15 yrs. experience...haven't driven for 1 1/2 yrs. Need some advice

My business partner was in the same boat as you a few years back -- except he had been off the road longer. Friend of his was an independant who let him go with him on some runs to make sure he remembered how to do it, and then let him make a couple of short runs for him when he had family obligations. When he went to look for a 'real' job, he used that for his recent experience. He worked a couple of months for a local trucking company (real yucky equipment) then ran containers for JB Hunt for about 6 months. He didn't have any problems with JB, but got tired of running in and out of Chicago so much. That gave him time to check out other companies and he's been at his current company for over 4 years now. If you know an independant who will vouch for you, use them. If not, JB isn't the worst thing you can do, just don't stay there too long. When he left, he didn't quit -- took a leave of absence for a family illness, started the new job, then told them he wasn't coming back. That way he was sure they wouldn't ding his DAC report and cause him problems finding a new company. Good luck.

 

I had a "student" in the same position last year. He had 17 years experience but he took a year off when he got married. They made him go out with a trainer. I got to be that trainer. Honestly I was thankful for it. I learned a lot from him!! Some companies also now are asking for a refresher course. Sad thing there too because you would likely have more experience than the instructors. It's rough out here right now for anyone but in your position it's almost worse. I know we would take you but they would ask the same things everyone else is. So frankly your best bet is to find a outfit that you can tolerate for a few months.

I know I didnt help much. Sorry friend I wish I had better answers. Whatever you decide I wish you the best!!

 

Its a mighty upsidedown industry that makes a 17 year vet go out for "training" with a 2 year driver

I dunno if I'd say driving a truck is just like riding a bicycle, but after 17 years and probably a couple million miles, you're not going to forget how after a year honeymoon! Why do we stand for companies treating the most experienced drivers like this?

 

Paj I couldnt agree more. When I picked him up at the motel and he told me his experience and his story I couldnt do anything but apologize. I told him from day 1 I was not going to pretend to be his trainer. If he felt he needed that I needed to find him someone else. The only things I could offer him were company policy and our qcomm procedures. Other than that I asked him to pass along any of his knowledge he was willing to share.

In spite of the ridiculous fact that it happened he was a great guy and I learned more from him than I expected too. I think he was kind of relieved that I was not going to play the trainer role with him. Who are we kidding my 2 years to his 17?? What could I possibly offer this guy??

 

You're barking up the wrong tree if you really believe that you have to go on with a company that's going to provide you with a " trainer", that has less experience than you?

What a bunch of hogwash! JB Hunt and many other so called Trucking companies out there. Just because you've been away from driving for some time, doesn't mean that you've lost the experience. It just means the company can pay you less mileage, by placing you under a trainer.

There are many companies that will still hire on drivers that have been away from it for some time. That's only an insurance thing they have with their own insurance company.
Check on Craigslist in your area and you'll find some work. Go with a smaller company who's insurance won't discriminate a mark against you.
You don't need to go in that direction, for a company to tell you after 15 years of experience that you have, to run with a trainer! What a Joke!

The companies also have to consider the Total years of Experience , that you have, against the amount of time you lost.

Find some Container work that goes to the Rails and Piers. You'll find work there and it even pays better too.

 

I have similar experience.
Last year I found that companies farm out a lot of the recruiting inquiries to local (some not so local) Human Resource agencies. If your experience does not fit exactly the pigeon hole they have been given, you are disqualified there. The company actually loses out on good people with this cheap system. But its what their bean counters want.
So don't take it personally. They really are idiotic about it. I like the rest of the posts that recommend smaller (and smarter) companies to pursue.
Good luck.