Hi, I'm around 30 and looking to get into the trucking industry. Currently I'm located in the Las Vegas, NV area, and am hoping for an OTR Coast to Coast type job some day. I deal very well with solitude, have moved around all my life, and think it would be a perfect career for me.
The bad news is; I have very little verifiable work experience for my age... I've spent the last 5 years taking care of a sickly family member who needed consistent attention. I've had some odd jobs here and there, nothing more than 6 months at a time, and have a business license in Nevada driving for Lyft... And that's pretty much it. Sad I know.
How screwed am I for finding a job in the trucking industry, and how can I unscrew myself? I already went and got my CLP, and have talked to some companies like Swift about their sponsor programs for getting my Class-A, but they've laughed me out or ignored me thus far... I'm happy to go and put myself through a Truck Driving School for my Class-A, but will the lack of work history completely screw me if I go out and try to find work for experience afterwords? Any work at all? Any constructive advice is welcome.
Needed advice for a wannabe truck driver?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Schmitty30, Oct 18, 2019.
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How long have you had the business license?
China town will be along, you are actually in his neck of the woods, but I am sure even if local, you would be able to find something around vegas to get your foot in the door.Texas_hwy_287, Schmitty30, D.Tibbitt and 1 other person Thank this. -
I've only had the business license for about a year.
China town? Is that another user? And I thought local truck driving jobs were even harder to find that long distance ones?D.Tibbitt Thanks this. -
If you are thirty now and have been busy caring for a family member for the past five years, then do you have a work history from age eighteen to twenty five?
If not, call some companies that hire recent trucking school grads and see what they say.
Stay away from CRST, England, and Prime. Do not sign a non-compete contract. You do not have to lose a year or more of your life to any of these clown outfits to get into trucking.
And know that most cdl schools are in business to aid you in acquiring your cdl and nothing more.
Where is that @Chinatown?MrEd, Texas_hwy_287, Schmitty30 and 1 other person Thank this. -
I have some work history from 18-25, but also nothing worth putting on an application. I understand that bigger companies are adept at taking advantage of the new blood, chewing them up, and spiting them out. But considering my lack of work history Im all too willing to torch a year or two of my life to make this trucking thing a reality. I really think its perfect job for me. But Ill try my best to avoide any contracts, beyond employment that is, if at all possible.
Thanks much for the advice, and the making it sound like I might have more options than I believe I will. -
Under a non-compete contract, you will have to complete your obligation under terms of that contract before working at a different company. Gotta think long term. You do, indeed, have options.
Something else I would suggest is that when you get onboard with a company, try to go with a trainer who has at least two years driving experience. Companies like Werner train new drivers with mentors who can have as little as three months experience. This is a no go.MrEd, Schmitty30 and tscottme Thank this. -
Can you document the last five years. People that can verify that you were a care giver?
MrEd, firemedic2816, Schmitty30 and 1 other person Thank this. -
It don't matter, put down exactly what you were doing and if asked, provide details and proof if you have it.
The purpose for this is to prevent someone who has had a lot of accidents or lost their cdl from getting another job under fmcsa regulations,Flat Earth Trucker, BUMBACLADWAR, Schmitty30 and 3 others Thank this. -
One guy I was talking to had a shaky work history and a license history. Transport America and Werner were willing to talk to him. Whoever is willing to bring you in to get your license, take it. Just serve out the contract and then the whole industry opens up to you
Schmitty30 Thanks this. -
You're hirable, so that's not a problem.
Attend a private cdl school and you'll find a job at graduation or even before graduation.
This is a good school and will finance if you need. First payment on the finance isn't due until 45 days after graduation. The very first day of cdl school you can start submitting job applications from your home computer. The school can also give you leads, but you should take the initiative. Be prepared for drug tests; urine test and hair follicle test.
Southwest Truck Driver Training
firemedic2816, WesternPlains, Texas_hwy_287 and 3 others Thank this.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
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