Not Eligible for Rehire

Not a big concern in today's market for truck drivers.

Just one way 100% turnover truckload outfits attempt to intimidate and retaliate. Shows how carriers think of their drivers as a commodity.

You left. You fired them... so they're not happy with you. So what!! When things were better for them, carriers like Gordon were known for bringing drivers in to immediately clean out their truck when they gave notice or were found putting out applications.

 

What you DON'T want to do is get defensive about it and start bad mouthing that employer to your new, prospective employer. Even if prodded. Find a nice way to say, even if they weren't, that they're a good outfit that you got sideways with and felt necessary to leave.

Leave it at that. If they're nosey, ask, "Why are you concerned about THAT?" And mean it. You have a right to some dignity and privacy about your past.

It's like a date wanting to quiz you about your past flames...

Consider it a red flag about THEM. All they should care about (and all most care about) is that you qualify on their insurance, can get the job done and drive their truck.

 

Hi CJ, years ago, I left jobs with no notice (take this job and shove it) and just didn't put them on the next application, but nowadays, with all the electronic records and such, you can't do that. I would hope the next employer would look at your performance and driving record, and not why a past employer is upset because you quit, regardless of the notice. If it's just a lack of enough notice, that's crazy. Is a past employer giving you a hard time because you quit? I suppose you could contact them and ask what gives, although, that probably wouldn't help much, it's their way of getting back at you for quitting. I think you'd be better off explaining to the new employer why you quit the one giving you trouble. If they don't understand, you may not want to work for them anyway. I would think any respectable company would understand, not getting paid is a pretty good reason to quit.

 

Yes, this industry has massive turnover, and yes, you won't have a problem finding "a" job. But if you plan to remain an employee you should be concerned because it does eliminate some of the better jobs.

Keep your nose clean (put up with subpar working conditions for) 2 years & good jobs will become available. Keep your nose clean 5 years, and you can pretty much write your own ticket.

"Ineligible for rehire" is not keeping your nose clean. A desireable Walmart DC, for example, probably won't hire you until a few more years pass -- and then only if you stayed at one job.

Bouncing from mediocre job to mediocre job for 5 years is not the kind of history you want to show -- even in "today's market."

Agreed. Be professional...

I think the manner in which you leave is a reflection of your character, and I do think good employers ought to look at it. HR personnel have only limited data with which to make a hiring decision -- it would be lazy bordering on negligent to ignore such telling information.

 

Past employers are usually very careful not to say anything more than yes, you worked for them and only yay, or nay, on the period of time because there are a variety of grounds on which they can be sued for trying to prevent you from getting further work in the industry.

HireRight has formalized a sort of 'get back at you' system. Some of that works for you where an employer documents your experience, that you did mountain driver, full OTR, regional, etc. And it works against you with regard to non-DOT reportable accidents...

Unique to trucking, I think. If you think an old employer is bad mouthing you, for $50-$75 an attorney will write them a letter on your behalf and likely straighten them right up.

 

Many companies are tight lipped for fear of lawsuits, though as you know, you can be sued for anything. Having a successful suit brought against you is another thing...

Truth is an affirmative defense. Employers can get into trouble for being malicious, but they absolutely have the right to objectively state:

"CJ worked for us from x to y, was late without notice 5 times, caused $3,975 worth of damage to company property, had 2 customer complaints, quit with no notice, and is not eligible for rehire."

 

Or Tyson. Or McKee foods. Or any one of 100 "good" ($80k / good benefits / decent conditions) trucking jobs.

I absolutely understand. But it is wisest to give 2 weeks notice. Most times a company will say "that isn't necessary, we'll route you in." Even if they do get you two more weeks, you protect your record.

Sure, it isn't fair that they benefit from your slave labor. But this is reason 1,572,397 why you need to thoroughly research your potential employers.


Say you get an erroneous bill for $30. The wise thing to do is pay the bill & then dispute the charges. The dumb, though morally satisfying, thing to do is fight/ignore the bill without paying it. You quixotic quest will harm your credit until you finally get it resolved. In the meantime, your cost of capital goes up -- and for what, some short-term pride?


Pick your battles...