Realistic choice for new driver?

Discussion in 'Waste Removal and Garbage Truck Driver Forum' started by n14, Feb 16, 2021.

  1. n14

    n14 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 16, 2021
    Portland, Maine
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    To be honest - I have wanted to get my CDL to specifically drive garbage/dumpster truck. Is this something that can be done out of school? Or do you still need the year or so OTR experience first?
     
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  3. Badmon

    Badmon Heavy Load Member

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    It can be done. To hell with any naysayers
     
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  4. cke

    cke Road Train Member

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    Start putting in applications. Find out. EVERYBODY is looking for people to work. You’ll probably be surprised how fast you get a job offer.
     
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  5. Haystak88

    Haystak88 Light Load Member

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    I would get in touch with the local refuse companies and see if they have training programs.
     
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  6. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Waste Management used to require experience, but I don't remember if it was 1 or 2 years. I strongly suspect it was two years.
    In my experience, most insurance companies require at least 1 year experience, therefore the company cant hire you until you have the required experience.
    I seriously doubt you can just get your CDL & go to work... or go to school, get your CDL & go to work. These days, its almost impossible to go to work without at least some experience unless its with one of the self insured mega's.

    Good luck......
     
  7. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    One local garbage company has signs out they will help you get your cdl. I don't know if that means they will pay for training, or if they have an in-house school. It does, however, imply that they will take people with a shiny new cdl.
     
  8. Badmon

    Badmon Heavy Load Member

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    Footwork. Pound the pavement. Show your face. Sell yourself. It can be done
     
  9. RockinChair

    RockinChair Road Train Member

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    If everybody in your area wants experience then ask them about hiring on as a helper, or maybe pitching but not driving on a rear-loader.
     
  10. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    I got hired to run hazmat tanker in ND right off the bat when i got my CDL nust before the boom. So it can and does happen just shotgun your app out. SOMEONE will be scrambleing like mad for a driver and wont care if your a 60 year OTR vet who can drive anything with wheels or a talking dog with a drinking problem as long as you can fill a seat.

    Just be careful and review any company before you sign. Many who are that open with hireing are that way for a reason.
     
  11. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    In the county I live in it’s an individual that has the contract to all the garbage. He has actually hired guys before they had a CDL and let them ride/train while they were studying up to get it. One of the guys working for him is my first cousin and he loves his job.
     
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