Any Other Options??

I got rejected by Millis, Roehl, and Central Refrigerated, no drugs or tickets or anything. I think it was my work history, I was in school for a year or so, during which I wasnt working. Im 21, located in Alabama, my question is are there any other decent companies that offer CDL training that I should consider. I really want to get into trucking and dont want to give up, just because of those rejections. I'm a good honest worker who is definitely willing to do what it takes to get into the industry. Can someone please offer some good suggestions??

 

Just keep trying. At 21, you still have a ways to go before a lot of companies will look at you. Have you considered looking to construction or aggregate companies for the next couple of years or so?

 

I am thinking it may be the age.. a lot of companies want 23 or older for insurance reasons.. being a studentcounts as work history as long as you can prove you were a student.. which shouldn't be a problem, you can get your records from your school...

 

Yeah I provided them with my school records to show them I was in school. I didn't really give much though to the fact that it may be age. I just really want to get into trucking right now.

 

Often times those aggregate/construction companies will hire at 21. Sometimes, even younger. Yeah, its not wonderful work, but it IS driving, and it will give you experience handling heavy trucks. In fact, its not a bad thing for a young guy to do. After driving the junk that most of these outfits use, when you get a little age on you, and get a job with a good company, it will make you appreciate it more.

I honestly think that the old guys that get into the business as newbies after retiring from another career, (I was one of these,) miss out on a lot of good experience. Probably one of the reasons the majority of them don't last for a year.

The more varied experience you get, the better off you will be in the long run. Also, some of these aggregate haulers may teach you to operate some heavy equipment. Never a bad thing to be able to do.

 

Try these :

Swift
CRST
Willis Shaw Express

If you can get your CDL on your own at the DMV, Paschall Truck Lines will hire you.

JBS Carriers , if they are hiring in your area, will pay for Roadmaster driving school, but then dock your pay $100.00 a week for 12 months. One hundred dollars a week can hurt if you have some slow weeks. It's another option for some.

 

Another thing, I don't have my CDL yet.

 

Dont you have to be 23 for Swift? And I heard CRST wasn't a great company, according to the threads on here. I know I can't afford to be picky, but don't want to get stuck with some a-hole company for a year.

 

You only have to work for CRST for 8 months. Doesn't matter if the company is great or not. It's just a stepping stone toward reaching your goal.

I don't know the age requirements for any company I listed, so check the websites or call them.

 

You may want to continue on with school till you are 23 years of age, in addition to working at a job, either full time or part-time. This way you will have an "employment history" with the school, as well as with the job.

While you are at it, Get as physically fit and healthy as possible in the next 2 years. Really work to keep your numbers down: blood pressure, sugar levels, weight, cholesterol and triglycerides. Also, if you smoke, try to kick the habit altogether. It will both save your lungs and wallet.

Good luck to you.

God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!