Old Dominion Training Program for experienced driver

Have you asked Old Dominion about automatic trucks.
Go to the terminal in person and ask. Talk to the terminal manager.

 

It's worth the trip to the terminal and find out for sure. Some line haul companies have a mix of stick shifts and automatics.

 

When a buddy retired last year they were still manuals - even if they have some autos now, you’ll be required to drive a manual at some stage as the trucks aren’t always assigned.

I’d definitely work there - we did 7+ years. Great pay and benefits, solo top pay is .72 cpm I think now.

 

Are there any "quick" courses in your area for learning to drive a truck? There are week-long refresher courses out there, and some schools will charge you by the hour to practice on their trucks if you already have a class a, depending on where you live of course..

 

I would contact the TM and make sure you fully understand the program. I don't know how it works for someone with experience. I will definitely say OD is a fantastic place to work. We don't have any autos in my area that I am aware of. I have heard they are testing some. However, when I asked the shop supervisor at ATL... he wasn't aware of anything. Regardless, new tractors are on backorder and nearly a year behind. Also, new drivers generally drive the old trucks. So yes, you definitely need to get that auto restriction off of your license. If it's something you can manage, do it. I highly doubt that you will regret starting a career at OD. We get treated good, make great money, benefits, and especially retirement are awesome. I highly recommend.

 

I run linehaul out of Indy and we don't have automatics. The rumor flying around here is they're going to start getting some in. Indy has started taking on drivers with no manual experience and training them. The way things work around here is everything is terminal to terminal. What I mean by that are the rules and procedures are different at each terminal. If you are near a major break bulk you will have a better chance of getting on and being trained.

 

I went through the dock to driver program myself, even though I had my CDL for a year. I also had to get the auto restriction taken off. It took me about 3 months from my first day to be approved to be a solo driver. I worked the dock for about a month waiting for the driver training class (There is a class at least once a month, in our region at least) After the week long class, you get set up with a P&D driver for at least 3 weeks, then a line haul driver for another 2. After that, you get scheduled to take a road test with a safety manager and if approved, will take another week or two to be approved by corporate.

 

How long did it take for you to hear back from them when you applied I just recently filled out an application for the truck driver training program I also have an automatic restriction.