Been off the road for a while, something i am seeing more and more...

unfortunatly insurance companies are steering the bus anymore,talked to many recruiters and thsat is what they say,responded to a flatbed ad around OKC and he said i needed 2 years of flatbed experience,even though i did it for years long ago,insurance

 

Noticed same thing I think its their way to keep you on the road forever after all most guys get tired of it after awhile. Eventually look for local work, just look into some of the smaller companies they will appreciate a driver with experience more than a bigger company especially if they got good equipment. Thats what I've done start next week, good luck...Also noticed while looking for work release forms asking about attitude or anger issues whats up with that?

 

I can only guess,and this is my opinion,but it is a very rare day when I do not get pissed,whether it be a broker asking me to run 22 straight hours to deliver a hot load,being lied to about appointment times,cheated out of miles,therefore $$,the list goes on.....I can honestly say,if I would have started this in my 30"s...,I would have at least a COUPLE of assault & batteries,as other peoples incompetence can get very frustrating at times....There are many,many things I did not mention that can get one PO"ED out here,and I think the companies want people who are "manageable."

 

Starter companies are self insured. They make their own rules.
Any company that is not self insured must follow tighter and tighter guidelines. One standard that has come to be in the recent years is two years of verifiable experience within the last three years.
Don't blame the trucking companies. They're run by the insurance industry.
Another thing you will find that is insurance driven is the requirement that drivers have graduated from and 'accredited' driving school with a minimum of 160 hours training.
If you're already driving, you're grandfathered in. But if you quit or retire like I did, and are out of it for more than a year or so, you will be required to go to school, even tho you already have a CDL.
I had retired for about 18 months and had to go back to school.
Then I had to go to a starter company since I didn't have two years verifiable experience within the last three years.
hooda thunk it!

 

Well, there are probably a few things that contribute to this. First and foremost is the economy. No matter what the school recruiters tell you, there is no longer a shortage of drivers.

Back when companies were willing to hire anyone who was able to legally drive, the driver's were a bit harder to find. Companies had tractors sitting idle, and loads they couldn't haul because they didn't have the bodies to drive the tractors. Today, there are numerous applicants for every job opening.

Then, there is also the fact that certain companies would much rather take a green driver than an experienced one. It is a hell of a lot harder to screw over an experienced hand than it is a rookie.

Of course there are the (alleged) tax breaks for hiring rookies. I keep seeing this, but have no personal knowledge of it, which is why I say alleged.

 

I am in kinda the same boat, tho I have been out a little longer. I AM however finding a few companies that will take drivers as long as they can verify at least 6mo experience w/in the last 3yrs.

Best of luck to all, keep it safe out there, looks like I'll be joining ya'all out there shortly.

 

Even though you always know how to drive, other things change.

New technology on trucks and communication.
FMSCA with their ever changing rules.
State laws changing
Depending how long you been out, roads changing

For those reasons and maybe more, insurance companies feel drivers need refresher training after a certain time.

If one wants a change or a break from OTR, just don't stay gone too long. I would limit breaks from 1-2 years.

 

Well, there are probably a few things that contribute to this. First and foremost is the economy. No matter what the school recruiters tell you, there is no longer a shortage of drivers

Oh yes there is..............and always will be untill the drivers stick together, they just have the pick of the litter now, untill they ruin the good dog, they will than settle for anything, turnover is high.......simply because the drivers allow it