how to get back in the game

It's really rediculous that a newbie right out of truck driving school can get hired, but someone with years of experience cannot just because you don't have "recent" experience... Most of the problem is insurance companies that think you forget everything you know about driving once you reach that magic number of years out of a truck.

 

Hi Everyone!

Back from the depths here at England! I found out that we are only limited by our views of what we read and hear. I am not thrilled to be starting from halfway down the barrel, but I was not limited by 2 preventables, and a speeding ticketin 5 years! I made up my mind to take whatever the Univere dished out, and it isn't the best experience I have had at an Orientation, but they seem to be nice, if not just a little lacking in direction. This is one Orientation That has been hell on wheels since I got on the bus, but I think they make it that way! 4 hrs sleep in 3 days, then off on the next day to your Physical, and I mean the physical is less than 12 hours away!! I am thinking I have to be too old for this stuff, yesterday we hadour physical, FMSCR Test, and 5 hours of Orientation. They moved me back up to the Experienced Drivers group designated to leave out next week onb Mon Loaded, and driving, with a four day retraining Specialist. Things can get ahead of you here, and you really need to keep your eye on the ball, or you will get eaten alive! They send home an average of 2/3 of the group. Orientation begins the next morning after you arrive!

The whiners can't make it, somehow they all disappeared yesterday, before they even got the physical. But this does prove that if you want to drive, and have been off the road, it can be done. Just close your eyes and do it, no matter where for at least 6 months and you can get back in the game!

 

Congrats nstar.

I am also in the same boat. I left trucking in 1999 after a few years OTR and as an instructor at a school (I know, please don't throw anything). I did the refresher thing and got my CDL back. Now I'm finding that all these big places want "recent" experience. Sorry the most recent experience I have is putting rounds downrange in the Middle East. I talked to a good friend of mine today and he told me about a friend of his that's looking for a driver. Called that guy and told him I'd be back in Indiana the first week of November, after my discharge comes through. Hopefully, knock on wood, everything will work out with that. Even my CDL examiner said "you've driven trucks before, haven't you?"
I said "yeah about 9 years ago."
He says "You don't loose it."
I can understand that a company would want some recent experience, but wouldn't a driving test prove that you can operate safely? Probably safer than someone right out of school anyway?

 

That guy is right, you don't lose it. I got out of driving back in 2000, and took a crack at getting back in last year. Road tested for one company, and it was like I never was out of the seat. Their insurance company said 'no' though because of the time elapsed.

 

I have to say that I was back in the seat and I still felt the old nerves breathing down my neck! The road test was okay, and I really hate backing in front of people! So I waitied to test until most everyone wasback in class, and took the #### backing test!
I don't find it so bad here (man must be brainwashed already!) If you need a step up and right now the only company with halfway decent equipment taking students is England. I am actully looking at the 6 month lease here. You can do it that way and not get yourself in a big pickle if you decide to go back to company. It is a "try before you buy" deal. I am not so proud that I can't admit that I am lacking in some skills, even after many years on the road. I waited to be last so I could rest my brain before I had to perform like a circus monkey, anbd I got lucky because I didn't get the tester with the lousy attitude! He has one for those who come in with a overinflated ego and he definitely has brought a few down!

Back to Depths of Orientation! It starts at 6:30 AM and goes till 5:00 pm. I am still wiped out from the bus ride. I really wanted to just veg today, but gotta get thru this so I can get out of here and drive. I am beginning to think the lease is the way to go anyway, there are more bennies to leasing than compny here.

Later!

 

Add one more to the list of drivers that can't get work because no recent experience. I've been driving local for the past 5 years, just got laid off, and can't find work. If I pay $5,000.00 I can go to school and get a job starting at the bottom again. Just might come to that, good luck all.....