Little to no experience - Trying to get back OTR after 14 month break

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Zata40, Jun 6, 2016.

  1. Zata40

    Zata40 Road Train Member

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    I went through US Truck Driver Training School in December 2014.
    Then I was hired by a major, well-known training company. I finished my driving with a trainer and got my own truck. Long story short, I have about 20 miles under my belt after getting off my trainer's truck. I had to put trucking on hold pretty much right away. I left on good terms.

    Now I haven't driven a truck since February 2015. So it's been over 1 year.

    Am I still considered a "recent cdl graduate"? I'm not really experienced. I've noticed some companies will only hire "recent cdl graduates" or 6 months minimum experience. I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of that. I'm fully prepared to go through the whole trainer thing again. I would expect nothing less.

    Any guidance? Thanks!
     
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  3. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    Call the company that you left. They will probably re-hire you.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Where is your location? Need to know the hiring area you live in. Are you in Michigan?

    Freymiller hires drivers with a long gap in driving; they have hired drivers that have been off the road up to 5 years. Do their short online application then follow with a phone call tomorrow to check on the application.
     
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  5. Zata40

    Zata40 Road Train Member

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    I live in southeast Michigan. I'll look into Freymiller. Thank you!
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Transport America and TransAm also hire drivers with a long gap in driving.
    Corrigan Moving Systems is another @Zata40
     
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2016
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  7. Zata40

    Zata40 Road Train Member

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    Thank you for your time, Chinatown. All three companies you have mentioned seem to be exactly what I'm looking for and I am seeing positive things about them. I'll be making some phone calls tomorrow. =)
     
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  8. Zata40

    Zata40 Road Train Member

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    I talked to recruiting at freymiller and Transport America today.

    TA doesn't have a refresher course, but they will reimburse for someone elses refresher course.

    Freymiller said they would just put me through orientation and immediately with a trainer for a few weeks to evaluate me. No road test (I asked specifically). They are just short on non-smoking trainers and there is a waiting list (just a few weeks). Im gonna wait it out and go with them.
     
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  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Smart move on your part. Good luck and best wishes getting your career on track.
     
  10. Crazytrucker77

    Crazytrucker77 Heavy Load Member

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    Sounds like you got something in the works. Most likely anywhere you go they will want to "evaluate" you before you are sent out on your own. I hope that things work out for you and your able to stick around this time. Good luck my friend.
     
  11. Zata40

    Zata40 Road Train Member

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    Thank you!
    The recruiter said she'd send me an email with an application, but I haven't received it yet. My last name is kind of hard to pronounce, let alone spell. So I have a feeling she may have spelled my email wrong. I'll have to call back tomorrow.

    I know I can fill one out on the website, but to me it's different to know I'm the one she talked to.
     
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