88MIKE (ARMY TRUCK DRIVER) to CIVILIAN DRIVER

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by boostedtrucker, Jul 5, 2014.

  1. boostedtrucker

    boostedtrucker Bobtail Member

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    hello guys/gals i will start with a little about myself. 25yrs old,joined the army my senior year of highschool in 08 got off active duty in 2012 and joined the guard, may 12-now have had a very hard time converting to civilian life and finding a job/career i really enjoy. My battle-buddy and best-friend from active duty got out last month and got his CDL's while was still in utilizing the skills wavier for 88mikes and started driving for FoodLine. His dad has been there almost 20yrs and helped get him in the door. I went and got my CDL's also using a skills test wavier and am hoping to start with FoodLiner next week or so. I am from Indiana but live in Kansas. So that is a little about me.

    I hav noticed over the last few weeks of looking at companies people have alot of different opions about them all some good some bad. i only believe 10% of what i hear and 15% of what i see. i also have noticed most companies want atleast 3 months OTR-2yrs OTR. my buddy is the 1st person FoodLiner has hired with just military background and i am looking to be the 2nd. I kinda understand why companies dont hire military that havent gone threw trucking school to an extent. But for me if i had a company i would much rather hire someone who was military and has deployed means that they are use to driving 18+hrs at a time threw hostel #### than some 21yr old kid just outof trucking school who most likly has never had any real responsibility. so now i will get to what is wanted to ask lol.

    1. Any advise to help with the transition from military to driver would be great
    2. If anyone know of the most military friendly companies please share
    3. If u have transitioned using a skills test wavier please share ur experience

    im leave my modo i used for my soldier with u guys/gals

    trucking is going to be what u make of it, go in with a good attitude and ull love it,go in with a bad and ull hate it
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2014
  2. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    What does FL stand for; I just can't put 2&2 together on the company. Thanks.
     
  3. boostedtrucker

    boostedtrucker Bobtail Member

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    FoodLiner sorry i have read alot of post on the company and thats how it was referred to
     
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  4. Battle Born

    Battle Born Heavy Load Member

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    Most will want you to be with a trainer...Well, the big ones. I did the same thing you did, but went to driving school just to make sure I could for sure get hired, and to hone my skills. I went with Tmc cause they're ran like the military. They run a tight ship, and are proud of their veterans, and I've never had a problem getting to drill, or annual training. Plus, they have an apprenticeship program through the VA. I love flatbed cause it keeps you active. I'm still in the Guard, so being active is obviously important. Good luck, and if needed I'll answer any questions I can for you.
     
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  5. MachoCyclone

    MachoCyclone Road Train Member

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    Schneider and few others have a military apprenticeship where you collect BAH from your GI Bill for a year on top of your pay from the company.
     
  6. boostedtrucker

    boostedtrucker Bobtail Member

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    thanks guys.
     
  7. morlandoemtp

    morlandoemtp Light Load Member

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    Try usajobs.com, most of the federal jobs on there some driving opportunities. Also local civil service driving positions, and USPS, where your military service will give you a leg up.
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Wow, good company. Usually they want 2 yrs. experience, so if you have the inside track to be hired there, good for you.
     
  9. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    Who actually uses the term "battle buddy" outside of IET?