Driving exp

Swift of today is not the Swift of 10 years ago, and older drivers like me sometimes have difficulty remembering that. There are quite a few current Swift drivers on this site that are perfectly happy working for Swift, as well as naysayers. Do some research, and see if Swift has something that may work out for you. Just because Swift is a poor fit for me (for example) doesn't necessarily mean that it's not a great fit for you.

And from what I've read, you need to get out of the outfit you're currently with before you run up a bunch of CSA points, and can't get hired anywhere....

 

Believe it or not, try Craig's List for some OTR jobs. There very well may be some localized companies in YOUR area that are on Craig's List.

What experience you have should be acceptable to those companies.

 

You are issued points for years of experience to determine pay and such. 1 year over the road counts as one point. Usually most companies count 1 year local experience as half a point. Not all do though.

You will either have to take a refresher or go through school because you have no experience whatsoever over the road. Nor do you have any experience hauling 53's. I don't doubt you are probably a good driver though. Most local drivers are very good drivers due to delivering to tight spots and multiple drops a day. An over the road driver may back up twice a day where as a local driver may back up 20-30 times a day!

 

My opinion is the smaller companies will take you without training but the bigger companies you will have to go out with a trainer.The ones that don't have training will not hire you.That just like ones driving a semi in the military that does not count as OTR exp with companies.Stupid but trucking is what it is.

 

Its actually the insurance companies that are dictating the rules for the mega-carriers. The smaller companies have cheaper, lenient insurance companies.

 

That's true chompi,they give the final call.

 

If you wanna do OTR, consider Roehl Transport out of WI. They are great company for people without much exp.

 

Its also not a good idea to choose a company just because they will take you without you putting forth any effort!

For instance, if Swift is going to take you no matter what, do you actually feel it is worth it? Do you think they are a worthy company if they are telling drivers just to come on? I would be weary, and also be prepared to be told otherwise when you get there! Some recruiters will say whatever it takes to get you to show up so that they get paid! Once in orientation they will tell you that you have to pay them $3500 for a refresher course or go home.

A good company isn't just going to take joe blow off the streets with no experience or any kind of training.

If it sounds to good to be true........