Motivated WannaBe w/Class A - The Road Is Calling Me :)

I recently obtained my Class A Learners Permit w/Tanker endorsement and done it on my own. No school, just studied the book and passed the written exams.

Now, I find myself in a weird situation.....

It seems most companies wanna hire either recent grads or current students which leaves me way out in left field somewhere. You see, I've had my Class B's w/passenger endorsement for almost 8 years now and got them while working for the Florida Dept. of Corrections so I could work inmate work crews for DOT contracts (Driving their equipment/dump trucks) and transporting inmates throughout the state on a 56 passenger (FDOC) Blue Bird bus.

After several promotions and agency transfer, I had my fill of state govt./politics and retired. (And I'm only in my early 30's) Anyhow, I lived off my retirement and pursued the self employment avenue but I need something more beneficial that keeps me busy. I have been around trucks my whole life (Grandfather, Father, Uncle, Aunt, Father-In-Law, etc. have all been in trucking). I even have experience in diesel mechanics... I can drive the trucks/I have driven trucks, I just don't have any verifiable work experience.

So, I have submitted several apps online and even got a call back from Swift and CR England but they won't hire me because I only have learners permit and no "verifiable" OTR exp.

So, what can I do? I am a very safe driver. I have had no vehicle accidents and only one speeding ticket my whole life. I've never been arrested, I don't use drugs and never drink and drive! (In fact, I'm a certified Law Enforcement Officer in Florida). I am hard working and very motivated. I have traveled throughout the US and I'm very familiar with the "trucker lifestyle"....

All I need is a chance to prove my worth and it doesn't seem like anyone is willing to give me a shot.....

Any suggestions?

C'mon guys, I really need some advice here. You were all rookies once before.... How the hell did you break into the field and get your start? How can I get mine?

Thanks in advance for all your help...

BE SAFE!

 

Thanks for all the great advice guys. I received calls from three different trucking companies today (Werner, WTI and Schneider) and they all said that Truck Driving School would be my best option to jump in quickly....

I spoke to my father and he said it wouldn't hurt anything, so, I contacted Roadmaster. Supposedly, it will only cost me about 500 bucks outta my pocket because they will secure a job with US Express for me and the company will pick up the tab on the remaining school tuition.... Sounds like a big money making scheme but if it will get my butt in the seat soon, I guess I'll bite.

I told them I don't want to be contracted to any trucking company, etc. My Dad also works for a child company of US Express and he's gonna see if he can give me the "driver training" and we can run team for a while...even if it means him transferring to USX...

Sounds good...I just hope all goes well.

Anyone have any feedback or suggestions on taking this route?

Thanks again guys!!