Advice: Is my career over?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by mo4truck, Aug 1, 2009.

  1. mo4truck

    mo4truck Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2009
    Columbia, MO
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    I was discharged by my carrier middle July. I need to know if I have a prayer of ever driving a truck again. Strikes against me are:

    My DAC report shows 2 accidents - one duriing training for a blown trailer tire and bent rim occurred by hitting a curb at a truck stop - the other a scratched car fender from the trailer bumper while making a right turn.

    3 Tickets - 1 in 2008 for speeding in personal car, 2009, 1 for log book violation, 1 for being overweight.

    7 months experience with 2 major carriers, 1 month with one - dismissed, 6 months with another, dismissed. Both were for minor policy violations (maybe downsizing?).

    What is your thoughts guys? Do I need to seek another occupation or do I have a chance of driving again.
     
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  3. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Ask my GPS...
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    Go find a rock hauler.
     
  4. ampm wayne

    ampm wayne Heavy Load Member

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    Jan 13, 2009
    bloomington,in
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    Does not look good. You need to find a small local company that will take a chance on you. Maybe, a food service route,trash pick-up,or construction. You definatly either need better luck,more training, or more experience.
    A major carrier won't give you the time of day. I am not sure that is what you are cut out for anyways. Look local. Find the right fit for you. Stay focused and pay attention. If you have questions ask before you get in trouble.
     
  5. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    Thats a lot of "stuff" in a short period of time...doesn't look good.
     
  6. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Utah's DIXIE!
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    I believe another line of work is in order for you. It will be to your benefit, as well as everyone else's. I'm sorry that this is so harsh, but it is the way I see it with what you posted.

    Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
     
  7. mo4truck

    mo4truck Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2009
    Columbia, MO
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    I know the record looks bad but I did drive over 30,000 miles in 36 states. I did prove I was a capable driver. I just had some "bad luck" as a beginner. What can I do to get driving again? Any ideas?
     
  8. CommDriver

    CommDriver Road Train Member

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  9. TheManUpstairsIsWatching

    TheManUpstairsIsWatching Bobtail Member

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    May 7, 2009
    Cocoa, Florida
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    I am in school finished online course graduated with 92% (i know its just book work and I dont know a lot yet, lol)

    anyways I plan on finishing paying the school in april of next year, while working on memorizing as much as possible. I will have no points or tickets for the last 3 yrs as of april of 2010.

    however that is because i have 3 tickets from 2006 and 1 from 2007. 2 were 15 miles over speed limit and one for ran stop sign 1 for driving suspended without knowledge.

    do some companies truly only look at past 3 yrs if they say they do?
    And what about commercial insurance do they still look at only last 3 yrs?
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2009
  10. TheManUpstairsIsWatching

    TheManUpstairsIsWatching Bobtail Member

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    May 7, 2009
    Cocoa, Florida
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    I will do resident training (driving truck for 6hrs a day for 3 weeks) after April 2010
    which i will take cdl driving test and inspection test at the end for reg. cdl

    That will be when I start looking at companies
     
  11. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Find some make do work for the time being. Maybe a small outfit needing a dump driver or something.

    The offenses aren't that bad as a whole, I've seen a lot worse. But they will hamper your efforts finding a new driving job in this current economy.

    Another year, you may have a dozen carriers standing outside your door. Offering to sacrifice their mother, if you'll just come to work for them.

    Over weight, log book, and bent rim on your DAC...all BS stuff to weed folks out. Bent rims happen...and so do over weight tickets.

    The log book violation...I get scolded at safety meetings for laughing about log violations. But my opinion is, only a dumb### gets a violation. Each book comes with 30 pages. If you can't make one look right...you get 29 more tries. There's NO excuse for a ticket.

    The only real blemishes you have...the fender and the speeding ticket.
     
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