Is there any way to avoid OTR as a recent grad?

Yes, there's plenty of ways to avoid OTR. Don't believe the hype that you have to do it. I've never spent one single night in a truck and I NEVER will unless I decide it's what I would like to do

 

When I was in school, year ago Dec to upgrade my B to an A, I was looking at Schneider dedicated but because of a medical waiver I could not cross CT state lines and that killed going with them as I would have to go to MA, NY,PA and maybe other close by states.

I did that winter on a home heating oil truck for my tanker experience, home every night hours not bad. Moved to NC hope being in a bigger state could get a class A driving job and did. It is with a smaller CO. first doing dump trailer so they could make sure I could handle a trailer. Then LP gas trailer bulk & small tank loads to farms. Medical waiver issue came up and when I went back to work they put me on tanker for cement/ fly ash to cement plants. I like it better then LPG as it has better hours, don’t stay out on the road like LPG guys do but also does not pay as good. They treat me vary good with time I need off for medical issues when needed.

Thing is I did get a local class A job with only 4 months driving and not even a class A. Just need to be at the right place at the right time is all and a Co. that is willing to give you a try.

Dave ----

 

Terminal managers are pretty busy and wear many hats, so be patient. Keep leaving short messages every couple days so your name is fresh with them. Good luck. Those opportunities didn't used to exist for drivers with less than 3 years experience. You are getting into the industry at a time where drivers have more choices than ever before.

If all else fails, get to work doing something else if you must, but keep hounding them anyway.

 

I am in the same boat as you! Did OTR for a year, got a local job I envied forever, now I'm bored out of mind preparing to go OTR in a couple weeks. Luckily my company has many fleets to switch to when an individual gets bored or needs a change.

 

It's possible to find a local job off the bat but I hope you live close to your terminal or you will get tired and burn out. When I worked at sysco I would have to drive 100 miles one way to different drop yards and that ate into my 10. No fun working 14 hrs, driving 2 hrs home to sleep 4 hrs to repeat the next day. I'm otr now and it's the easiest money I made in trucking so far

 

Con-way freight had welcome students signs inside the Charlotte, NC terminal when I delivered DHL there . There was CR England team drivers in there too.

 

We usually are looking for at least 24 months of OTR when we hire for a local position.

 

Find a dirt contractor in your area. Usually they are always hiring drivers. Otherwise if you dont mind moving boxes and crates. Get a job with a beverage company or even a parcel company. Yet it will be easier to get hired if you have had at least 2 months otr with a mega carrier.