Do I have a Prayer for getting back in the industry?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by littletree1, Apr 24, 2008.

  1. littletree1

    littletree1 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 24, 2008
    Mesa, Az.
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    Before you start beating me up let me say I have already done it for 14 months.
    I was a Trucker for 28yrs, and a truck driving Instructor still licensed to teach in Colorado,when I moved to Florida started driving local and Got a DUI in my personal vehicle after being here for 3 months.
    I did my Suspension time and then some, and paid several thousand dollars and completed all my classes to re-instate my license.
    I am a good driver with alot of miles under my belt and an otherwise clean record, but am wondering if there is anyone or any company that will take a chance on me or am I just pipe dreaming? I feel I have paid my dues and professionally, monetarily and emotionally.
    Just trying to have some hope!
    Any info will be appreciated.
    Thanks
     
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  3. Tip

    Tip Tipster

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    Mar 18, 2006
    ON STRIKE
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    If I were the great benevolent dictator, I'd not allow those with CDLs to buy alcohol. I'd do this because it seems everytime a CDL holder gets busted for DUI, he first and foremost regrets gettin' himself liquored up. Yeap, I'd make it nice and easy, cut and dried.

    Yeah, you do have a prayer, but I highly doubt you'll be able to get a good job at a good company. Maybe you can get lucky and get a good job at a bad outfit, meaning sooner or later the gravy train will end.

    But more than likely you'll have to settle for the ol' "bad job at a bad company" thing, at least for the next several years.

    Example-making works, and the good companies are gonna make one hell of an example of you, more than likely. If they gave you a second chance, drivers in general would start to think it's okay to touch the stuff, as they'd know they'd be forgiven later and be allowed to get off easy if they did get busted. What would happen next? You'd see drivers carrying liquor in their trucks. Clearly the controlling powers don't want this.

    In the land of the free, mechanisms other than blatant laws must be used to control people's behavior. Instead of a government goon staring you down with his rifle, you have private goons such as DAC, insurance companies, and 'good ol' boy' networks controlling you. And the private goons love to make examples of those who stray outside the boundaries of behavior limits. You're already finding out this is true.

    Good luck.
     
  4. Boo'sdad

    Boo'sdad Bobtail Member

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    Aug 10, 2008
    Little Rock Ar
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    Hey, same boat here, but mine was in 05. Got a job w/ a local co. The owner was made well aware of my situation, and is willing to help me out. Hit all the local co. you can and be honest and God will take care of the rest.
     
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  5. goodtogo

    goodtogo Bobtail Member

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    Aug 21, 2008
    OTR
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    Already do on a daily basis.
     
  6. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

    17,996
    35,640
    Sep 8, 2007
    Utah's DIXIE!
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    OK, enough of the sack cloth and ashes. You screwed up, and you have paid for it. A hard lesson learned, but life goes on.

    I frankly don't know what your chances are of getting back on the road now, but if you don't try, you sure won't do it. Start getting those applications out there and don't try to hide anything.

    If it is meant to be, it will be. But only if YOU make it happen.:yes2557:

    Good luck!
     
  7. Sweaty

    Sweaty Light Load Member

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    Jun 1, 2008
    Decatur, IN
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    Swift will hire you after 3 years have passed.
     
  8. Royedw

    Royedw Bobtail Member

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    May 2, 2008
    Lynchburg, VA
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    Littletree,

    I was out of driving 10 years and the bigger companies wouldn't touch me because I didn't have any over toe road experience in the last 1 to 3 years. I finally had to start looking at the local companies.

    I would suggest that you do the same, its going to take time to prove yourself, but as long as you are upfront, honest and don't have any additional baggage you should be able to drive for someone, especially if you point out the highlights of your driving career. Good luck brother...


    Roy
     
  9. bigjohn

    bigjohn Bobtail Member

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    Aug 10, 2007
    PA
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    HEY BUD,
    I had a dui myself i got plenty of job offers after the dui was over 5 years old. The best thing I can tell you is to keep trying the smaller companies or less paying jobs for now. Absolutely NO BIG TRUCKING COMPANY WILL TAKE YOU ON DUE TO INSURANCE REASONS UNTIL THAT DUI HAS BEEN 5 YEARS OLD. I APPLIED TO ALMOST ALL OF THEM. TRY DUMP TRAILER JOBS OR EXCAVATING COMPANIES I NOTICED THEY ARE A LITTLE MORE LENIENT. OR CHECK OUT A YARD JOCKEY JOB WITH SOMEBODY AT LEAST THIS KEEPS YOUR FOOT IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY. I WOULD FORGET TRUCKING ALL TOGETHER ITS GOING DOWN HILL THE PAY IS GETTING LOWER AND THE BENEFITS ARE GETTING WORSE. YOU CAN THANK GEORGE W BUSH FOR THAT ONE. ONE SH==TY PRESIDENT!!!!
     
  10. Keizer

    Keizer Light Load Member

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    Sep 27, 2008
    GA
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    I really like this. ive done a few things in my life im not very proud of and took a lot of crap from it. but all i kept thinking was "you screwed up. a hard lesson learned but life goes on." couldn't have said it better. made a bad choice, learned from it, but there's nothing you can do except get up, dust yourself off, and keep on going. its already done, no point in dwelling on it or anything like that.
     
  11. rjones56

    rjones56 Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2008
    staunton va
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    Actually,alot of the bigger companies are self insured and can hire who they want or need.The smaller companies are more likely to go the extra mile to get you covered on their insurance policy.You may find that you actually like the small company better and will stay with them.(thats what they are hoping for whenthey go to bat for you.)
     
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