Refresher Programs

YOUR RIGHT THERE IS NOT A LAW THAT REQUIRES A REFRESHER COURSE FOR A CDL . now as far as an insurance requirment that is a posibilty they make there on rules it doesent apply to me because im an O/O and probably why i never heard of it .
i think it is nuts but that is just me. if it is an insurance requirment not a lot you can do but keep trying different companys a of them are not alike at any rate good luck my friend and keep trying youll find some one willing to give you a chance. SOUTHERNPRIDE

 

The ball is in the companies corner right now,they're going to hire the cheapest (inexperienced) and most profitable drivers (the ones they can collect $7000 from to go to CDL school).

 

I Dont even know why it would be an insurance requirement. Every company around here, ranging from 2 trucks to 35, all there insurance companies care about are the same things, no more than three tickets in 3 years, no DUI in 3 years, X amount of time holding a CDL. Not one of there ins. companies ask for a work history.
When people apply, they get there CDL #, call Ins. they say ok, then they fill out an app. to have on file.
I havent drove a truck in over a year, but I'll be ###### if you think I'm going to take a refresher when I go back.
But we all know Big outfits do what they want, and most of the time are in bed with the schools who give refreshers.

 

I also am in the process of possibly doing this "refresher course" thing. I went to school last year, and went through a state paid grant (which I highly recommend) so I had no contract with any company.
Well, I was told I would be able to get a local job out of school. Let me interrupt most of you laughing. They told me this, and I believed them. So I pounded away, getting the same results: these small local outfits could not get me insured, or it would cost them too much. And they had no training programs for a rookie. They basically just hired experienced drivers and put them straight in a truck. And I can understand this.
So I finally got desperate and took a job at an explosives plant. Well, drilling declined big time out here in Texas and I was laid off. Went back to the trucking school to see if they could help, and my recruiter said I MAY need a refresher course. He said that I would need to ask the companies I was applying for. Or that they may ask me too. I will be honest, he was just telling me this to help me out. The refresher is free. He will gain nothing from me doing this. And right now he is having a tough time getting fresh trainees employment opportunities.
So, for me, I am thankful this is offered if I do in fact need it. Unfortunately, not one of the companies I have applied for has called me back. Mortgage is due soon, and well, you know the rest. Hoping for the best here. I am probably going to spend most of my weekend on here trying to soak in as much info as I can that may help me in my job search. A lot of useful information being shared on this forum and I am glad it is here.

 

For the life of me I can't get my head around that concept. There are a ton of experienced drivers out there. They can have their pick of drivers who have proven they won't back into someone in a T/S, they are reliable and not job hoppers, they get the load there on time etc., all things that should save money in the long run.

Where I work they are doing the exact opposite and only hiring experienced drivers right now. I was lucky to get in when I did a bit over a year ago because right now I would be SOL. Why go with the unproven when they can cost you big time in accidents, late loads and the like?

 

Ok I finished my cdl school in February 2010 and didn't recieve a license. There were 4 students per instructor per truck and they put me with a bad instructor. Well a couple of months pass and they fired the instructor. Okay so then I get a job for a 4 months working in the office. Then I rent a tractor trailer and got someone with a cdl license to ride with me. Well in September 2010 I got my license with hazmat and later added the tanker endorsement. I have had a bad experience with Swift and left after 2 weeks of their training, because not only did the trainer not take a bath until 5 days, but I had to wait 3 & 4 days for a shower. He camped out at places like rest stops and Walmart distrubution center hoping for another job assisnment. He was o/o and was told before we left about me getting showers. I am a female and don't like to stink!! So I quit Swift in March 2011. I have trying to get a trucking job or any job since. I live near Florence SC and everyone wants a job for crying out load. I even was jerk around for a week with FFE before they said no because of lapse of employment. Then I contacted Millis to go to there school in Atlanta Ga and pay the upfront cost of $500 and the remaining $2000 from my paycheck and in lest than 24 was rejected because that day they had better appliants. I can't go through some companies because one no real experience and 2 I had a felony in 1980. No jail time. I have no accidents or violations in the last 3 years and still no one will accept me. I called another company and I believe it was Stevens who said for me to call back in 90 days because only female instructors teach female students. What will they come up with next??? Can anyone help tell me of a company that will pay for your refresher course and give you a job afterwards? I really enjoyed driving and I drove over snow in Utah and Nevada during the end of February and I mean you couldn't see the road, but I wasn't going to stop until I made it the truckstop that my instructor said I could take my shower after 4 days and he didn't take one until the next day after his drop offs in Las Vegas. I will glad accept any help from anyone out there please.
Sincerely,
Debbie

 

I would get a copy of your DAC and see what Swift stated on termination, might be surprised.

 

I think I will watch this one.