The least worst option? Thinking of getting back on the road.

Hi everyone. My problem in a nutshell: I was working in the IT industry, and I got laid off. I have been having a tough time (as a lot of people have) finding another job, and so I am thinking of going back to driving. BUT I have one major stumbling block. For one, I only have about 10 months of OTR experience from back in 2001. Most hiring companies will not hire me because they want at least one year or more of OTR.

I tried most of the companies that have a good reputation based on the boards here (Heartland Express, CFI, Crete, and Marten which does not hire out of FL anymore). So my other option is to go for a company that might hire me as a 'student' driver again. So I am now 'stuck' between either working for someone with a not-so-great reputation (Werner, Swift, Stevens, Covenant), or just not or just not bothering applying anymore.

Does anyone know of any other good companies that I might have overlooked that will hire 'inexperienced/less than 1 year' drivers? I have a current class A CDL, no accidents, no tickets. I realize that my options might be limited, but I'd like to rely on you, the experienced 'road warriors' for sound advice. Thanks everyone!

 

Yeah, that's what I am seeing. In fact my employer back then was a local company that's still around, so we'll see what happens. Not surprisingly, Werner is all over me too, since they have a terminal close to home as well....lol. I think I'd rather pick the local company or work in another field altogether than work for the big blue screw. I mean, how sad is it that when I went to the terminal to get an app, one of their own drivers told me flat out that he hated the company!?