need advice from seasoned trucking veterans to break into the industry part-time

The School Bus might count with Greyhound, a Shuttle Bus Company ( Airport) or a Straight Truck but would be of no value toward a Tractor Trailer.

Companies invest allot of money in training new drivers and they won’t make that investment for a part timer.

Now for what you’re looking for, even a seasoned driver with 10 years Tractor Trailer Experience would have a great deal of trouble finding a position that fits your needs.

I have seen Companies allow drivers to work seasonal taking the winter months off but most of those drivers have a long history with those companies (They worked full time for years with said company before requesting such an arrangement.)

 

maybe you could hook up with a custom combiner out fit for the summer--or like a seasonal business--road construcion --something like that

 

Road Construction is Teamsters, he would be competing against 1,000’s of very qualified for the very few positions that are available. IMO he should choose, if he wishes to Drive Truck do it full time (at least for the first year or two), if he can’t do that then he should do something else with his down time in the summer.

 

Most carriers will require you to go with a trainer for at least a few weeks to a few months after you get your CDL. They are not likely to do that with someone whom they know up front will leave in a few months. Training new drivers is expensive. As someone else has mentioned, your bus driving experience will not count for much when it comes to 18 wheelers or driving otr. Even local 18 wheeler driving usually doesn't count with most carriers.

You might find something local once you get your CDL. Perhaps you could deliver soft drinks, beer or other things locally during the summer. There could be other delivery jobs available. I would check with your local state employment office to see if they might direct you. Another source is your school. They should have some contacts which could help you. Unless you spend some time on the road you are likely to be required to take a refresher before being able to find suitable employment. You may also check some of the other trucking sites to see if any might know some local companies where you could apply. www.classadrivers.com, www.truck.net, www.ooida.com are a few. Not that I am trying to move anyone from this site. There are other trucking sites. Some are more active than others. This is a fairly active forum. Some of the trucking sites do have classified sections where owners or trucking companies advertise for drivers. Some will allow you to place your own ad. Some of the trucking sites also have company listings with current hiring requirements.

There could be some bus charter companies or limousine companies that could use another driver. You could probably do that as soon as you get your CDL without any further training. It won't count toward any semi experience, but could supplement your income.

 

I disagree with that part, unless you are just talking about a spotter that never gets out of the yard. A City/Local Driver has far more driving experience where it counts the most, driving in city traffic and backing into tight spots a dozen times a day. I’ve been local for as long as 8 years and got hired OTR with no problems. I’m back to local now, and have made extra cash when OTR drivers paid me to back their trucks into tight spots they couldn‘t get into. Been doing this for 25 years. There’s a reason nobody hires newbie’s without several years of experience for local work but there are dozens of outfits that will hire students for OTR…

 

I agree that local should count when it comes to experience, but many carriers don't consider that as experience from what other drivers have told me. It seems to me that if you can deal with some of the big city traffic such as Chicago or Atlanta on a daily basis that you can do otr. I think that it has more to planning trips, but it isn't that complicated.

 

this is not a pert time industry. find something else to do

 

I would try and get into dump work or steel hauling in your area. Seems to me whenever i go through that area there is a lot of both going on. And don't believe all those Teamster jobs are covered. It helps to know someone even in another trade. But they hire guys,especially in your age bracket.