Time to get Hired ...Truth or Not ?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jjsiegal, Jun 26, 2014.

  1. jjsiegal

    jjsiegal Light Load Member

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    Jun 19, 2014
    Ft.Laud
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    Hi Friends,

    I appreciate the help and AGAIN, have another good question.

    In Your Experience, How much time after getting your CDL "can you wait" before getting a Job?
    I'm gonna knock out that CDL, but was also considering holding out for a local job rather than OTR job. I don't know how long this may take in my area (s.fla), but i wanted to put it out there and see who knows the answer. (yes i know that many will say forget about getting a local job...but i wanna try).

    I HAVE HEARD, that it is frowned upon by companies if you don't get a job within 60-90days (after passing the CDL)?


    ...any truth to this?

    thanks very much for your constructive help!
     
    just_the Thanks this.
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  3. BIGreem1985

    BIGreem1985 Light Load Member

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    Apr 21, 2014
    Phoenix, AZ
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    Hey,
    I'm in a similar situation as you. I recently got my CDL about 3 weeks ago and am having a HELL of a time trying to find a local job. Can't even tell you the amount of times I've heard the word "no" in the last 3 weeks. I'm not giving up tho, the local jobs are out there... It's just a matter of putting your feet to the pavement and getting out there and meeting with the people face to face. It'll be super frustrating and disappointing, but stay focused and you'll get what you want. Def try the food and beverage delivery companies, they will hire no experience and for local work. Had an interview with one this morning.

    As far as your question about the time for your CDL, I've heard even after 30 days the companies start to look at you sideways for it. It's tough to keep it in that time frame when most places are super slow about the application process.


    Good luck out there.
     
  4. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    untill you get experience in driving a truck. your going to be SOL. more or less.

    no one wants to hire a rookie that breaks transmissions. example, there's a truck in the shop right now. getting a new clutch. which was just replaced 4 months prior. that guy just got his cdl also.

    you just might have to suck it and go OTR. like the majority of us have done.

    millions of drivers looking for one job. those with no experience. won't even be considered.
     
    jjsiegal and Dinomite Thank this.
  5. freightwipper

    freightwipper Road Train Member

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    Mar 24, 2014
    OTR
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    for the most part.. you're wasting your time.

    It's rare anybody will hire a noob to do local unless maybe for $9 an hour.
    Why? They have the power, not you. The local gigs KNOW they can get experienced drivers as hometime means a lot to people these days.
    You just have a CDL.. any OTR company you go to will TRAIN you and see if you can drive.
    How many local companies hire noobs and train them? None I know of.
     
  6. rda2580

    rda2580 Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 22, 2012
    Lower Michigan
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    Be sure and check with the school(if a school is your approach) and verify if and when a refresher would still be available? They should be one of your best sources for local opportunities also. Food and beverage companies would be an viable option, construction or lumber yards, maybe even try temp agencies worth a call.
     
  7. ethos

    ethos Road Train Member

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    Houston
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    Every company has their own way of doing things but yes, it is a common practice to look down on people who haven't driven in a while. This includes million milers so it definitely includes you.
     
  8. Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

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    Jul 6, 2008
    Liberty, Missouri
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    There are always openings in Local jobs because you work harder (physically) and are paid less. Usually a lot less. Home Depot and the like, Dr. Pepper and the like, Coors and the like, any roofing supply company. Garbage trucks. Concrete companies.

    If being local is very important to you, you will find something. Haul fuel is the highest paying local job I can think of.

    Just keep trying. It isn't companies that look down on you for not working. It is insurance that is the problem.
     
    jjsiegal and Wild Murphy Thank this.
  9. just_the

    just_the Light Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2014
    Saltillo, MS
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    I finished on a Thursday; started the following Monday. Ask prospective companies if they offer weekend training while you're in CDL school. OTR, home every weekend if I want it, but I'd rather earn...
     
    jjsiegal Thanks this.
  10. just_the

    just_the Light Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2014
    Saltillo, MS
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    Also scope if outfits like Pepsi/Coke hire in your area; my cousin got a local job fresh out of school w/ Pepsi. But as another poster said, lots of heavy lifting required.
     
  11. BIGreem1985

    BIGreem1985 Light Load Member

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    Apr 21, 2014
    Phoenix, AZ
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    I understand where you're coming from, and can mostly agree with your point of view. However, I do have a few solid leads on local jobs that pay way better than $9 per hour. I'm also in AZ which is notorious for low wages. My point is, if the OP is after a local job, they are out there. It's going to take a lot of leg work to find them, and get them, but they are out there. You just have to be determined in knowing what you want, and not giving up easily to get them.
     
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