Experience from class B to A

Many have hit bottom. And I don’t mean that in a bad way.

They’ve peaked on new hires, and now they’re scrapping the barrel for experienced drivers. While a lot of companies utilize new and lower paid drivers to increase profits. It quickly turns into who can get the job done right 99% of the time without micromanaging.

If you’re demanding higher rates. You have to have enough drivers that can provide the level of service that comes with those rates.

Even with my experience, there are companies that won’t hire me. Simply because I don’t have the experience they require. Oversized, tanker, etc. and I’m good with that.

 

I’m going through this now. I have 9 years class B experience and only a year in a T/T and basically nobody cares. I’ve been on countless interviews w companies that read my resume wrong and then told me to scram or come back when you have 2 years. It’s driving me nuts to the point in about to start lying to people. My driving is solid my record spotless. They don’t wanna insure you is what it comes down to.

 

That is true, but not a hard rule. I have several A drivers who run B trucks. They fill in when needed, and now that i have a full time opening, i get to move one up full time. Its easier to find a good B driver than a A now a day's

 

Bingo

 

I started in the same boat as you. I got lucky and got hired at 1 st place I applied. They were a small Co. that didn’t pay well. Went from $8.75 to $8.00 hr.(1992) Also went from 40 to 60 + hrs week.It beat going OTR all the way around.They took a chance on Me. But I got a lot of experience quick. Harder to do these days, but not impossible.Hiring on as a B Driver as suggested, after a while they’ll probably work you into a Semi, after holding CDLA for a while, they can make it happen with ins.,co. Even if You stay put Driving a straight Truck now for a while, Untill you figure out who to Work for.Preferably someone Who has a hard time finding Drivers( for a reason ofcourse).

 

Don’t Lie You’ll never get away with it, By Law You have to show past 10 yrs. And Hiring Co has to verify it also with past employers as part of your Hiring file.I had a “Lie” set up with dispatcher where I worked loading Steel 6 yrs earlier. I never had to use the “Lie” but I worked there in 1984 before CDL started keeping Track of Drivers. Nowadays it’s impossible to create experience, not to mention Liability. Simply not worth it.

 

What type job do you want as a Class-A driver? Reefers, dry van, OTR, local, regional?
Where is your location?

 

More than a few years ago I read an article,I think it was in Truckers News,it said that a company would have to go through 17 Drivers before they find 1 Driver that will stay with that company and do the job well and do the job right.I believe now,that number is double that if not triple.That's what these companies are doing,They're lining up young guys and girls,throwing them against the wall to see which ones stick.If your a good driver with a good record and more than a years experience,you can go anywhere.There's such a shortage right now, just about every successful trucking company in the US is hiring.You just have to sell yourself and be willing to start at the bottom of whatever company you sign on to.If you're good they'll notice, If not, you move on with that much more experience than you had.I don't think I'm telling you anything you don't already know.

 

A little over eight years ago, I came through orientation at this company with 32 other people. Most half my age.

I’m the last man standing, and have been since year two. Since that time, they have hired and lost over 50,000 drivers.

That said. I’m breaking out the popcorn while I watch the responses on this

 

I have 20 years of experience as a motorcoach driver with a Class B license, got my Class A last month, and am just finishing my five weeks of OTR training with my new employer. No, they won’t pay you more because you’ve done similar work, you gotta pay your Class A dues.