My situation, have CDL but haven't driven in 17 years.

You just might have to 'table' that declination if you really want to get back out here, man. Or look at a 1099 gig. Did you check the others China suggested? Wish @wfutch79 would show up and let you know about J&R.

 

Many companies want a contract these days; too many drivers have been going through the training, then leaving. It's not cheap to train someone. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with a contract; millions of unemployed would love to have that option.
You might find something on Craigslist that won't require training.

 

Dang, you ALWAYS word it better than me~! @cycloguy ... that's what I was saying too, LoL.

 

Abilene Motor Express might hire you with no contract. They hire all over Florida.

 

Look for a small company. One that doesn't use dac preferably.

It's what I did. You'll have to learn the new hos also.

 

There are ways around school and refresher courses. How ever,.. you will need to get your CDL status current. I had a 15 yr hiatus from driving for 7 yrs prior,.. ( I was driving before there even were CDL's). then to find myself out of work and needed to fall back on something.

Your going to go through hell no matter which route you take. I chose to stay away from the mega's and found my own path.

I went to the DMV and grabbed a cop of the CDL booklet they had. Read it over for a few days. Had a DOT physical done at the local walk in clinic. Went back to the DMV,.. I took the general knowledge, air brakes and combination tests. Once I passed I was give a CDL Class A learners permit (It was just a piece of paper. I waited 2 weeks. Then went over to Roadmasters (Truck driving school) and for $150 I took their 3rd party road test (Using their truck). This is where I had to do the pre-trip and road test. Once done and passed,.. I returned to the DMV. Took my picture and upgraded my license back to current CDL Class A status.

Its either that,.. or go to a company and do a refresher course and work for them to pay off what ever they expect you owe to them for the refresher and pray nothing stupid happens or you piss anyone off that has the authority to ding your record.

I started out buying a single axle Volvo and a 4 car kaufman and started subbing for Hansen & Adkins. Through a combination of miss-haps and a lot of competition,.. I found myself unable to cover the cost of my insurance and out of work.

I answered a Craigslist ad and went to work for a small POS reefer company under 1099. Hated it but sucked it up for 1 yr. Company was based out of Tacoma, Wa. At the end.. I delivered my last load and then left his truck and trailer at a Winn Dixie DC in Miami. Basically had enough.

Fate stepped in and I met another carrier owner who also had a small fleet mixed with some O/O's driving for him. Decided to give it one more try,.. 1099 again,.. this time I was actually treated fair and I was paid a very good wage despite my minimal recent driving time. Did another yr as a company driver. By the end of another yr I had enough saved to pay cash for the truck I was driving. Signed a lease agreement and went to work pulling his trailer and using his fuel card. In the beginning it was much like still being a company driver.

As time progressed, I bought my own trailer, have my own tag and ifta, use my own fuel card, I book my own loads and make as many business contacts as I can. I operate as close to having my own authority as you can,.. the only draw back is that I give up a percentage of the gross to operate under his authority. I prefer it this way and find it a comfortable happy median to work under.

So it can be done,.. no its not going to happen over night,.. you are at the beginning of a long drawn out process. Which path you take and how you get there is up to you.

Hurst

 

But, did you self certify? This was required a few years back. If you did not, then chances are your license was downgraded.

https://services.flhsmv.gov/cdlmedcert/

False (you need a medical card if you do not drive and self certify)

- if you self certify as exempt - you still retain your CDL A, no medical required, you will get a K restriction. You will been shown as Intra, but you still cannot drive till you get a current physical and then self certify again.

Medical

All commercial drivers of vehicles in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) are required to obtain and maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (ME Certificate) Commercial drivers who drive vehicles requiring a CDL have two additional requirements. On or before January 30, 2014, all CDL holders must declare to their State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) that they only operate or expect to operate commercially in 1 of 4 possible categories with their CDL. This process is called self-certification. For more information on the self-certification categories see the Self-Certification FAQ's.

CDL holders must provide their SDLA with a copy of their ME Certificate. This information is only being added to the State driving records of CDL holders. Non-CDL holders are not required to self-certify or submit a copy of their ME Certificate to their SDLA. CDL holders, who are found driving in a category other than one to which they self-certified, are subject to suspension or revocation of their commercial driving privileges. CDL drivers, who do not update the expiration date of their ME Certificate with their State, will have their commercial driving privileges downgraded, and will not be eligible to drive a commercial motor vehicle that requires a CDL.

 

Well your most likely going to need either a credited refresher course. Plenty around, if you trust your skill and want to go local you may find someone willing to at least road test you, but its not likely as you cant check the "recent driving experience" box...