Step by step for applying, advice needed.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by darinmac38, Feb 4, 2019.

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  1. Feb 4, 2019 #1
    darinmac38

    darinmac38 Light Load Member

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    This is my plan so far, unless a few of you more experienced drivers guide me otherwise.

    1. I am planing to go to a school locally where I live on my own. It's Carolina Trucking Academy and has good reviews. I am not planning to go to a company school, as I feel doing it on my own gives me more options and also, it's only 15 minutes from where I live, will save me a month from being out there remote.

    2. I want to apply for jobs while doing this, even perhaps before? Will a company hire me continent upon completion of the school? Any good recommendations for companies to apply for?

    3. I need advice and everything I will need in front of me before clicking on and applying online. Like what things will I need? Entire work history? I do have gaps and they are for sound reasons. I have one mark on my criminal record, a dismissed case, no convictions, should I write an explanation?

    4. Also, would love to get a first job as a dedicated driver. Is it possible going this route? I assume after I get my CDL and have a company wiling to hire me, I'll still need to go out with a mentor for about a month?

    Any other tips or advise is greatly appreciated!
     
    darinmac38, Feb 4, 2019
    darinmac38, Feb 4, 2019
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  3. Feb 4, 2019 #2
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    At school you will likely have one, and probably more, recruiters from trucking companies come by and talk to you. But do some research on any company you may be interested in. Do searches here on TTR. There are some good companies that hire drivers straight out of school. LTL and tanker companies are good places to make good money and gain experience without having to put up with the low pay at one of the megas.
    Good luck and stay safe.
     
    kemosabi49, Feb 4, 2019
    kemosabi49, Feb 4, 2019
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  4. Feb 4, 2019 #3
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Private school is a good idea. You can contact companies now, but best to wait until you have a class start date. You will get job offers contingent on graduating from school and having any required endorsements.
     
    Chinatown, Feb 4, 2019
    Chinatown, Feb 4, 2019
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  5. Feb 4, 2019 #4
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Cargo Transporters - Apply On Company Site
    Enjoy Weekly Home Time
    Cargo Transporters offers an extensive finishing program for recent trucking school graduates with Class A CDL and No Experience.
     
    Chinatown, Feb 4, 2019
    Chinatown, Feb 4, 2019
    #4
  7. Feb 4, 2019 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Carolina Cargo Freight - may still have that deal where you make 3 California runs, then get a week off if you want it. They have a new pay package now.
    They hire new cdl grads. Call and ask about the benefits and time off program; if they still have that.
    Carolina Cargo Freight LLC. - 140 Wolfpack Road - Gastonia, North Carolina 28056
    www.carolinacargofreight.com
     
    Chinatown, Feb 4, 2019
    Chinatown, Feb 4, 2019
    #5
  8. Feb 4, 2019 #6
    ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Also, answer the question on the app as asked.
    If it asks for all arrests then put it down (That's an illegal question btw) If it asks for all convictions you would not list it.

    As for info needed, yes you need a 3 year work history (might as well get your 10 year history as you will need it later)
    Any MVR issues like tickets, wrecks, etc. Again answer the question and never volunteer information. If they ask for tickets, that's for convictions. I.e. if you got a ticket yesterday it doesn't count until it's either paid or dismissed. Same with wrecks, if they ask for all, list all. If they ask for at-fault just list those.

    Also, as it's becoming more common due to state laws, have you smoked pot in the last year? If you have, and depending on how much, you may want to wait for a year after stopping so that you know you can stop, and it leaves your system completely.
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
    ZVar, Feb 4, 2019
    ZVar, Feb 4, 2019
    #6
  9. Feb 4, 2019 #7
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Yes, about the smoking weed. Companies will ask trick questions or pretend to be your buddy, then ask if you've ever tried pot in your lifetime. If you say yes, you won't be hired.
     
    Chinatown, Feb 4, 2019
    Chinatown, Feb 4, 2019
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  10. Feb 4, 2019 #8
    Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    look into the LTL companies also.

    SAIA, Old Domonion, XPO.

    there are a lot of trucking companies in the Carolina's.

    when you say dedicated ,what are you looking for in particular.
     
    Numb, Feb 4, 2019
    Numb, Feb 4, 2019
    #8
  11. Feb 4, 2019 #9
    darinmac38

    darinmac38 Light Load Member

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    Carolina trucking Academy seems to have good reviews, but they require the entire course be paid for upfront? I've read places online this is usually not a good idea? $4800 in one plop payment when you start class. Ugh!
     
    darinmac38, Feb 4, 2019
    darinmac38, Feb 4, 2019
    #9
  12. Feb 4, 2019 #10
    darinmac38

    darinmac38 Light Load Member

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    I don't nor never have done drugs. I can't stand weed. LOL. so no issues there. I do like an occasional drink, that is it.
     
    darinmac38, Feb 4, 2019
    darinmac38, Feb 4, 2019
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    TripleSix and Chinatown Thank this.
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