Application process - How Long Until I Hear Back?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by iceblue, Jul 26, 2011.

  1. iceblue

    iceblue Bobtail Member

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    May 16, 2011
    NY
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    I sent a few online applications out over a week ago to Swift, Central ref. I'm trying to get into one of the companies that train new drivers. Does anyone know about how long it normally takes for them to respond back?
    Do they call you or send something in the mail ect ect....?
    thanks:yes2557:
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2011
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  3. zebcohobo

    zebcohobo Vincent Van Gopher

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    Sometimes it takes a couple weeks before you hear anything. Give them a call and talk to a recruiter they will hook you up.
     
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  4. TruckerGsch

    TruckerGsch Medium Load Member

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    I was going to go with Swift even went to one day of orientation. I emailed the recruiter several times. The only time he emailed me was in the beginning and twice when I left orientation. He did not offer any info I had to ask all the questions. You have to persue them. lol
     
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  5. BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    If you want something go after it, don't wait on them. I'm old school but I have no use for online applications. It's too impersonal. I prefer to sit across the desk but when I can't do that then I call them. Thousands send in online applications and many don't follow up or even pursue the training or job. When you call you have a chance to make an impression. I'll share my standard advice.

    You need to research and find out what the important questions are. You can make an above average living but you will make sacrifices that other jobs don't require. Read the "good companies" and "bad companies" section on this forum and get an idea of what company you want to work for and what kind of trailer you want to pull. Don't just go to school and then try to figure out where to go.

    I don't know your financial situation. Don't take training from a company if you can afford it or get it with financial aid. You will be their slave for up to year. If you leave they will trash you DAC and credit record. Check out your local community colleges and employment office.

    Just know that most training and trucking company recruiters will do nothing but lie to you. They will let you talk about what you want and then tell you what you want to hear. Trucking is about moving freight to make money for the company. Your home time, family, paycheck and everything else comes second.

    It is not like any other job. Local is usually backbreaking delivery work 10+ hours a day, 6 days a week. Often you unload dozens of times a day or you are a salesman. In my area most dump truck jobs pay less than a good factory job. Regional is lots of loading and unloading time, fewer miles than OTR and not as hard as local but will wear on you and push your HOS limits. OTR is out 3 - 5 weeks with 3 - 4 days home, less manual labor and more miles.

    You'll probably have to pay your dues before you get the gravy job. Weekends off, if you are lucky enough to get something like that starting out, may be home Thursday afternoon and leave Saturday night or home Friday night and leave Sunday afternoon. Loads deliver on Monday early and you leave in time to get them there. Often your home time will be in the middle of the week.

    Regardless of your driving choice, after school you will go through company training. For OTR this can be six weeks to three months with little or no home time. The first phase is usually $400 a week and the second phase is $500-550 a week. Some pay less. One company pays 12 CPM for training.

    You don't want to wait around too long after training or you'll have trouble finding a job. If you get out before you have a year in, when you try to come back a few months later you will find they want you to start over.

    One last thing, if you have anything that makes you less desirable than your competing job applicants, a phone or in-person interview will often bring the best results. Even if I am the best candidate I will choose face-to-face if at all possible and phone if not. Sure you may have to fill out that online application but that isn't the best way to get a good job. You have to do something or be someone who stands out from the crowd. Do regular follow-ups by phone on the jobs you really want.
     
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  6. zebcohobo

    zebcohobo Vincent Van Gopher

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    The standard adivce bit is pure genius Bigjohn. I've encountered it all over the forum. Good idea and dam good advice too. Thanks
     
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  7. Gren10101

    Gren10101 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 18, 2011
    Portsmouth NH
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    If the hiring company is pressed then it could be 2 days or less. Given the economy, it could be a few days more but if you are qualified and live in the right location it should be soon...
     
  8. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    Just call them up a day or two later. Most places I applied called me a couple hours after I applied. The place I really wanted to work for, and currently do work for, never called me back so I figured they didn't want me since everyone else called me quickly. I finally called them a month later and 5 mins later I was scheduled for orientation with a hotel room already set up for me.

    So call, you may have just been forgotten or scanned over. I would of been working a month earlier if I did.
     
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  9. swamptrucker

    swamptrucker Bobtail Member

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    Jul 3, 2009
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    All depend on how bad their looking for drivers, as fast next day to never lol.
     
  10. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Arlington Heights, IL
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    Always call in a day or two. To introduce yourself and confirm they received the app.

    Mikeeee
     
  11. al_huryn

    al_huryn Medium Load Member

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    Apr 19, 2007
    Philadelphia, PA
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    I've had pretty good luck I suppose, I've heard back, in several instances, within an hr. or two. Most though have been 1-2 days for me. Almost all of them have been to offer the job. I'm looking right now and have 2 firm offers waiting on a 3rd to get back now. When that happens I'll make my decision.
     
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