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suburban cab driver fired today and homeless today (want to get into trucking)

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ElricOfMelnibone, Jul 24, 2013.

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  1. Jul 24, 2013 #1
    ElricOfMelnibone

    ElricOfMelnibone Bobtail Member

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    Hello Truckers. I am posting in this section because I want to get a trucking job, but my situation is a little bit unique (to say the least). I am willing to go anywhere and work for any company, but I only have a few bucks in cash, and I have nowhere to live. I have been a suburban cab driver for the last 2 years, and since I was making only 200 dollars a week (even though I work about 14 hours per day) I had no choice but to live in the cab. Now, however, I don't have the cab anymore to use as a "house" and no income.

    So I have 2 questions. my 1st question is: How does it work with these companies that will train you for no money up front? Can I get pre-hired and get the training without paying anything up front? And if not, what fees or expenses are involved?

    The other question is: I have a good driving record but it only goes back 3 years - 2 in Illinois, and 1 year in FL. Will the mega-hiring mega-carriers find some way to get me insured and into a truck (Or, is the entire industry locked in at a 5 year driving history requirement)?

    I will pass the drug test because I don't do drugs or drink. I will not have trouble with the training because I'm not stupid (as one might think given how lousy I am at managing my life) In fact I was invited to join Mensa (its not MENSA because Mensa is not an acronym. It's Latin for "table" because Mensa is a "round table" organization...yada yada yada."

    One issue I might have is I am overweight, and might have trouble with the physical exam. I've heard that the physical exams are easy to pass, but still...

    So given these circumstances, do you think I could start a career in trucking?

    I'm sorry for posting such a complicated question, but I really need some input from people that understand the process of getting into the trucking industry. I very much appreciate your help.

    I want to add that I was fired because I could not make enough money to pay the cab lease. I have been working for negative income the last 3 weeks (less than zero dollars earned per week after deducting the cost of the lease, gas at $4.20 per gallon and other expenses).
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2013
    ElricOfMelnibone, Jul 24, 2013
    ElricOfMelnibone, Jul 24, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jul 24, 2013 #2
    snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    your driving record is for life.

    in utah, you can get the 3 years or the life time. each costs $6.

    i beleive some applicatioons ask for all states you've had a license in. cuz they'll check for dui's within the last 10 years. and other things.
     
    snowwy, Jul 24, 2013
    snowwy, Jul 24, 2013
    #2
  4. Jul 24, 2013 #3
    Wanderingaimlessly

    Wanderingaimlessly Medium Load Member

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    If you have an address which you can use to get your CDL ( relative, friend?) then you have that covered. With no address you can't get one or even hired at just about any job. Look around the forums at the megas. There is plenty of threads about the training at each one. From what I have gathered most places want you to have had a regular license for a year minimum. Over weight isn't necessarily an automatic disqualification, you may be asked to get a sleep study done. Many places will send you to get one and if you need a C pap machine then they may even assist you with that by giving you one and deducting it weekly for your pay. I was in a similar position as you many years ago. Went to an orientation with the last $500 I had to survive on. Good luck on your search.
     
    Wanderingaimlessly, Jul 24, 2013
    Wanderingaimlessly, Jul 24, 2013
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  5. Jul 24, 2013 #4
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    I absolutely HATE reading posts like these.

    If someone comes in, and has a passion for driving, wanting to truck, roam the bigroad and haul freight, I'm all for him and behind him 100%. You're looking for room and board and thats all. Just call a recruiter, any recruiter...it doesnt matter. You will be one of those guys that decided to try trucking because he was too lazy to try to do anything to better himself when he had time.

    And you will get a truck, and be one of those guys that takes a shower only when the manager of the truckstop gives you a comp shower. Everyone else will be able to smell you before they see you.
     
    TripleSix, Jul 24, 2013
    TripleSix, Jul 24, 2013
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    Joetro, RickG, Raiderfanatic and 4 others Thank this.
  7. Jul 24, 2013 #5
    Wanderingaimlessly

    Wanderingaimlessly Medium Load Member

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    Woah there driver. That is a pretty harsh blanket generalization there. I am glad you have never had that rough of a time yet. To classify him as "one of those people" is just ignorant. Sure you may have had experience with someone like this personally, doesn't mean that he will end up being that person you described. Nice discrimination thee driver.
     
    Wanderingaimlessly, Jul 24, 2013
    Wanderingaimlessly, Jul 24, 2013
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  8. Jul 24, 2013 #6
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Prove me wrong, Bleeder. You have one year. Then bump this post up.
     
    TripleSix, Jul 24, 2013
    TripleSix, Jul 24, 2013
    #6
  9. Jul 24, 2013 #7
    Wanderingaimlessly

    Wanderingaimlessly Medium Load Member

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    I don't need a year. I don't have to prove anything to anyone other than myself and my maker. I am "one of those people" you have such contempt for. Now I am sitting in a very nice home in the hills of Malibu over looking the beach, which I was able to get because of my work ethic and a #### good paying job. Have a good night driver.
     
    Wanderingaimlessly, Jul 24, 2013
    Wanderingaimlessly, Jul 24, 2013
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    skootertrashr6, dog-c, allniter and 1 other person Thank this.
  10. Jul 24, 2013 #8
    Chrahum

    Chrahum Bobtail Member

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    Harsh triplesix, but living up to your name.
     
    Chrahum, Jul 24, 2013
    Chrahum, Jul 24, 2013
    #8
  11. Jul 24, 2013 #9
    ShootThis

    ShootThis Medium Load Member

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    I do not believe Triple Six is being to harsh.The OP did ask for input and Triple Six was giving his.

    Life is harsh.Do not ask the questions if you do not want the true answers.
     
    ShootThis, Jul 24, 2013
    ShootThis, Jul 24, 2013
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    reefer75, Raiderfanatic, GasHauler and 2 others Thank this.
  12. Jul 24, 2013 #10
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Hmmm, sounds like your family was 3 for 3. Genetics?
     
    TripleSix, Jul 24, 2013
    TripleSix, Jul 24, 2013
    #10
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