Local jobs right out of school?

Most likely have to find a small local company that would be willing to take a chance on a new driver. So many new drivers don't continue in the field. Most local companies want 1 to 2 years experience. Some LTL companies have apprentice programs though. You'll have to work the dock some to start.

 

My first (and current) job out of school is driving a day-cab for Werner. I grab a trailer in OKC and bring it to Amarillo, swap with one brought from Albuquerque and take it back to OKC. Home every night. Doesn't pay very well but sleeping in your own bed is worth something.

 

Alot of LTL companies will hire rookies (no matter what anybody else tells you). Like others said, you will have to work the dock some at most of them, and the work isnt always stable. But being home every night is worth it to me.

 

Not sure exactly where your at, But look for intermodal jobs, Container and rail yards.

Thats probably the eaisest place to get your start

 

Do you live near a Lowe's or maybe a lumber supply company? I know Lowe's has some trucks that require a CDL.

 

Try Conway freight. There's also logging, grain haulers and dumps.

 

If your planning to go through a trucking school, many will have a list of local companies that hire students. Beverage distributors, construction companies, food service companies. You'll drive, but you'll also hump freight part of the day. Money can range from poor to decent. I know Coke and Pepsi hire students.

 

I was hired right out of CDL class with zero experience. I've been hauling diesel now for about 6-7 months..i'm actually getting companies offering me jobs! I got offered a job just yesterday moving rigs. Anyhow, I had to spend 4wks riding shotgun while I waited for my Hazmat letters but my company wanted drivers.

 

You can get lucky and land a local gig but it is going to be tough, especially during these times. I would consider a different career because I would hate for you to spend all that money and time only to find out that your only options are to go over the road. I know for sure by reading your post that over the road will not be for you. Hoping to get a local job right out of school is going to be a big gamble! I would say 80% of experienced drivers out there probably would like a driving job in which they were home every night. Probably 95% of newbies would like to have a local job too. There's your odds. Don't want to come off negative though so I will throw in the "it is possible" line.

If you don't mind the thought of being away from home then I would say go for it. This way if you have to wait a year or so to get the local job then it will be worth it. If you don't get the local gig you just wasted $6000 and three weeks and you have roughly a month or so before you will have to take a refresher course to get hired anywhere.