About Looking for Jobs...

Yeah, UPS is the way to go.

 

Schneider veteran here.....

It's almost impossible to accurately describe just how bad the CDL job market is right now....for new CDL holders.

It's worse for people like you -- who don't have a CDL yet.

Here's a glimpse at what I'm talking about:

Werner Enterprises says end of downcycle getting closer

Schneider basically isn't hiring inexperienced in Southern CA right now. Most other carriers that would bring you aboard...now want 3-6 months previous experience elsewhere. Some want even more.

The freight market just doesn't support that kind of hiring right now.

You can either:

• Check out jobs with USPS
• Apply for a "dock-to-driver" type position with one (or more) of the LTL carriers (XPO, R+L, UPS...etc). The forklift/pallet jack experience you would get there will be beneficial even later when you become a driver.

Since you haven't given us your zip code &/or nearest city in CA -- it's tough to give you any better suggestions or feedback....

-- L

 

If it's not on the Schneider jobs site, there isn't an opening.

I believe we are restricting what we hire for out of California, largely do to lack of freight volume.

 

If you aspire to a "western 11" type job -- what you REALLY need is a great training program, & a REALLY good trainer.

The western 11 routes will of course require training in mountainous driving, with snow.

Thus -- you will need a trainer that is proficient in demonstrating to you how to chain up (among other things, of course). You also need to learn how to winterize a tractor properly -- to stay running in extreme cold conditions.

With all that said -- if you still want a western 11 gig -- BE VER-RY CAREFUL about who you sign up with. Know their training program length & routes, before committing.

Stay away from any/all "dollar store" jobs or accounts. Those are bad choices for inexperienced drivers.

-- L

 

Not necessarily.

For example: If you drove southeastern regional -- you would not really need to chain up.

I drove the northeastern US in winter. I never winterized the tractor, or added special stuff to the fuel to keep it from jelling.

Out west -- & in the mountains...it's a different world.

-- L

 

Indeed leaves jobs posted after the position has been filled. I learned this when when I applied for a job that was filled 2 years ago. If you don't see something like "urgently hiring" or something indicating they are hiring multiple applicants, the listing could be outdated.

 

Getting a job is so crazy. I’ve been an owner operator for 7 years with a clean record. Literally applied at numerous companies that were supposed to be hiring and never heard back. Finally I went to a tree company for a few months. I sent in my resume again to the first company I had really wanted to get on with and the guy called me the next day. I went in for an interview and they hired me on the spot. I guess it’s all about timing.