new driver needing help

Brandon,

Obvious you'd like to get local work driving tractor/trailer, however the trouble is,, with zero experience driving semi, nearly all local companies don't provide training.
But choose a OTR carrier very carefully, after doing some research on each. Some of the 'big name' mega companies are the worst.
Check out Henderson, as Chinatown suggests. They are not the only candidate, so also look at other 'smaller' OTR companies that train.

You can also pull up Google Map, zoom to your general home area, and enter 'trucking companies'.
It may show some starter/training companies and terminals in your area that we may be forgetting, at the moment.

You could try with some LTL companies, however most want at least some semi driving experience (~6 mo or more), and most do not train.
By not using your Class A in this past year, your CDL is usually considered stagnant for most LTL companies.

 

I think US Express trucks are either all or mostly autos too, if your shifting is a confer it might be wise to scratch them off the short list.

I will ill second what a lot of these guys are saying about LTL work, for a new driver (Especially in the North East) there are a lot of docks that would give an experienced driver nightmares to back up to. Not to mention a plethora of low bridges around Wilmington, Philly and that's assuming you stay out of Newark and NYC. Even the truck routes are TIGHT around some of those neighbourhoods and the fact that they were built for horse and buggy doesn't stop then from sending up a 53' trailer to pick up 3 skids of oranges (true story).

There's a reason they're asking for the experience. They want proof you have the skills and a safety record to match.

 

Check out tanker companies that train. Bigger tanker companies have regional and local you could move into later. Call tanker companies that train and ask what they need. You may need to retake CDL school to qualify, but you'd have a leg up on any new Swift driver, and way better pay and customers.