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Returning driver needs advice on work history. I need to get HIRED!!!

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Hooda, Mar 8, 2013.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Mar 8, 2013 #1
    Hooda

    Hooda Light Load Member

    81
    35
    Jun 28, 2012
    Rockville, Minnesota
    0
    Howdy Folks! Here's the deal. I am a former local lowboy driver. I've been in another trade for the past 18 years, and hated every minute of it. I have maintained my CDL for all of those years, but haven't driven a tractor/trailer since the mid-90's. I decided to go to a 160 hour trucking school because I did a little research, and becoming an indentured servant to a bottom-feeder company for 6-12 months ain't gonna happen. I want to get in with a flatbed company right out of the chute, but the ONE problem is that I've been unemployed, and at the same time trying to start a business for the last 2-1/2 years. I was told that one of the biggest issues I will have is not having a stable work history for the past 3 years, and since my business never created any revenue, I don't have tax returns to prove it. So, I already have my class A, with doubles/triples, tanker and HazMat endorsements, TSA clearance, a new passport, current health card, birth cert, social security card, and will be done with school around the end of March, 2013 (3 weeks from now). Plus squeaky-clean driving and criminal background. So, where do I go, and what do I say to explain my work history, or how do I get a callback after they can my app over that? The other issue is that I live outside the hiring radius of some of the better companies, but plan on moving inside next month, thereby erasing my "2 years stable address". This is a needed change in lifestyle for me, and I can stay out for a couple months at a time, no prob. Just need to know what/who/how so I can maybe be hired BEFORE I finish school(prehire). Anyone with info or advice, it would be greatly appreciated. P.S. going to drive for Werner or England for .23 cpm is NOT an option. The main reason I'm posting this now is so I don't hear "you shoulda' did this" or I wouldn't have done that" after I've already blown a "dream job" with someone over something stupid. Thanks.
     
    Hooda, Mar 8, 2013
    Hooda, Mar 8, 2013
    #1
    Chinatown and mje Thank this.
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  3. Mar 8, 2013 #2
    rda2580

    rda2580 Heavy Load Member

    749
    5,484
    Feb 22, 2012
    Lower Michigan
    0
    Look on craigslist yet?
     
    rda2580, Mar 8, 2013
    rda2580, Mar 8, 2013
    #2
    mje Thanks this.
  4. Mar 8, 2013 #3
    Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

    9,551
    19,977
    Apr 19, 2011
    0
    An established veriable work history for the most recent 5 years is a federal mandate. Has something to do with 9/11 I think.
     
    Scooter Jones, Mar 8, 2013
    Scooter Jones, Mar 8, 2013
    #3
    mje Thanks this.
  5. Mar 9, 2013 #4
    Hooda

    Hooda Light Load Member

    81
    35
    Jun 28, 2012
    Rockville, Minnesota
    0
    Yes, I'm aware of that, (thanks to 911, I think they want waaaaay overboard on the regulations). But, I guess that what I'm concerned about is HOW the company will look at it. General perception could be that I'm lazy, when, in fact, I'm anything but.
     
    Hooda, Mar 9, 2013
    Hooda, Mar 9, 2013
    #4
    mje Thanks this.
  7. Mar 9, 2013 #5
    wisemagic

    wisemagic Bobtail Member

    33
    17
    May 28, 2010
    New Iberia Louisiana
    0
    I went thru a similar situation except for the work history. I got out of trucking after 13 years and when I tried to return, most companies would not hire me because insurance companies required 3 months in a truck within the last 3 years. I kept looking and hit on a self insured company. Thinking I would do some time with them and get my status back up, then find a better job, and move on. Funny thing is, I'm in my second year back on the road, and this company has actually treated me very well, so I have no plans to leave. I can understand you not wanting a "bottom feeder" type job, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet. Take what you can get, do 3 to 6 months, and keep looking for what you really want. The odds are stacked against you right now. It's just the nature of the industry, and the strictness on job history, and your location and the like. Be careful with "local" jobs too. Some OTR companies do not recognize local driving experience unles you cross 4 state lines. But, then again, a local job may pay as well as an OTR job and give you more home time. Basically, your options are limited, so turning down anything that may help get your status back up shouldn't be optional right now. Best of Luck!
     
    wisemagic, Mar 9, 2013
    wisemagic, Mar 9, 2013
    #5
  8. Mar 9, 2013 #6
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,116
    180,417
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    I recommend you apply to several companies anyway and explain the 2 1/2 years the best you can.

    Take what you can get for 12 months then move to what you want.

    Try Paschall Truck Lines. It's a dry van company but is the first step toward your goal of flatbed.

    Also apply at Watkins & Shepard (flatbed division).

    Here are some more flatbed companies for future reference. Apply now, if they say no, apply again in 12 months. None of these companies is bottom feeder.

    Falcon Transport
    System Transport (trans-system)
    Melton Truck Lines
    Boyd Brothers
    Maverick
    TMC
    ATS
    Western Express
    Howard Transportation
    PGT Trucking
     
    Chinatown, Mar 9, 2013
    Chinatown, Mar 9, 2013
    #6
    mje Thanks this.
  9. Mar 9, 2013 #7
    Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

    4,250
    9,987
    Jan 30, 2012
    Charlotte, N.Carolina
    0
    the LTL companies in your area may give you a shot also.

    some will give the new guys a shot.

    might have to work the dock and switcher a bit to get your foot in the door.
     
    Numb, Mar 9, 2013
    Numb, Mar 9, 2013
    #7
    mje Thanks this.
  10. Mar 10, 2013 #8
    Hippysiam

    Hippysiam Bobtail Member

    11
    4
    Apr 30, 2010
    Huntington beach. CA
    0
    You might have to start evevrything over again with big company or work for small company with cash.
     
    Hippysiam, Mar 10, 2013
    Hippysiam, Mar 10, 2013
    #8
    mje Thanks this.
  11. Mar 10, 2013 #9
    dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

    2,162
    622
    Mar 26, 2010
    MN
    0
    Talk to ats near St. Cloud
     
    dude6710, Mar 10, 2013
    dude6710, Mar 10, 2013
    #9
    mje Thanks this.
  12. Mar 11, 2013 #10
    10speed55

    10speed55 Light Load Member

    165
    78
    Dec 30, 2012
    southwest va
    0
    well good luck with that, i been out of truck 3 months and the company's i have talked to just can't belive i havenot worked in 3 months. and what gets me is the job i had for 7 years i never missed a schedule days work. i just said well they know you don't got to be there so we won't hire him cauese he don't got to have that check so we can't push him around. just my opnion can't think of any other reason
     
    10speed55, Mar 11, 2013
    10speed55, Mar 11, 2013
    #10
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