Hey Wannabes! This ain't no candy store!!!!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JustSonny, Apr 18, 2010.

  1. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    I've been doing this wannabe gig for about 6 months. I'm hoping to put my due diligence efforts to work soon. One thing I know for sure and beyond a shadow of a doubt is.....there's a ton of carriers out there that hire newbies, but they are getting really picky. Maybe that's a good thing for the future of the industry, maybe not, I dunno! But, if I can pass along a tidbit or so, I'd like to do that.

    1) If a carrier doesn't have freight moving through you area, you can pretty much scratch them from you list of possibilities.

    2) If you aren't pure as the driven snow "prior employment-wise", "MVR-wise", "rap sheet-wise", "drug and alcohol-wise", "etc-wise", you've got an uphill battle worse than any uphill grade you are likely to encounter out there in the first seat. So, mind your Ps and Qs or fix your Ps and Qs, if you can, before standing in awe of the selection of "candies"!!!!!

    3) Check your potential carrier's SafeStat scores. It's not a "fail-safe" criterium, but I'm going with the assumption that I'll be pretty busy learning the ropes. I'd rather not be hamstrung because I'm with a carrier that is being scrutinized by DOTs, LEOs and the like because of poor safety performance.

    4) Download a copy of your state's CDL License Manual. You might have to go pick one up, but it's worth the time and investment to study up some before going headlong into this venture. Also, a driving school text can be purchased on line for about $15 (google Alice Adams (author) or J J Keller). Perusing or studying the CDL manual and the text PLUS research here on the forum will give you a head's up and a head start!
     
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2010
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  3. thefather

    thefather Light Load Member

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    Good Advice! Already made sure I had those covered before trying my hand at getting something going.
     
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  4. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    The highest, longest, and most experienced noobie I've ever seen.......

    Go Oldnew !!!!!!!!
     
  5. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Good deal! Your age probably has a lot to do with your forward thinking. I'm older than you and should have done a better job, but sometimes I get filled with "flights of fantasy" before I check what's blocking the runway.:yes2557:
     
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  6. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    No, sorry, not since the days of "true" nickel bags!:smt010
     
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  7. Jimbo60

    Jimbo60 Medium Load Member

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    From some of the other posts that I've seen lately, I think that there is a big misconception about the industry.

    Back during the so-called "driver shortage" days most people thought that if you had a pulse and could get a CDL, you had a job. I suppose that it was true to a degree but, like everything else, times have changed.

    There's a huge pool of unemployed folks out there that are looking for a paycheck. They are (for the most part) the ones who have raised the bar. The carriers can now pick from a more select group of applicants than at any other time.

    Companies are going to check everything that you tell them and some things that you don't.

    Just make sure that all your "ducks" line up and you should be fine.


    ............... Jim
     
  8. thefather

    thefather Light Load Member

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    My "Flights of Fantasy" days went out teh window when I got married. Altho they were some fun days. I also agree age does help with thinking things through and I am hoping I have done just that.


     
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  9. musicgal

    musicgal Road Train Member

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    I often feel like I'm a member of the Rare Breed Society. I've been driving for almost 40 years...no tickets of any kind. I always get tickled when answering those questions cause they are all "No". I've also never been fired, but have quit 8 jobs and always due to family situations going on...not to mention the number of times I've done Tupperware and Avon...LOL My longest job was being self-employed for 10 years and that was while I was doing 2 other jobs over the past 3 years.
     
  10. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    I haven't had a moving violation for nearly 20 years, I've never been arrested, never tested positive for drugs or alcohol, have plenty of good work and personal references (they get better as the bribe $$$ gets better, lol), no at-fault accidents, BUT, my selection of candy is still limited but factors beyond my control, and, quite frankly, beyond the carriers' control. Even though I'm not looking for much hometime, carriers have to set policy based on the majority and the majority wants hometime. Can't fault the carrier for that policy.
     
  11. red_eye

    red_eye Medium Load Member

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    belpre, ohio
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    Have to agree.. they can and will be picky.. I have made the plunge to get back in the life.. We was told a lot of carriers wont even look at newbies unless they had a 94% or higher grade average in school..I will toot my own horn..I have the 2nd highest in our class.. 97.6% :)
    Got beat out by a woman.. but she is smart and fast learner..lol
    We have a few ppl that have some shady work history and a few that have some bad background things..like DV's and under age drinking.. and they are having a hard time even getting a pre hire..
    When I was driving before..you could go to any place that had freight and get a job.. now it is tougher..
     
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