thought I wanted to be a paralegal; I met the same difficulties as you and I went the, "I'll work for free" route, too. Didn't work. You might try going to some local companies and offer to be the coffee maker/office boy/janitor/delivery man; but, on they condition that once in a while you are offered the opportunity to drive. Or, there are positions known as 'yard hostelers'. A yard hosteler moves trailers around, puts them on the dock to be loaded, spots them after they are loaded, does wash/sweep outs, services them, etc. Keep an open mind and know that employers like guys like you that are willing to go the extra mile to achieve their goals. It indicates a good work ethic. And never be shy about asking questions; nor embarrassed if you find that your methods of doing this, like the O/O-No pay driving, prove unrealistic. It just shows you are working this from all angles, you just don't have the experience to fully appreciate what is involved. That is what makes this forum so great, so use it to it fullest.

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Dynasaur, I tried the local & was told they have over 600 drivers laid off at present, but I'am going to pull a card anyway. 30 plus years ago during a dry time in my old line of work I had a teamsters card to work at a plant( trying to make the ends meet) so they tell me my old withdrawal card from way back then can be renewed! I don't know if it is my age (about to turn 51) or the fact that I use to make a decent wage,but so far no takers with any local companies for any type job with them. I've offered to be their gofer,wash their trucks & or trailers,shuttle trailers even clean their lots..Trying to get in the door somehow!! I can remember what it was like being the low man on the totem-pole as a kid & getting my first break into that industry,so I always tried to give back to rookies looking for a chance.Made a lot of nice loyal friends & co-workers in doing so. Well once again Thanks for all the Great info!!!

Dynasaur I also meant to say that you are not being long-winded.Any and all info or ideas you might supply are very appreciated!! I'am green like I say, but have never been known as a quitter or a whiner.. I'll get my foot in the door somewhere it might not be exactly where I want it but it'll be a start. Heck you can't ever tell my first break into this industry might be the job I retire from. Trying this was not an overnight decision for me it's something I've thought of for years. Thanks

Sorry about that, some of my suggestions were borderline; but, with nothing else...Let's keep at it though, I have a few ideas and will PM you. Dynosaur

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Once your card is active, see what upgrades they have; like HazMat, forklift certification. They are getting into that in a big way out here, even training for Class A licensing. Every course, certification, or endorsement is another line on your resume and can only help.

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JTAN, have you tried a temp agency? or searching craigslist-your state-closest cities - transport jobs? Sometimes you will see temp agencies advertising for short term driver jobs especially in a right to work state.Not bashing the local...just offering another sugggestion...