Question about refresher courses

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Zonno, May 2, 2020.

  1. Zonno

    Zonno Light Load Member

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    If a driver already has Class A CDL but hasn’t driven in awhile, is a refresher course just as good as going back through a normal school such as a technical college when it comes to getting hired? With most technical schools, you can reenroll with the rest of the non-CDL holders, but it takes longer than a simple refresher course would.

    In my case, I went through school 5 years ago but never drove a tractor-trailer for a living. (I have straight-truck experience, including some bobtailing, but no combination experience). Would I better off just to go through a tech school again, or would a refresher course be just as good?

    As far as personal skill and comfort, I believe a 3 week course would be enough for me to me to get the hang of it again, but the question is what would look better on my resume?
     
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  3. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    No. Its not a full school.

    If you are the driver I think you are, you are going to have everything back to you in terms of shifting, backing and so forth in a hour or less. Ive been away longer than you and somewhat rusted, but I am very sure I can put a semi into a dock in one move today.

    The rest of it will be eld, changes since your time and so on.

    Refreshers are good. I like them. But I don't think you need a whole hell of a lot of time once you go aha. I remember...
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If you still have a cdl then Ozark Motor Lines will hire you.
    This company has a program for drivers in your situation.
    At least you'll be making money while going through their refresher program.
    Ozark Motor Lines Careers | Mid-South
    https://www.Drive4ozark.com
     
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  5. Zonno

    Zonno Light Load Member

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    Yes he biggest thing will be getting used to the trailer. I can already shift. But here again, will a refresher be enough period, considering I have no experience whatsoever other than going through school?
     
  6. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    Just go with the refressure. After a couple weeks you'll be good to go. Only take a few days to get used to the trailer. But........The company you apply to might require schooling.
     
  7. Zonno

    Zonno Light Load Member

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    Ok thinks. Would this also be true for local outfits (like Coca Cola, 7up, ect.)
     
  8. dptrucker

    dptrucker Road Train Member

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    you can try to apply to companies a d see who would hire you.
    I think most would put you with a trainer.
    at least you would be getting paid somewhat.
     
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  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Beverage companies take drivers with only a cdl permit in many cases.
     
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If you want to do beverage; soft drinks, beer, wine, just go in person and apply. You'll be hired if you look like you can physically handle the job.
    Which town do you live in?
     
  11. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    The bigger the trailer the even more sweetie it is. Trust me.

    Although on ice at 30 she can be such a royal #####.
     
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