Out of a truck for 15 years

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by streeter26, Mar 12, 2026.

  1. streeter26

    streeter26 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 20, 2011
    Sioux Falls,SD
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    I’ve got a question for you folks. Like the title says I’ve been out of a truck for 15 years and earlier this year I decided I would like to go back to driving pulling flatbed worked for TMC back then so I started applying with different companies and never heard anything back so I started calling and now they are telling me that since I don’t have any driving experience in the last three years I need to take a cdl refresher course with 120 hours is this really the case to get hired on with someone
     
    Wargames, austinmike and tscottme Thank this.
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  3. snowmantrucking101

    snowmantrucking101 Road Train Member

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    Yep...some 80, 120, 160 full course without test out at the end.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    That's common. Not every company requires it, but some/many companies do require a refresher course because their insurance carrier requires it. Chances are you won't have any problem, but did you use ELD back then. Driving with an ELD is different than doing log pages by hand. Lots of stupid little things and NOBODY has a CB. EVERYONE is on their dang phone all of the time.
     
  8. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    The bigger companies probably want this, a mom and pop outfit might be a better fit to start.
     
  9. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Sep 18, 2009
    Memphis, TN
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    Some companies will require a refresher others may want you to start from the beginning. Where I work, the requirement is 1 year experience in the last 3 years. Anything past 3 years, will pretty much be a no-go. Everyone has tightened up over the last 5 or so years.
     
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