Recent grad

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Sashalogy, Nov 19, 2024.

  1. Sashalogy

    Sashalogy Bobtail Member

    4
    1
    Nov 19, 2024
    0
    Looking to set myself up for highest probability of getting a D.O.D. driving career
    ClassA ✔️
    All endorsements ✔️
    Currently getting exp ✔️
    1 incident (personal veh.)
    No infractions
    ClassB (25yr exp)
    No criminal history ⚖️
    I have no established Teammate driver
    Any guidance/ advice?
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2024
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  3. lual

    lual Road Train Member

    4,698
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    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
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    You need:
    • 3 years OTR CDL-A experience, with a clean safety record
    • You already have the tanker & hazmat endorsements
    • Download US government form "SF-86"....& fill it out as completely & accurately as possible. You (& your team partner) will be THOROUGHLY VETTED from your respective form info
    • If you are still single -- stay that way
    • If you are still childless -- stay that way
    • If you are currently not a homeowner -- stay that way
    • If you currently don't use recreational drugs -- don't start; if you do -- better quit
    • Don't use "gummies"
    • Toughest part may well be finding a compatible teammate; most carriers for DoD won't pair you up with one
    • Avoid car accidents/traffic citations/warnings
    -- L
     
  4. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

    14,863
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    Sep 18, 2009
    Memphis, TN
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    What he said.
     
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  5. Blu_Ogre

    Blu_Ogre Road Train Member

    8,213
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    Jul 14, 2013
    Out west
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    @Nahbrown recently went through the process.

    Ping may get their attention. If not may want to drop them a private message.
     
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  6. Nahbrown

    Nahbrown Medium Load Member

    395
    1,765
    Sep 6, 2021
    Illinois (the sane part)
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    all good advice.
    Some companies only require two years experience
    get flatbed experience

    there are some companies like Panther that you may not even have to buy a truck to get started but most will require you to have a California compliant Semi. A few require you to have a trailer as well.
     
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  7. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

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    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
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    25 years Class B certification so you’re not new to trucking. That’ll help you a lot
     
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  8. lual

    lual Road Train Member

    4,698
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    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
    0
    Some DoD carriers will want you to have some flatbed duty in your past.

    You don't say where you are located, but the following are some flatbed carriers that are likely looking for drivers (if you have no previous flatbed/big rig experience -- they offer very good training, as well):

    • Maverick Transportation
    • TMC
    • Melton Truck Lines
    • Jordan Carriers
    • McElroy Truck Lines
    Avoid ("steer clear") Western Express!!!! :confused: :rolleyes: :eek:

    -- L
     
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  9. Eddiec

    Eddiec Road Train Member

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    Feb 2, 2015
    0
    Boyle Transportation

    Tri State Motor Carriers
     
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  10. Nahbrown

    Nahbrown Medium Load Member

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    Sep 6, 2021
    Illinois (the sane part)
    0
    Keep this in mind regarding your Security clearance. If you already have it you are very desirable and companies will work with you to get you on board.

    if you don’t have a Security Clearance then they may want you to run general freight for 6 months before paying to get your Clearance.


    If I were in your shoes I would call ATS. They have a flatbed division AND a DOD secure freight division.
    tell them your long term goals up front. Find out their requirements to be a company flatbed driver and how transferring to DOD secure would work. You will need to find a teammate eventually but that can wait for now.
     
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  11. Sashalogy

    Sashalogy Bobtail Member

    4
    1
    Nov 19, 2024
    0
    What exactly is "ping?"
     
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