Unemployed Rookie Trucker

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by 2TallTrucker, Aug 23, 2023.

  1. 2TallTrucker

    2TallTrucker Bobtail Member

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    Hello Everyone,

    I am fairly new here and in the trucking industry and need some guidance. I recently obtained my CDL in March from prime Inc and was let go during my TNT training portion due to safety. I had two incidents. The first being I hit a parked truck at a truck stop and the second incident I damaged the ferring on the tractor making a tight U-turn. I accept full responsibility and in no way am I trying to pass the blame. All I am trying to do is move on from this situation, learn from my mistakes and get back behind the wheel which has been difficult.

    I have applied to numerous places but have had no success Western Express , Food services, Waste Management etc. I have fully disclosed my incidents with every recruiter I have had the opportunity to talk too even though the incidents are not appearing on my DAC. They all say the same thing, I need to drive for 6-12 without any incidents before they can hire me. I have come this far and don’t want to give up, I truly love being on the road and the slight sense of freedom it offers. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get back out there. I just need a little guidance, as far as my info I have 5 months OTR reefer training, all endorsements and Twic Card, located in Southern California ( NOHO) .

    Thanks in advance
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2023
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If your DAC is clean, why mention the incidents.
    You hit a truck at a truck stop; if insurance is involved then you can't hide that.
    Forget the bent fairing.
    You're hirable, but stop talking so much.
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Where is your location, state & nearest city/town?
    5 mos. reefer experience and all the endorsements is a big plus.
     
  5. 2TallTrucker

    2TallTrucker Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the quick response, going forward I will take your advice. Honestly I just didn’t want it to come back and bite me in the ### later on
     
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  6. 2TallTrucker

    2TallTrucker Bobtail Member

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    I’m in California, North Hollywood (91605) to be specific, Los Angeles would be the closest city.
     
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  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Stonehjl and 2TallTrucker Thank this.
  9. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Those are minor. Kind of surprised Western Express didn't take you. It's a bit difficult for a rookie driver to go 6 to 12 months without an incident. I certainly had a couple of incidents my rookie year, that's just the ones the company found out about...lol. Read the questions very carefully on those apps, see what's on your DAC, MVR, and if Prime didn't report it on either of those as accidents/incidents, it "didn't happen." It all depends on how a termination gets reported.

    On a side note, here's a couple of tips from an experienced driver lol:

    1. Do not back up between 2 trucks unless you have a lot of space to do so. Sometimes you may not have as much space, but if that's the case, set up at a 45 and don't oversteer. Don't be afraid to get out and take a look. Take as much time as you need to in order to back into a spot. If an experienced driver offers some assistance, let him or her do so, til you get all the way comfy backing into tough spots. An experienced driver who's worth a #### will get out and help you as opposed to pointing, laughing, and recording like so many do these days.

    2. If you're making a U-turn, make sure you have enough space to do so. If you have to turn the steering wheel all the way to the max and you have to hold it in that position to make the U-turn, the truck will probably be touching the trailer, and you will bend or break the fairing. Even if you have to make a sharp U-turn, you should not have to hold the wheel but a second or 2 to before straightening it out. The less you have to turn the wheel to make a U-turn, the better. If you have to turn around, it's better to look for spacious places. Pull over, check out Google maps, put it in satellite mode and look around for a safe place to turn around.

    In both instances, slow down, don't panic, and take your time. Also come on here and ask questions. It's a whole army of experienced drivers ready and willing to help.
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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