Suggestions please

Best bet is to knock on doors in your area.
If that doesn't work, you may need a refresher for the larger OTR companies
Some companies will hire you with a long gap in driving; might try those and stick with it for 6 mos. then you can probably go anywhere.

Try these:

Sunstate Carriers
Western Express
Pride Transport
Paschall Truck Lines

Sunstate would be my first choice, living in Florida. One driver posted he's home on weekends.
Take what you can get for now, because it's just temporary for 6 mos or so, then you can move on if you want.

 

Unfortunately, reputable carriers insurers now require recent, continuous tours as a hiring requirement regardless of past history. I have been a victim of this myself after knee replacement surgery.

 

rburd12...I completely agree with Chinatown. I've been out of the transportation industry for over 20 years and have all of the endorsements I will ever need. I still don't have recent experience and that's a big thing to insurance companies as well as companies concerned about their own equipment. The larger companies that have training programs are the way I was going to go when I started researching to get back in. Their trucks are under full manufacturer's warranty to start with so the damage a new driver will do to their vehicles can be written off on their taxes, etc. Plus, some have accelerated programs for guys/gals like us whereby you're not having to complete a newbie course. The company I was working with originally was going to put me in a truck right away with a mentor and go from there. Call Janaya Laures at CRST (319) 731-6325 and talk with her. Ask about their lease to purchase (LP) program too; if you're interested in owning your own truck. Don't tell her that I sent you or they'll pay me $1000 as a referral fee. I'm not telling you this to make any money. PERIOD!

Let me know what your thoughts are. I could send you the numbers they gave me on the LP program if you want. I will most likely be going OTR after this oil field gig is done. I'm following a dream right now so....