How do I get back into trucking?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by That girl rocks, Sep 19, 2015.

  1. That girl rocks

    That girl rocks Bobtail Member

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    This is my first time to post on any forum & I would really appreciate any advice on how to get back in the Industry. My CDL was downgraded to a class D license in early 2013 due to the new rule @ that time regarding proof of medical card certification. I was still operating a CMV & didn't know the status of my license until I called DPS in my state. I went to a local office & showed proof of my current med card & that I had never had a lapse. I was informed that they had mailed me a notice concerning this matter & it was my responsibility to keep up with my mail. I always ran OTR & I admit I did not stay current with my mail. I was pretty upset because I really did like my job & I was working for a good mom & pop company @ the time & could do what I wanted. I have not been in a truck since then but, I really would like to get back in the game. I miss the money & I miss the freedom.
    When I started out in 2002, I went with swift & stayed a couple of months after I completed my 1 year contractual agreement with them. It looks as though all the company sponsored training programs are all on e-logs & some require longer than a 1 year commitment.
    There has got to be a better way. I have a clean background, MVR & good standing with any company I have worked for. Any advice as to how to get my CDL back without having to go back thru a CSTP would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    I got my cdl back through a refresher course at the school I first got it at. They offered a free refresher course. I needed to take the test in Texas again and that normally incurred a fee if you needed to retest but they went ahead and waived it for me.
     
  4. That girl rocks

    That girl rocks Bobtail Member

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    Ok thank you, my license is in Ok but I am living in TX. I will check with Swift & see if they will do this for me. I know Tulsa has a CDL truck rental business but, I really need to brush up on my pre-trip, etc. & they don't provide that.
     
  5. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    The El Paso DPS didn't even do a pre trip test, just skills and driving. New Mexico did test me on the pre trip when I took the test way back when.
     
  6. That girl rocks

    That girl rocks Bobtail Member

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    I'm thinking I should check out El Paso lol..... I don't have a lot of money so I need to try something within reason. My med card expired last year so do you need that with a refresher course? How much did it cost you for the course? Thx
     
  7. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    They told me I needed my medical card plus learners permit since I needed to take the test. The refresher course yes free if you were a graduate. Not sure how much outright. It was basically a week of behind the wheel driving and backing and maneuvering practice. Half the normal course since the first half is learning the exam material. I did that on my own.

    I was supposed to pay a $200 fee to test in their truck since the free refresher assumes you still have a CDL but I knew one of the instructors from way back and they let me test under the radar and off the books.
     
  8. White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

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    This thread is about one subject, but it reads like it is all over the place. My best advice (and you probably aren't going to like it), is it sounds like it would be easier just to start over.
    And if you're not tickled by that...then the FIRST thing you need to do is get your Class D current to your state of residence---if you live in Texas, and your license is from Oklahoma, that will need to be changed.
     
  9. That girl rocks

    That girl rocks Bobtail Member

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    Ok, I truly appreciate your info, will get with Swift & see if they have a refresher course. I think however, I may have to go back to a company sponsored training program & that will suck but I have to try other alternatives. :)
     
  10. That girl rocks

    That girl rocks Bobtail Member

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    Thank you for responding & yes, I think your right. I know the reg's are always changing & I want to believe I can just jump back into it with no training but they won't make it easy.
     
  11. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    it looks like, if you still have an OK CDl, all you have to do is go and get a new DOT med card, then take it to them to be scanned into the system, and violin..!!! you got your CDL privileges back.....

    http://dotphysicaldoctor.com/ok/

    if you live permanently in TX, but still have that OK CDL, try getting it back from OK, like i said, the transfer over to TX
     
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