Beginning to get desperate, could use help/advice.

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by buddha_, Aug 16, 2022.

  1. buddha_

    buddha_ Light Load Member

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    Been lurking here a while and just created an account finally as I’m running out of options.

    I’ve been wanting to drive since I was a kid, but due to having a prosthetic eye, it was out of the question, As a few of you know, FMCSA changed vision requirements recently and I was able to pass my exam and I’m on the road to finally being a driver.

    Unfortunately, I live in Maine and options are EXTREMELY limited. One of the reasons I went ahead and started going through the process is because the company that I am a lead for has decided to relocate at what seemed like the perfect time.They offered me relocation lump payment but it’s not enough to move and the cost of living is much higher where they’re going. I have until roughly October and it’s not a move I’m going to be able to make.

    Enter driving! I heard talk about all of these companies that are willing to train new drivers to get their CDL and even though the pay isn’t the greatest, it’s still almost double what I currently make (talk about terrible pay, lol). All of these companies also are putting ads out that they are hiring in my area or in-state, but when I call, they say nothing is available. I mean heck, Schneider posted an ad and I saw it two days later and called - lady said sorry we’re not hiring up there. The ad is still up.

    I’m honestly starting to get scared as I’ve paid out of pocket for vision exam, physical, hazmat training, etc and now it doesn’t seem like I’ll be able to get a job unless I wing the road test.

    I’m 100% positive I will pass the permit, no worries there, and I’m willing to run my ### off to prove myself. I have no special requests either, I’ll do what I have to. Only thing I could even think of is that I prefer to run solo once I’m on the road and actually hired, but it is not a must. Someone help this guy out?

    Thanks!
     
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  3. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    @Chinatown will get you a good company. As for getting home or moving just work out of state for a few weeks/months save up and move where ever a convienient terminal is. Good thing about being a driver is your office has wheels so its easy to ride out a sub optimal situation like yours.
     
  4. buddha_

    buddha_ Light Load Member

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    Excited to hear someone might be able to help lol.

    That’s honestly what I figured… go OTR for a little, have home time every few weeks to see my girlfriend and doggo but essentially live out on the road until we can get to a better location, but even mentioning that, both Schneider and YRC both said no. It was honestly a bit confusing.
     
  5. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    You would be suprised. A lot of the megas need warm bodies sure but you got a few things working against you. Namely your location and the fact you paid your own CDL rather then going through one of their contract mills being the big ones. Your a bad investment being in an area with limited/no contracts where its highly unlikely they will get you home often if at all and no club to hold over you if they take the risk. Keep in mind getting you in a truck costs them thousands due to everything from insurance to tester pay, drug tests, getting a truck prepared for you, paperwork to add you to a fleet and so on.

    Which is fine if they keep you long enough but with your resume the way it is your not idea for their needs. But like i said chinatown is great he is a walking talking business card and knows pretty much every good stater company who is likely to hire you anywhere in your area.

    Also as a side note any mega you join dont expect to get home much for the first 6 months. They are going to work you like crazy in that period.
     
  6. buddha_

    buddha_ Light Load Member

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    Awesome man, I really appreciate the insight!

    I haven’t gotten my CDL just yet, I’ve been doing the DOT health stuff though as I figured they wouldn’t want to do all the extra testing due to my eye. I just am on course to at least have my permit by September.
    I love being in Maine, it’s beautiful out here, but the work out here is not the worlds greatest unfortunately.
     
  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Move to where the job prospects are better. Yes, it's difficult. No, there is no guarantee. The states that produce little manufactured goods are not great places to earn a living driving a truck. FL is also a bit of a black hole for trucking. The state produces little more than sunburns and trash.
    NEVER WORK FOR CR ENGLAND. Highest turnover in the industry, they routinely put 3 people in ONE truck, and they pull reefers. There isn't one good thing to recommend them. They advertise so much MOST newbies think they are the ONLY company giving "free" CDL training. Dozens of companies do that. Half of the companies that hire newbies will reimburse students for CDL school.

    The best places for trucking are near where the major US interstate highways cross.
     
  8. buddha_

    buddha_ Light Load Member

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    I get that. Believe me, I think it’s about time for a change of scenery. I had what I thought was a good career here, but turns out there’s just no advancement opportunities. Plan was to get some $ saved and probably head back home to PA.

    Unfortunately, until then, I’m stuck.
     
  9. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    The good companies won't hire from areas in which they have little freight moving. The bad companies will hire you and claim you will get home as often as you like, regardless of the truth, and then replace you in a few weeks or months when you find out they don't have freight coming or going from your area. Not every company goes everywhere. If you are desperate you can put in some effort, also. Google the nearest place you could live, if there were jobs, and trucking company and see what turns up. Trucking requires much more independent action and motivation than many low-paying jobs. So it's good to get more active. Have you thought about looking into other trades like electrician and HVAC? Those are also in high demand everywhere and you don't have to sleep in a noisy, crowded truck stop next to a screaming reefer trailer or worry about some other newbie backing into your truck and only getting home once every month or two.
     
  10. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    What's holding you back from bugging out of Maine?

    nevermind I see it now
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2022
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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