Frustrated experienced driver

Well unfortunately you are wrong. I have great west insurance. They have set the minimum requirements my drivers have to meet. They actually say yes or no. If they say no my only real option is to shop for a different insurance company.

 

Steve - I know it sounds ridiculous but there is some logic behind the 'recent experience' requirement. I train for Schnieder and of the three 'experianced' guys I've had on my truck over the last year only one of them actually knew what he was doing. He picked up on e-logs and our dispatch system, asked pertinent questions about company policy, and I didn't have to say a word about shifting or backing.

The middle guy needed to knock a LOT of rust off but got there in the end. At the start of the week he performed the same as any of the recent truck school 'graduates' I get.

The last guy had a CDL since 1992 but hadn't driven since 2000. He could float the gears up, but not double clutch and could not downshift. His backing was okay but he would not GOAL, even when he was close to hitting something. He had no idea how to log (paper or elog) and did not comprehend the HOS and the need to be compliant. This guy did not make through the final phase of training.

Smaller and midsize companies don't want to take guys who have been out of the industry for a while because they don't know what they're going to get. On paper a guy may look like a great driver but may not be in fact. If they hire out of the mega carriers at least they know what they're likely to get.

 

what is goal

 

Get Out And Look

 

Try smaller companies.The mega companies won't bend the rules for anybody.

 

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i was local for 10 years.

sooner or later some crap company will come along looking for drivers. and will take anyone. WITHOUT the recent OTR experience.

that was how i got back out.

i think the insurance is the final say with anyone though.

 

Well things today are not like they used to be in this industry.

A long time ago it seems now, just a phone call would land you a job, right then and there. You called, said you had a CDL, and the next question they asked was, "where do we send the bus ticket?"

Things have certainly changed, my oh my! Have they ever.