Catch 22, No Experience

I got my CDL in April, 09. I got a WIA grant to pay for most of it ($3000 of $4000) and completed the course with little trouble. When I signed up for the class it was with the understanding that there was job placement after completion, that's what their ad in the local papet said. After plopping down the dough and half way through class I find out that there really isn't any job placement, there is a list of local companies that supposedly hire from the school in question. Oddly enough when I contacted all 27 of them, they said experienced drivers only. I wasn't planning on going over the road but since local companies don't seem to be an option i thought I'd give that a try. I do live in Northwestern Wyoming which I know is a serious impediment for OTR but if I'm willing to be on the road for 3+ weeks at a time, I think I can manage to drive a few hours to a base. I know you are laughing right now as am I at the idea that ANY OTR company would hire someone fresh out of CDL school with no experience. I even tried JB hunt, and, sigh... CRE. I guess CRE never rejected me but they never called me bak after 5+ tries.

So, to my question: How do you get ORT or any experience if everyone is looking for experienced drivers only?

 

Thanks for the thoughts and encouragement. Its easy to get a little jaded when you hit a roadblock at seemingly every path. I'll hit some of those big companies again and knock on some local doors.