Gone too long, what now!

Hi everyone,
I thought I would stop by here and get some idea's or suggestions on what to do, I am being turned down right and left for a company driver
position because I have been off the road too long. I owned a reefer trucking company back in the 90's for 5 yrs in Washington State, drove 48 states.
I quit that business because a driver I hired totaled my truck.
My last job as a driver was with Werner Enterprises from 03/2008 - 05/2009. I drove hard 48 states for them then mother took ill and I had to stop and take care of her for while, I took a job locally (non driver job).
I am trying to get back on the road but running into dead ends. everyone says I need to go to refresher school. I went to refresher school to get on with Werner. I talked with a company, I think it was Knight Transportation but because I have 1 1/2 year gap in employment within the last 3 yrs, I am dead in the water.
I am looking for any suggestions you drivers might have out there.
Take care,
Ron
[email protected]

 

I don't think I am going to pay $2,500 to go to refresher school again.

 

Drac1985, Thanks for your input, I wouldn't mind the school but I just cannot afford the 3 - $4,000 they want. I can't even afford the $2,500 they want for a refresher. I did some research and I found that CR England or even Swift might want to talk to me. I am working on this right now and will post my progress, again thank you for your response.

 

Thanks Chinatown, I am going to check on Paschall too, I think they are based in Ky, was wondering if they ever get to my home town Seattle or do they cover mainly mid to east coast. That was my concern but yes if that's the only way to get hired on then that's the route I will have to take. I will wait and see if CR England or Swift calls first because they get to the nw more often I think.