Hey, new to the forum as I'm just trying to get into the industry and would appreciate some advice for where to aim at applying.
Here's my situation. The last job I had was a dock / material handling supervisor for an auto manufacturer in TN. Was there for about 7 years and supervisor for about 2 1/2, and was good at it even if I didn't care much for it. I left that job voluntarily due to a couple of family issues, mostly mental health of my daughter, and moved to central VA where my wife and I are originally from. It's been a little over 2 years, but things are straightened out now and I'm ready to get back into the workforce. I don't have a college degree but don't want to "start over" if I can help it, so I'm taking an online degree program and want to start driving while I'm completing it (figured it'd give me two good options to choose from after I get my degree).
I also got a ticket last spring for 45 in a 25. It was a residential area, going down a good size hill, and I thought the limit was 35 (it was, but I was in a roughly 2 mile stretch that was 25 - yup, they got me). I'm 46 now and it was my first ticket since I was 22.
So I didn't realize the impact of these two things until I tried to apply to Maverick and TMC. Obviously, both turned me down. I'm not going to apologize for taking the 2 years off, I'd make that choice over and over again given the family situation at the time. Anyway, sorry for being longwinded, just want some advice on who I should target to apply to for CDL training/employment in the Lynchburg, VA area. I realize I'm not going to get the companies I wanted, but where would I fit in? Am I gonna have to go to the absolute bottom feeders? I will if I have to cause I think it's the best move for me right now. Whatever company takes me will get a solid driver.
Also, I was able to save up a good amount in order to take these two years off, but don't have enough to pay for CDL training myself at this point. I'd do the school loan on it, but I'm already doing that for the degree I'm working on and you can't do two at once. I have enough to make it about 3 or 4 more months before I'll need income coming in again.
Thanks in advance.
CDL training company for employment gap and 20 over speeding ticket?
Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by hokiac, Feb 20, 2019.
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I think you're going to have to pass on trucking for a few. The time out of the workforce & that ticket as far as getting a company to train you. All you can do is apply to every company that has cdl training & go from there. If all turn you down then you go from there. I hope all the best for you.
hokiac Thanks this. -
That CDL is the most precious in your wallet in your lifetime generally and it's easily damaged by stupid stuff like tickets. (Believe me, I know all about tickets. I generally got 1 point and 45 dollar fine for a speeding ticket for 55 speed limit at 75 It's when you get into about 92 thereabouts is for Maryland a absolute arrest is very possible because that is a criminal ticket at that point. The company I worked for paid around 65 a load and if you raced to Pentagon Arlington to unload 6 loads in a day that's enough to pay a batch of tickets should you accumulate them. Provided you don't get more than 7 points in any 18 month period.
Once in a while if you are issued a ticket, drove past the barracks a few minutes later, paid the thing with cash money and a few dollars extra you might discover that leaves the officer who caught you with nothing to enforce or do any paperwork against you. Poof nothing shows up on your record. And it is treated as a contribution to the teddy bear program for kids or whatever it is needed in that time.
The company was forced to crack down on the speed after gained a fearsome reputation in the local area in those days.110 125 across the Legion Bridge in 495 for virginia in the two left lanes caused that bridge to get a little bit stressed. When 6 of us nose to tail and side by side hammer that thing at 110 in a herd... you start to see that poor bridge shake and shiver in ways you never dream a bridge will do as it works to dispose of the overloading imposed on it.
Those days are over long ago. Bans in place and so on. No need for that silly stupid stuff.
Keep in mind ultimately when it's too many tickets and no one wants to hire you, apply to dump truck work, with a owner operator outfit small enough not to give a #### as long you have a valid license for everything and can work longer than he can past sunset without complaining on the shovel. It's a ultimate workaround for those of us who have not been very good with tickets. At some point in the future I suspect dump truck outfits will be forced to show databases and history drilling into and discarding the habitual speeders, pot offenders or god only knows what else.
Then that CDL in the pocket will essentially be worthless.hokiac Thanks this. -
Try Swift Transportation and Carolina Logistic www.carolinalogistic.com for cdl school.
Here's a couple more to try:
Stevens Transport > Apply On Company Site
Local produce hauler > Apply On Company SiteLast edited: Feb 20, 2019
hokiac Thanks this. -
Thanks for the replies.
My choices look to be driving a fork truck and hoping to work my way up again or sticking with a bottom feeder somewhere for about a year or so.
I feel like the CDL job would let me give more time to my online classes during my off hours. Once I get that degree and the CDL experience I'd have two viable career paths. I'm starting to get too old to work up the ladder again!
I've got a (former) stepfather that I stay close with - still see him every week or two. He's been driving for almost 40 years and gave me a good idea of the pro's and con's. Based off his input I think I'd like the pro's enough to put up with all the con's. He's been hauling woodchips local in VA for the last 15 though, so he isn't up to date on the best paths for new drivers.
I'll throw some apps to the companies you listed, Chinatown. Thanks for the guidance.
If they don't take me I guess I'll load 'em instead of driving 'em!Chinatown Thanks this. -
CFI - www.cfidrive.com
With a 12-month commitment to drive for CFI, qualified students can now receive fully paid tuition to attend driving school in Missouri. We’ll even cover your room and board for the duration of the four-week course.hokiac Thanks this. -
You could also try for a local state grant which would pay for your school. Find a local CDL training school and ask them where to apply or look for a grant.
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I want to thank everyone for the advice and give an update.
Swift and CFI are both offering training for my CDL. From what I've been able to find out CFI sounds like a better overall situation and I've scheduled to start training with them on March 18th. I already did the written tests, have my permit, and will be getting the drug screen tomorrow (should be no issues).
I did my research, including checking out the forums on each company, but without the experience it's hard to tell. Any input on which of those two is better?Chinatown Thanks this. -
Might as well follow through with CFI. Their drivers that post on here seem content and with good morale.
hokiac Thanks this.
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