Ok. I get it. My experience in commercial driving for the past 15 years means absolutely NOTHING now...Great!
I understand that these companies hiring a 21 yr old, wet behind the ears, straight out of some podunk driving school is what they want to increase their bottom lines. But I still don't understand a couple of things...
1. Why it is that years of commercial driving experience is not applicable simply because it is in a Triaxle Dump rather than OTR. I would think that this excuse of Ins companies requirements runs contrary to real world driving.
2. Why is it that most of these companies that want to "hire" you, want to do such at poverty rates like $300. to $400 per week, and then knowing that while you are out with the trainer you will burn that in expenses...What about your family, for all those 'supposed' family oriented companies? I guess it is easier to just talk, rather than walk.....
Anyway, I start with my current frustration....
Now. Situations....
I am a Truck Driver with 15 years Class B, and Class A experience. I have only held my Class A for one year, and drove for a local company for 10 months, before being told that the company was selling my truck and I was out of a job....
I started out looking for regional jobs in my area, and going on sites that are like classifieds and sending out alot of apps....I applied to Cowan Trking, and was turned down with no explanation. I don't understand why...My driving record is perfect, no points. I have no accidents, and I am 45 yrs old with experience...My guess is that ###### credit report they do with the app....My credit is pretty poor. But hey, I am a truck driver...heh, heh...(Inside joke)
A couple of questions that you all could help me with when talking with a recruiter would help me...So any insights you all can offer as far as questions I should ask, or way to make myself more marketable to these companies would be helpful....Thanks all....
j-mac
Questions, Situations, and Frustration
Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by j-mac, Oct 31, 2007.
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Drivers with many years local (home every night!) experience and good driving records quite often cant get a job OTR. Employers know that OTR is a different world and many, if not most, drivers will bail if havnt done B4 and go back to local work...
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I was 1 yr OTR B4 going local with a daycab (3 yrs) prior to getting my current OTR job (4 yrs). I guess so as NOT to start as a newbie, the best chance is networking thru friends who can recommend you to a small OTR company in your area who may be hiring?! Those jobs are usually snatched up ASAP that way---no need to advertise in the paper!
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Be careful NOT to put too much emphasis on home time!! Most likely you will have to pay some dues to get you foot in the door. The usual thing is too do what you have to do to get the 1 year of 'successful' OTR under your belt! Talking with drivers of a company can also help; but watch out for both the 'recruiter types' (will make $ off of 'bringing you in') as well as the 'complainer types', who b-tch about everything as is their nature!
And, as all us old guys have figured out, No experience (bad or good) is wasted in the 'school of hard knocks!!' LOL
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Wow, things sure are different up here in Canada! You'd be hired in a heartbeat, no questions asked, by a ton of companies up here. You wouldn't have to go out with a trainer more than one week, possibly two, then you'd be out on your own earning money the same as everyone else.
Yes, they'd start you at the bottom of the pay rate per mile because they do that to everyone to discourage company hopping but you'd be earning $800 to $1,000 a week in less than a month with quite a few companies up here IF and only IF you were willing to be OTR for at LEAST two weeks at a time, preferrably three.
I can't believe they make you take a trainer for WEEKS and at such a low rate!! That's awful!! Even with a trainer here, you're paid about 2 cents a mile less than a "regular" driver (bottom of the pole), not $300 or $400 a week. Ugh!!!
I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time finding a job, j mac. That just sucks
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Yeah, I know right?....That's what I thought I'd be greeted like, but man, did I get an awakening.....
Ah well....I guess jam is correct, I will have to pay my dues...Hopefully I will get to point in life where dues are paid...At 45 I don't know how many more I can afford....
Hey, you'll have to give me a heads up on where you are in Canada...Maverick says they run some limited Canada so I might be able to look you up when this all settles.......
Ok, so now the tougher questions....What should I be asking recruiters? And what is BS, and what is not?.....
Being a local yokel for so long has gotten me used to focusing on take home pay like a regular job....And from what I read this is unlike that, with the per diems, and fuel surcharges, tolls, and lodging etc....
j-mac -
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Look at it like Bootcamp!
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