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Need some advice about job searching after a 3 1/2 year absence driving class A truck

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by ancientaa, Aug 6, 2014.

  1. Aug 6, 2014 #1
    ancientaa

    ancientaa Bobtail Member

    2
    1
    Aug 6, 2014
    0
    I got a question?

    I been trying to find a job, after getting laid off (my last job was driving 24' straight job) in Feb 2011. I had since driving a children wheelchair school van (7D), from Jan 2012 to present. I was going for a truck drivers job, last may, but I had the misfortune of getting two broken ankles from a fall (suing the store owner, for a bad step). I contacted a company in my area, (JFI industries) and they told me I am past the 3 year mark for experience?
    I had been driving since Jan 1995! no violations, a great driving record, I am an American Citizen, I don't do drugs or drink, I had a bad luck with the poor job market! (never been laid off until 2003 and 2007,2011 (worked since 1978)!.
    know companies won't hire me, because i am "Unexperienced" Really! I tell them give me a Driving Test and I can show you how I can back in a 53' trailer into a tiny hole!!
    one company (recycling) just hires guys off the street, and then fires them after a month (they don't even give them a driving test in the first place? after a month learning the job, then they find out that these people don't even know how to shift a 5 or 6 speed shifter?
    I even paid some $$ this year, to hire a tractor trailer (at a driving school) just to get familiar driving again, I did well?
    Does anyone have any suggestions?
     
    ancientaa, Aug 6, 2014
    ancientaa, Aug 6, 2014
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Aug 6, 2014 #2
    Guitar Man

    Guitar Man Medium Load Member

    553
    467
    Sep 29, 2006
    State Of Confusion
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    I know Western Express offers a refresher course. Maverick may listen and consider you also. I think Averitt may offer a refresher also I'd take Maverick over Western 10 out of 10 times,but to get back in a truck,you may have to go with somebody like Western for a year (or less). Just to get your foot back in the door so to speak. Good luck in your return! ;-)
     
    Guitar Man, Aug 6, 2014
    Guitar Man, Aug 6, 2014
    #2
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  4. Aug 6, 2014 #3
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    22,474
    20,137
    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
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    Many guys and gals are in the same boat you are with that said chances are slim you'll get a job without a refreshers course..Where is it you live?Have you went around to local companies besides JFI?There may be some that'll give you a brake.The mega carriers no_Or go with that recycling company then after a month when u get fired,lol.I said that because u said they fire drivers after a month.Anyway after a month start knocking on doors..They can't say you don't have the exp then,lol.
     
    pattyj, Aug 6, 2014
    pattyj, Aug 6, 2014
    #3
  5. Aug 6, 2014 #4
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,159
    180,520
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Where are you located; put it on your profile.

    If you're in the hiring area, these companies will probably hire you; they're all good companies to get back on the road with:

    Western Express
    Maverick
    Millis Transfer
    Paschall Truck Lines
    Pride Transport

    Tell them you just completed a refresher course for tractor-trailers. Do the online application before any phone calls so they have something to look at when you do call. Wait 3 or 4 days to call after submitting the application.
     
    Chinatown, Aug 6, 2014
    Chinatown, Aug 6, 2014
    #4
  7. Aug 6, 2014 #5
    Cody1984

    Cody1984 Medium Load Member

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    Jan 24, 2014
    PA
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    I was actually in the same boat got out of truck driving for 3 years and came back. The only reason I got back into truck driving without having to completely start over from scratch is because I'm a war veteran and it looks good when companies hire us. I did get turned down a lot though. The only thing I can suggest is to keep looking around someone should still hire you eventually. It may not be who you wanted to work for but it will get you back into trucking at least.
     
    Cody1984, Aug 6, 2014
    Cody1984, Aug 6, 2014
    #5
  8. Aug 7, 2014 #6
    Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

    2,039
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    Dec 10, 2011
    Weed, CA
    0
    AA, are we assuming you have a current CDL? You might need a refresher course, but you won't have any trouble. Lots of jobs come along every day, and if trucks aren't rolling, nobody makes any money, no freight gets to its destination. I think any of the mega's would talk to you. Good fortune.
     
    Starboyjim, Aug 7, 2014
    Starboyjim, Aug 7, 2014
    #6
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