No School+ CDL = No companies willing to hire.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Cyclesdalecummins07, Oct 1, 2011.

  1. Cyclesdalecummins07

    Cyclesdalecummins07 Light Load Member

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    Sep 6, 2011
    slidell, la
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    I have some questions for the Forum. I currently have a Class A CDL with hazmat, tankers, and double/triples endorsements on it. I did not go to a driving school get my CDL I just used a truck and went and got it because I did not have the thousands of dollars to spend on a driving school. I have contacted a few companies such as SNI and have been told that they require at least three months experience to hire me or to go to a driving school and they would hire me as soon as I graduated. I dont understand that because they are willing to take someone who is fresh out of a school to drive but not me? I have driving experience but it was with a FEMA contractor after Hurricane Katrina who does not exist anymore and also I was paid cash under the table so I can not prove that I did anything. When I worked for the contractor I hauled mainly a dump trailer but towards the end I was hauling pilings and machinary. So my guestion would be is there any companies that will take me with out me having to go to a driving school? I see that many companies put new drivers like myself with a trainer for four to five weeks to train them so I dont see how I would be any different from the other drivers that came from a school.

    If this helps any I do drives trucks almost everyday. I currently work for frito lay and I jockey trailers for them at my dc. The truck I use is an International with a 10 speed tranny in it. I know how to up and down shift without using the clutch (floating) and I am used to having to get trailers into tight spots.

    Any help with this would be awesome.
     
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  3. BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    SW Missouri
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    The problem is their insurance. They require recent OTR experience or training. You might find something local or some small outfit that will give you a chance. You could probably move to TX or ND and get an oilfield driving job. Most larger companies won't hire you. They won't hire divers with 10 years of old experience or local experience either.
     
  4. misc

    misc Light Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2010
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    None of the typical large starter companies will take you. The insurance companies rule their world, and they can't put you on their policy.

    Your best bet is to find a smaller company with less insurance restrictions, a fly-by-night guy like your first employer or the oilfields.
     
  5. andy

    andy Light Load Member

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    Oct 16, 2010
    MT
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    Don't know about that... I bet I grind more gears in a day than an OTR driver does in a week. Yesterday I had 15 bills off in 2 hours. That's 15 docks I backed up to. That's quite a bit of "driving experience".
     
  6. KiloByte

    KiloByte Bobtail Member

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    Sep 12, 2011
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    Beautiful rig you got there.
     
    andy Thanks this.
  7. BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    SW Missouri
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    I don't make the rules. I just convey the information. If you want to use the search function on the TTR Forum, you can find a thread from a local driver with 10 years of experience in a Class B truck. He upgraded to a Class A on his own and after three months of job hunting opted for driving school.

    I don't agree with this policy but I assure you that the major companies will take a driving school graduate over an experienced local Class A driver. I assure you they will take a driving school graduate over a Class A driver with 20 years experience that is 10 years old too.

    It is what it is. If you don't believe me, do the research.............that's what I did.
     
    rich_t Thanks this.
  8. Cyclesdalecummins07

    Cyclesdalecummins07 Light Load Member

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    Sep 6, 2011
    slidell, la
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    Ok thanks for the help. I have buddy that owns his own rig and I work for him on the weekends but I have to be 25 to drive for him because as you mentioned the insurance so I have a few months to go.
     
  9. RAGE 18

    RAGE 18 Road Train Member

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    Dont be afraid to move out of your state to go where the jobs are...if you dont own a home head to ND or TX and put your CDL to make you money clearing 1200 a week and being home everyday dont get much better you will be doing better than alot of OTR drivers.
     
    U4EA Thanks this.
  10. metaluzc

    metaluzc Bobtail Member

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    Aug 23, 2011
    Morris Run, PA
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    Northern Pennsylvania is booming with gas wells also and they are always looking for natural gas drivers. Mostly water tanker but the average pay is $19/hr with overtime after 40hrs and you work 5 or 6 days a week/12-14hr shifts; so you are home daily and the weekends but work hard. A lot of people up here are from Southern states.
     
  11. Brownsfan16

    Brownsfan16 Medium Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2011
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    I wouldn't mind going to texas or northern PA as long as I new these companies would hire a new driver. Where in texas are these jobs located??
     
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