Military to civilian.

Where (location) will home be ??

 

The first problem you're going to have is that most companies will not except your military experience as OTR experience. Then did mine because I had my log books that showed that I was actually OTR with the Navy Seabees. I ran all over the states moving specialized heavy equipment for explosive range clearnance and the tractor was a civilian rental pulling a 60ton lowboy. If it was in a military truck they didn't want to count that. I ran into that problem with at least 5 companies. 15,000 miles is really no experience but you can try.

If I were you I'd do my best to stay away from company paid schools. There are programs you can use to help you pay for school. I don't know what they are because I never had to go to school but you can find all the info on this board. Also, you can look on line and find the companies that want ex-military. There are a few because they have realized that you have the discipline they like.

You may not be picky for your first jobs on what you want for days off. I recommend that you make a list of wants and goals with a time line. If you really want the true picture of what your chances are then you have to get out and go to the companies. Use the computer as a tool but do not rely on it solely. Find some good companies in your area and go see them. You never know and might get lucky. Just remember when you submit an application on line you're just a name. When you go face to face then they have a better idea and might like what they see. Plus the better companies have no need to advertise for drivers.

If I were you, and I once was, I'd go talk with some of the local companies you like and ask them what it will take to get hired on with them. That shows them you're very interested in their company. Just be sure to do your homework and know it's a good company. Good luck and feel free to send me any questions you have if you like.

 

Hey Oliver, I saw your thread in the Conway freight section, and definitely look at them. I just separated from the Marines in June, applied a week later, and within 2 days i was called in for an interview. I had my CDL before the military, but Conway freight is very military friendly. Home everynight, get paid for everything instead of dealing with the OTR crap at the bottom feeder companies.


LTL is the way to go man.

 

I used TA (Tuition Assistance) to pay for my school before I separated from the military. You can check with the schools in your area to see if any of them accept TA. I took that route so I would have a choice of training companies to apply. Timing is everything when separating, if you can work it out to complete your school while on active duty and finish near your end date, it will help you get your career off smoothly. Most companies won't hire you if it's over 30 days from your school completion, so keep that in mind when planning.

 

I far I know,any trucking company that has own school should take you on.I would call Swift Transportation and FFE.FFe would suite better since there little better than Swift.There few others too.

 

Oliver, check with schools in your area and see if they accept Tuition Assistance (TA). If so, apply for TA to pay for your school. TA can only be use while on active duty, if you can work it out with your supervisor that's your best route. This way will give you more options after completion. This is how I worked it when I separated and I had 3 training companies on the hook before I got that DD-214 in hand.

 

First thing I would do if it were me is get your CDL from the state, I know when I separated from the Air Force from fuels I could have just taken the written test and driving test right away to get it. There was no requirement to have a number of hours behind the wheel because the accepted the military experience for driving experience due to my job.

You might have a better chance of avoiding the requirement of training with the company and able to not have to sign your life away to get your cdl and could just start with a trainer.

 

A big thanks to ALL of you who serve or have served our military. It's because of folks like you that made it possible for us to live as freely as we do. You are my hero's.