Out of the workforce for a while and work history on applications

Let's back up the trolley a bit, shall we? 1st, many people come to the site, in search of something to replace what didn't work. There's an element of desperation there, and not all issues of a new venture are fully considered. It's why there is such a high turnover in this industry, just not enough info, or just enough to get you in the seat. 2nd, Colorado isn't the best place for trucking, and rather than just go to a school, and pay the money with no real guarantee you'll have a job, I'd go to a carrier, and there are plenty, that will finance the schooling AND have a job waiting when you finish. It may not be the best job, but gets you in the door. In a year, you can go anywhere, and get that higher paying job, but will take patience. Good luck.

 

Well, not sure that's true, about training you just enough so you won't go anywhere else, companies don't operate that way. I can name half a dozen companies, and good companies too, that sincerely want you to make it. Face it, they can't operate without you. Now, upon graduation, you may get the bottom of the barrel, and not bad, just drivers learn quick what loads not to take. As a newbie, you have no choice, but welcome experience none the less. Far as a manual, I wouldn't sweat that either. Most fleets today are going to automatics, it just is easier to get drivers and except in some situations, most all new trucks are automatics. I doubt many schools visit this site, this site is more from actual drivers who have been there. Besides, I don't think any advertising from schools is allowed here. I think you are on the right track. .

 

Depends on what you were in prison for

 

I started driving at age 56. I experienced absolutely no age discrimination issues.

Why is that?

Most people simply want an easier job...& more predictability....than trucking provides.

Nonsense. Colorado is a fine start in trucking. Don't buy into the other BS.

For my CDL -- i went to a nearby tech school at night, for 4 months. I took my time (obviously) & paid for the majority of it with grants & scholarships (I was unemployed then).

The advantages of that CDL approach:

• You aren't fed/don't have to absorb the info firehose style, like with accelerated programs
• When you graduate -- you exit out to a totally level playing field -- with no obligations or commitments to any specific carrier

Hope that helps...

-- L

 

I've never dove that deep into it but i got a distinct feeling that most companies didn't care about your last ten years but had to ask/report based upon some dim witted homeland security concern mandated by the feds. I'm sure someone on these forums can clarify that.

Having been in your shoes not long ago i can assure you that most companies that will train you and give you your first driving job will want that ten year history so start plugging the holes now.

I find it laughable that such a high standard is placed upon citizens that live here but dubious standards are applied to our work visa program and non existent border security concerns.

By any account and as others have pointed out some of the biggest companies that train drivers are here in Wisconsin and they will indeed chew you up and spit you out if not prepared. They are in business to make money and not hand hold. Know what your getting into BEFORE you commit any resources/time. Your mileage pay equates to an hourly pay with many factors outside of your control such as drop & hook versus live unload, dispatching and believe it or not mandated fuel solutions.

Once Chinatown set me straight i narrowed my choices to 3 driving schools/freight companies. Halvor Lines was unprofessional. TMC passed on me, Roehl ignored me until I was in training with Millis. Millis offered the same "experience" as local driving "academies." Here locally Sun Prairie Truck Driving School would have been the best choice but they no longer offer manual transmission options. Even then zero guarantee of a job.

 

Me? I live in Georgia.

The tech school in question here is now called, "Southern Regional Technical College"; there are several different campuses for it located in the state.

At that time -- Georgia offered scholarships thru its "HOPE" scholarship program for job retraining.

You might score something similar in Colorada thru that state's WIOA program (or similar).

Also: a good counselor at a tech school or comm college can point you to available scholarships and/or grants in your area.

-- L

 

I've driven through there pulling hazmat loads. Had to bypass the tunnels and take narrow roads. Not allowed to go through the tunnel with hazmat loads.
Didn't bother me at all; just take it slow and easy and pay attention. Funny part, a woman on skis passed me.